Master of Philosophy in Education and Training for Lifelong Learning at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Master of Philosophy in Education and Training for Lifelong Learning is a two-year coursework and thesis degree on the Stellenbosch campus that equips graduates to work as lecturers, learning facilitators or adult-education professionals in adult and community education and training, and to research adult education.

Faculty: Education | Department: Curriculum Studies | Duration: Two years | Intake: Applications for 2027 open 1 Apr 2026; close 30 Sep 2026 (South African and international) | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Anchor module Lifelong Learning (180 credits): Learning in Adult Education (20), Perspectives on Lifelong Learning (20), Research in Lifelong Learning (20, leading to the thesis proposal) and a Research Thesis (120). Presented over at least two years with two week-long contact sessions per year and blended learning in between. Taught modules count 33.33% and the thesis 66.66% of the final mark.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An appropriate honours degree with an average of at least 60% and at least two years' employment in an adult education and training environment; or another academic-professional combination equivalent to an honours degree deemed suitable by Senate with at least two years' employment in that environment; or competence in the field demonstrated through recognition of prior learning and deemed sufficient by Senate. At least two years of involvement in Lifelong Learning, or equivalent relevant experience, is also required. The programme is offered if enough students can be admitted. A departmental form is submitted.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities