MA Demography and Population Studies at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Further develop your knowledge of Demography and Population Studies and conduct your own research. This Masters programme deepens students' expertise in demographic methods and population health research. Students complete three coursework units and an original research report on a topical demographic or population health issue.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Social Sciences | Duration: 1 - 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Curriculum Outline (selection of available modules): SOSS 7012: Introduction to Population Studies This module reviews the major global trends in population growth. It identifies the key factors in explaining the timing and pace of these trends. Topics covered include: Demographic transition theory Population change and the role of family planning and mortality key issues in mortality and migratio

Career pathways

Researchers and analysts at government agencies, academia, think tanks, international development organisations (WHO, UNFPA, World Bank), health research councils, NGOs, and the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree with honours from Wits or another recognised university, with a minimum 65% aggregate. Students should ideally have completed Honours in Demography and Population Studies or a closely related field.

ZAR 59,990 for the whole programme (2026). Average tuition fee per programme for 2026 as stated in the 2026 Fees Book, Chapter 2 (Average Tuition Fees); excludes additional charges (notes, computer, lab and other fees). Postgraduate international students pay local tuition plus the non-refundable Source

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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