MA Development Studies at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The Master of Arts in the field of Development Studies is a 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time degree. There are two Masters programmes offered: Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Master of Arts by Research The Development Studies Masters by Coursework and Research has two compulsory courses, one elective course, and a research report.

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

What you will study

Core Courses Research Methods (Semester 1) The aim of this course is to facilitate the work you do with your MA Research Report supervisor. The examination for this course is the presentation of your MA Research Report proposal. SOSS 7044A: Economics and Sociology of Development (Semester 1) This course focuses on different approaches to economic growth and their implications for conceptions of de

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

68% and above average for your Honours. (Masters by Coursework and Research) 70% and above average for your Honours. (Masters by Research) Social Sciences background is an advantage NQF of 8 on SAQA ( Only for International Students) Work or Volunteer experience in the Development field an added advantage Supporting documents required with your application (International & Non-Wits Applicants): CV Certified copies of your ACADEMIC RECORD/S inclusive of statement of good conduct Certified copy of Certificate of Evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Details of how to apply for the certificate are on their website: www.saqa.org.za (Only for International Students). Letter of Motivation as to why you wish to pursue this line of study Sample of Work (maybe a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted, etc.) A 3 – 5-page Research Proposal outlining

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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities