MA Social Development at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Social Development. Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Social Development: Programme code: ACA00; Plan code: AFASDEV60 This course is offered as a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) postgraduate degree. It comprises of four different modules; three of the modules address relevant issues in the field of Social Development and the fourth module is a research report.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Human and Community Development | Duration: 1 - 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

SOCW 7013A: Social Development This module contextualises and conceptualises social development globally, regionally and within the South African context. Developmental Social Work and Social Welfare principles, relevant theoretical frameworks, approaches and strategies applicable to social development, as well as the process of social development are considered. This module enables students to de

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Application information

Entry requirements

Entrance requirements are: An Honours degree with subjects in the Social Sciences, approved by the Social Work Department; SAQA NQF level 8 for international Honours degrees; Minimum average of 65% in the Honours degree (excluding the research mark); Minimum of 65% for the Honours research report; Be able to attend three one-week classes in the first year of study (full time) or three one-week classes in the first year and one week of classes in the second year of study (part time); Attend a selection interview; and Accepted applicants are required to attend a five-day orientation programme inclusive of a research methodology refresher course. Please submit the Social Work Department Form with your Postgraduate Application via the self-service portal. Applicants who are accepted, are required to attend a five-day orientation programme inclusive of a research methodology course.

ZAR 68,310 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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