PhD Demography and Population Studies at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The PhD in Demography and Population Studies is offered over 3 to 4 years. The PhD is a research degree completed through the production of an original thesis. Students make a substantive contribution to knowledge in demography, population studies, or population health.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Social Sciences | Duration: 3 - 4 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Thesis-based research degree. No formal coursework — students conduct independent research under supervision. Journal publications and conference presentations are agreed upon with the supervisor.

Career pathways

Academic and research positions at universities and research institutes; senior research and policy roles at international organisations (WHO, Africa CDC, UN agencies, World Bank); health demography and population science leadership positions in government and NGOs.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A Masters degree from Wits or another recognised university with a minimum 70% aggregate (65% for South African students) Prospective students must first submit a CV and up to three PhD research proposals to the department for assessment, along with confirmation of funding and intended study mode Online application is completed only after departmental acceptance and supervisor assignment.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Research and PhD applicants must approach the relevant school or department to discuss the research topic and availability of a supervisor before applying.

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