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University of the Witwatersrand

Introduction

Wits is strategically located in Johannesburg, a world class city and the economic hub of South Africa, with countless opportunities for students and staff to engage with and present solutions that will contribute to our country's knowledge-base and build our future. With its more than 130 000 graduates in its 91-year history, Wits has made and will continue to make its mark nationally and internationally. Wits is positioned 24th by the Times Higher Education Rankings among the world top 100 universities from which Fortune 500 CEO's graduated.

Getting to know Wits

Wits University is a centre for higher education and research of the highest quality. Its long history and reputation has been built on promoting the freedom of enquiry and the search for knowledge and truth. It continues to enhance its position as a leading research intensive university in South Africa.

Wits Today

Wits, one of Africa’s premier research universities strives to be innovative, where boundaries of knowledge are pushed and where the focus is on sustaining globally competitive standards of excellence in learning, teaching and research.

Study at Wits

Students choose to study at Wits because it is an internationally respected research intensive university. Wits has highly qualified and internationally acclaimed academic staff. Based in Johannesburg, the economic hub of Africa, Wits offers a wide choice of degree programmes with our professional degrees being internationally recognized. Wits offers the students social vibrancy as well as cultural diversity.

Postgraduate Studies

Looking to enhance your career? Need the competitive edge? Join Wits, where we offer intellectually stimulating research areas at the postgraduate level, excellent supervision and research support, as well as funding for meritorious students and those in financial need.

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Programs
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This school also offers:

Master

Master in Urban Studies

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The Master in Urban studies is a multi-disciplinary master degree, including courses in Planning, Political Studies, Sociology and History. The degree is research-oriented and suited for students aiming at developing and consolidating their research skills, for careers involving research in academic, NGO, global institutions or government environments. Most lecturers involved have both a strong academic background and activist experience, and the degree focuses more specifically around issues of urban politics and governance, local democracy and justice, processes and politics of policy-making in Cities of the South. [+]

Applications for 2017 are now closed The Master in Urban studies is a multi-disciplinary master degree, including courses in Planning, Political Studies, Sociology and History. The degree is research-oriented and suited for students aiming at developing and consolidating their research skills, for careers involving research in academic, NGO, global institutions or government environments. Most lecturers involved have both a strong academic background and activist experience, and the degree focuses more specifically around issues of urban politics and governance, local democracy and justice, processes and politics of policy-making in Cities of the South. Benefits of the programme A multidisciplinary training to approach complex objects such as cities and urban dynamics A strong research training , with an orientation towards topical political issues for cities of the South / South African cities Curriculum Outline/Modules taught Cities of the South Community Participation in Urban Governance: theories, discourses and practices Democratic Theory Research Methods & Computer based graphic skills Elective: Social Movements State and Violence; The Making of Urban South Africa; Municipal Planning; Housing Theories, Policies and Practices. Closing dates 31 October 2015 [-]

Master of Public and Development Management (MM)

Campus Full time Part time 1800 hours February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The Master of Management in the field of Public and Development Management is a rigorous academic programme aimed at providing students with the advanced conceptual and analytical abilities they need to become effective public policy-makers and senior public administrators and development practitioners. [+]

The Master of Management in the field of Public and Development Management is a rigorous academic programme aimed at providing students with the advanced conceptual and analytical abilities they need to become effective public policy-makers and senior public administrators and development practitioners. Candidates will require a foundational knowledge of public and development management. This includes a solid grounding in the theory and practice of governance, policy formation, and the management of large organisations, including public bureaucracies. While the Masters programme itself lasts a year, candidates are required to first complete the PDM course, which will provide them with the requisite foundation. Therefore, the Masters degree is effectively a two-year programme. Curriculum Masters students will first be required to complete four NQF level 9 courses. They will then be required to complete a dissertation of about 35000 – 40000 words on a contemporary public or development management subject. The course work and dissertation will each account for 90 of the 180 credits required to obtain the MM degree. The course work is aimed at providing students with the skills they need to conceive, plan, research, and write their dissertations. They also complete a reading elective designed to deepen their understanding of their chosen research topic. Students are required to develop a research proposal, which forms the basis of their dissertations, and to present it to a research committee for approval. The courses are: Quantitative research methods (20 credits) This course builds upon students’ prior knowledge of basic sampling methods and simple... [-]

Master of the Built Environment in the Field of Housing (MBE Housing)

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

MBE Housing degree engages with housing issues from a multi-disciplinary, internationalist perspective. Its courses explore theoretical, conceptual, social, technical, managerial, legal, financial and planning aspects of housing both in policy and in practice. Through a substantial research component, students are given the opportunity to critically explore a particular aspect of their interest in housing. [+]

MBE Housing degree engages with housing issues from a multi-disciplinary, internationalist perspective. Its courses explore theoretical, conceptual, social, technical, managerial, legal, financial and planning aspects of housing both in policy and in practice. Through a substantial research component, students are given the opportunity to critically explore a particular aspect of their interest in housing. Benefits of the programme The MBE Housing develops practical, managerial, analytical, and spatial skills as well as social and cultural sensitivities to meet housing challenges in the unevenly developing world. Curriculum Outline/Modules taught Housing Theory Concepts and Policy (20 points) Housing Finance and Law (20 points) Social and Technical Sustainability in Housing (20 points) Management of Existing Housing Stock or Housing Seminar on Upgrading of Informal Settlements (20 points) Research Methods (10 points) Research Report (90 points) Closing dates 31 August (non-South African students) 31 October (South African citizens and permanent residents) The closing date for short courses is one week before start of the course. [-]

MEng in Welding Engineering

Campus Full time 1 year February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

Wits University offers the International Institute of Welding course leading to the IWE ( International Welding Engineer -[BScEng graduates]) and IWT ( International Welding Technologist [BTech graduates]). Wits University is an Approved Training Body (ATB) for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Successful completion of the courses (60% min/each module and a 95% attendance record) entitles the candidate to apply for IIW registration. [+]

Wits University offers the International Institute of Welding course leading to the IWE ( International Welding Engineer -[BScEng graduates]) and IWT ( International Welding Technologist [BTech graduates]). Wits University is an Approved Training Body (ATB) for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Successful completion of the courses (60% min/each module and a 95% attendance record) entitles the candidate to apply for IIW registration. Benefits of the programme The intent is to equip candidates for a career in the welding industry, this implying an understanding of the practice of welding engineering underpinned by sound science. Curriculum Outline / Modules taught The MEng in Welding Wits is made up of 12 courses divided into four main modules. The modules are welding processes, welding metallurgy, welded joint design and fabrication, and applications and case studies. Closing dates Whilst late entries can be considered the desirable closing date for those completing the whole course is mid February. Whilst those who complete individual stand alone courses can register through the year, if individual courses are taken as part of, say a GDE, the February registration applies. Note: The GDE/ MEng qualifications will be replaced by the PGD/MScEng qualifications in 2017. Whislt the structure will change the intent is that the programme continue to offer the IWE/IWT curriculum. [-]

MSc

MSc (Building) in Construction Project Management

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The Wits MSc Project Management in Construction offers a world-class education featuring international and internationally trained staff as well as some of the leading experts in the local industry. We have just moved to our own dedicated building and instructional spaces that provide modern state of the art-facilities for post graduate teaching back up by fully equipped IT laboratories featuring industry standard software. [+]

Applications for 2017 are now closed The Wits MSc Project Management in Construction offers a world-class education featuring international and internationally trained staff as well as some of the leading experts in the local industry. Our instructional spaces provide modern state-of-the-art facilities for post graduate teaching backed by fully equipped IT laboratories featuring industry standard software. We offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate built environment qualification in one of the largest urban settings on the African continent enabling you to develop your academic and industry skills in Gauteng; the economic dynamo of Southern Africa that provides a unique mix of first world infrastructure alongside developing world challenges. Career opportunities On completion of the MSc (Building) Project Management in Construction programme, one is prepared for a wide range of high level career opportunities in the public and private sectors and an opportunity to fast track to more challenging positions in the industry. It could also prepare one for further study at Wits or other leading academic institutions. The Project Management in Construction programme provides practitioners with the opportunity to build and reflect on their existing professional experience whilst taking a range of modules that expose the students to advanced professional knowledge and skills to enable them to play a leading role in the management of enterprises and projects in the construction sector. Working alongside other professionals from a variety of built environment professions provides a context where practitioners can expose themselves to new concepts and cutting edge ideas in... [-]

MSc (Building) in Property Development and Management

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The Wits Real Estate Programme is the only programme in South Africa that has been benchmarked by independent international academics (who are experts in the field) and judged as comparable to similar programmes in Europe and North America. This enables us to offer a world-class education featuring internationally trained staff as well as some of the leading experts in the local market. We have just moved to our own building and instructional spaces that are modern, housing state of the art facilities. [+]

Applications for 2017 are now closed The Wits Real Estate Programme is the only one in South Africa that has been benchmarked by independent international academics (who are experts in the field) and judged as comparable to similar programmes in Europe and North America. This enables Wits to offer a world-class education featuring internationally trained staff as well as some of the leading experts in the local market. The instructional spaces are modern and house state-of-the-art facilities. We offer you the opportunity to gain a real estate qualification at the doorsteps of the largest concentration of real estate employers on the African continent enabling you start a career in the most sophisticated real estate market in Africa. Career options Property (or more appropriately, real estate) refers to land and buildings for use as homes, offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, hotels, etc. It represents approximately half of the world’s economic wealth. Studies in this area enable you understand how to invest in it, how to manage it, how much to sell it for and how to develop it. It could also enable you advise others how to use it. A degree in property will enable you to be employed in both public and private sector by firms, which own, develop, use or manage real estate or act as advisors. You can also work for financial services institutions as well as firms that provide consulting services to the finance sector. The following are some of the key business areas in the real estate... [-]

MSc in Engineering

Campus Part time February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

This Systems Engineering programme has been developed as a practice-based systems engineering (PBSE) suite of courses where the University presents the theoretical background and participating industry organisations, in which the students are employed, provide opportunities to apply the material on real projects. [+]

This Systems Engineering programme has been developed as a practice-based systems engineering (PBSE) suite of courses where the University presents the theoretical background and participating industry organisations, in which the students are employed, provide opportunities to apply the material on real projects. The systems engineering world, as seen through the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), is moving from document-centric approaches to model-based systems engineering (MBSE). Many international projects are using MBSE and tools are widely available today. MBSE requires a curriculum that prepares a new breed of systems engineers. To develop MBSE skills there is a need to shift the focus from systems engineering processes and management to include a technical component which addresses the “how to” (skill). This programme facilitates this shift. Curriculum Outline/Modules taught There are six modules that form part of the PBSE programme: Introduction to systems engineering (prerequisite for other modules). Requirements analysis Architecture Systems engineering management Modelling and simulation Implementation, integration, verification and validation. Other postgraduate courses can be substituted for some of these courses. The courses are also offered as stand-alone short courses through the Transnet Centre for Systems Engineering based in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits Closing dates 31 May 2015 31 October 2015 [-]

MSc in Environmental Science

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The courses cover various aspects of environmental sciences, including conservation of biodiversity, environmental chemistry, environmental management, environmental law, climate change and mitigation, environmental impact assessments as well as remote sensing and GIS. The courses are spread over three Faculties: Science, Engineering & the Built Environment and Commerce, Law & Management. [+]

We offer flexible study options:

A full-time MSc programme by coursework and research report, completed over one year (registration for February each year). A part-time MSc programme by coursework and research report over two years.

The courses cover various aspects of environmental sciences, including conservation of biodiversity, environmental chemistry, environmental management, environmental law, climate change and mitigation, environmental impact assessments as well as remote sensing and GIS. The courses are spread over three Faculties: Science, Engineering & the Built Environment and Commerce, Law & Management.

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MA

MA in African Literature

Campus Full time February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

This programme provides students with specialist training in African and diasporic intellectual and literary history. Taught by leading figures in the field, the programme inducts students into core theoretical debates and new approaches in the field while using African literary material to resituate and critique major trends like world literature and postcolonial theory emanating from the Anglo-American world. [+]

This programme provides students with specialist training in African and diasporic intellectual and literary history. Taught by leading figures in the field, the programme inducts students into core theoretical debates and new approaches in the field while using African literary material to resituate and critique major trends like world literature and postcolonial theory emanating from the Anglo-American world. Capitalizing on Johannesburg as the new intellectual hub of the continent, the programme draws participants from across the continent and beyond. Since its inception under Es’kia Mphahlele in the early 1980s, the department of African Literature has produced a cohort of graduates who have taken up positions across the African academy and other parts of the world. Benefits of the programme Taught by leading figures in the field Vibrant student community drawn from across the continent Opportunity to present work at graduate seminars and conferences Support to publish outstanding research work Opportunity to participate in vibrant cultural and intellectual life in Johannesburg Curriculum Outline/Modules taught Critical Approaches to African Literature African Popular Media and the Novel Narratives of the Indian Ocean Contemporary Trends in African Literature Memory, Violence and Representation Writing Slavery in the African World Book History in Africa Closing dates Normally 31 August for international applicants and 30 September for South African applicants, but under certain circumstances we can accept late applications. Applicants for the dissertation-only option should contact the department prior to applying for admission. African Popular Media and the Novel As many previous studies have demonstrated, the African... [-]

MA in Applied Ethics for Professionals

Campus Part time 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

This programme is a rigorous and intellectually challenging introduction to philosophical ethics, and, in particular applied or “practical” ethics, based in the Department of Philosophy. [+]

This programme is a rigorous and intellectually challenging introduction to philosophical ethics, and, in particular applied or “practical” ethics, based in the Department of Philosophy. It is designed for professionals in the Gauteng region with some management and leadership experience, and presupposes no background in philosophy. It is not a programme in “professional ethics”—e.g. business ethics, biomedical ethics, technology and ethics, etc.—though some such material is sometimes covered in one or more of the electives. Rather, its emphasis is on learning methods and techniques for thinking about ethical issues of any sort. It includes exposure to the principal ethical theories and critical examination of some well-known work in various sub-fields of applied ethics. It is not a distance-education programme; regular attendance at seminars is required. To accommodate the professional lives of our participants, seminars, exams, and other programme activities are held on Saturday mornings, about 19 in the first year and 10 in the second. Duration The programme is a two-year part-time programme consisting of three semesters of course work and a research report of 15,000 – 20,000 words, under the supervision of a member of the Wits University Philosophy Department. Benefits of the programme The programme specialises in the development of skills such as defending a point of view through clear and careful argumentation, offering "cooperative criticism," and receiving and responding to such criticism. Participants can also expect to see improvements in their argumentative writing, through careful attention to it and extensive feedback on it, from the programme lecturers.... [-]

MA in Development Studies

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

A leading inter-disciplinary postgraduate programme in development studies is currently on offer. The programme is social sciences orientated and specializes in health, labour, gender and rural development. [+]

MA in Development Studies A leading inter-disciplinary postgraduate programme in development studies is currently on offer. The programme is social sciences orientated and specializes in health, labour, gender and rural development. The programme is appropriate for students keen to pursue a career in policy research and in the local and international development organizations. Students will be able to draw upon a vast range of local and international academic expertise in a range of disciplines within the School of Social Sciences and in Economics as they critically engage in current local, national and international debates in Development Studies while promoting professional skills in these fields. Students draw upon local and international expertise in a range of disciplines. The student body is cosmopolitan and admission is highly competitive. Students with practical experience in the world of development are especially welcomed. The Programme has grown steadily since its inception in 2001. On average it is estimated that about a third of the student cohort is non-South African. Topics of student research include many focused on studies within Africa broadly. Duration Full time Structure: Completed within a Year Two core courses in the first semester One elective course in the second semester Research report process throughout the year. Part time Structure: Completed within Two years Three courses, plus one Research Report over a period of two years. *All classes are offered during the day (morning or afternoon) and during the week. So, part time applicants still need to make provision for time away from... [-]

MA in English Literature (by research only)

Campus Full time Part time 2 - 3 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

Staff members in English at the University of the Witwatersrand are able to offer supervision at Master’s level in areas ranging from medieval texts to contemporary literature, with particular strengths in Renaissance studies, Victorian fiction, modernism, postmodernism and postcolonial writing. Topics in literary theory, as well as inter-disciplinary projects, are equally welcome. [+]

Staff members in English at the University of the Witwatersrand are able to offer supervision at Master’s level in areas ranging from medieval texts to contemporary literature, with particular strengths in Renaissance studies, Victorian fiction, modernism, postmodernism and postcolonial writing. Topics in literary theory, as well as inter-disciplinary projects, are equally welcome. Staff undertaking supervision are active researchers, who publish regularly in their fields of specialisation. In the 2014 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the department was placed in the top 51-100 category. Students receive individual mentoring and are given the opportunity to develop a professional profile by participating in undergraduate tutoring. Those with appropriate interests may be invited to share in international research partnerships with specified universities in Great Britain, Sweden and Germany. Benefits of the programme This programme enables Honours graduates freely to pursue and develop their particular interests as literary scholars. In the process, they acquire valuable research skills in the Humanities, while refining their capacities as writers and critical thinkers. A significant number of candidates proceed to the PhD in English literature, whether at the University of the Witwatersrand, at other South African universities or at leading institutions overseas. Curriculum Outline/Modules taught This degree is offered by research only. Students are supervised individually. Closing dates Applications will be considered throughout the year, with students usually commencing their research in January, April, July or September. Contact Details For further information, please contact: Professor Merle Williams – merle.williams@wits.ac.za OR +27 11 717-4119. [-]

MA in Film and Television (Wits School of Arts)

Campus Full time February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

The Masters in Film and Television offers a Professional degree in the discipline of filmmaking, and aims to stimulate learning at a postgraduate level through the application of theory with practice. The following Masters options are available to applicants: (1) MA by course work with research report; (2) MA by dissertation. MA by course work requires that students take three semester-long courses (one of which may be taken outside the division with the permission from the Head of Division). Students undertake research which consists of the production of a short film in documentary, fiction or experimental film genres AND a written research report (10 000 words). Alternatively students may wish to take the dissertation option without the option of a creative project (the written submission here is 20 000 words). Supervision of the creative work and research report is undertaken by lecturers in the Film and Television division. [+]

POST GRADUATE STUDIES IN FILM AND TELEVISION The Masters in Film and Television offers a Professional degree in the discipline of filmmaking, and aims to stimulate learning at a postgraduate level through the application of theory with practice. The following Masters options are available to applicants: (1) MA by course work with research report; (2) MA by dissertation. MA by course work requires that students take three semester-long courses (one of which may be taken outside the division with the permission from the Head of Division). Students undertake research which consists of the production of a short film in documentary, fiction or experimental film genres AND a written research report (10 000 words). Alternatively students may wish to take the dissertation option without the option of a creative project (the written submission here is 20 000 words). Supervision of the creative work and research report is undertaken by lecturers in the Film and Television division. WSOA 7078 Technical Production Students wishing to register for the degree who do not have sufficient technical experience in the field of television and film production (specifically camera operation, lighting, sound recording, sound design and editing) are required (as an obligatory course) to register for the core Technical Production Course. This is prerequisite for the Fiction and Documentary Theory and Production courses. WSOA 7077 Documentary Theory & Production The course provides the conceptual framework for documentary practice, its historical and theoretical underpinnings and explores contemporary debates in the field. Students in the course will be... [-]

MA in Linguistics

Campus Full time February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg

The Masters degree in Linguistics (by coursework and research report) offers advanced training and application of theory in the broad field of Linguistics. [+]

MA in Linguistics The Masters degree in Linguistics (by coursework and research report) offers advanced training and application of theory in the broad field of Linguistics, focusing in particular on Historical Linguistics, Morphology/Syntax, Phonology, Psycholinguistics, and Sociolinguistics. Duration Full Time by coursework and research report Benefits of the programme Master’s students of Linguistics both gain profound theoretical training, and enter more deeply into the messy empirical world of data-gathering. Enrolment criteria/Admission requirements BA (Hons) in Linguistics Career Options/Opportunities Advanced grounding in Linguistics has been proven to be highly desirable in preparing language professionals for work in translating, interpreting, journalism, publishing, language policy planning. Curriculum Outline/Modules taught: Approved Topic in Linguistics Advanced Historical Linguistics Advanced Language, Gender and Sexuality Advanced Morphology Advanced Phonetics Advanced Phonology Advanced Psycholinguistics Advanced Sociolinguistics Advanced Syntax Closing dates Visit the Wits website for details [-]

MArch in Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities (MArch(SEEC))

Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years February 2018 South Africa Johannesburg + 1 more

The MArch(SEEC) qualification is a one year full-time programme on sustainability and energy studies with a focus on cities, settlements, buildings and architecture. With a strong focus on the energy and climate change challenge, this multi-disciplinary programme aims to arm the graduates with an integrated range of competencies which will make them invaluable role players in decision making concerning the future/sustainability of cities and their built environment. [+]

The MArch(SEEC) qualification is a one year full-time programme on sustainability and energy studies with a focus on cities, settlements, buildings and architecture. With a strong focus on the energy and climate change challenge, this multi-disciplinary programme aims to arm the graduates with an integrated range of competencies which will make them invaluable role players in decision making concerning the future/sustainability of cities and their built environment. Besides the basic technical principles on a variety of the interventions/technologies at different scales, courses in the programme address a wide range of inter-related issues including policy frameworks, institutional structures, markets, behavior, finance and socio-economic dimensions. Benefits of the programme Arising from their inter-disciplinary skills and competencies, graduates of this qualification are expected to play a significant role in the transition processes towards greening cities and the economy as well as consumption and lifestyles in the South African, regional and global economies/markets. Curriculum Outline/Modules taught Compulsory courses to a total of 160 Credits: ARPL7010 - Understanding Cities of the South (20) ARPL7054 - Energy for Sustainable Cities (20) ARPL7055 - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Buildings (20) ARPL7040 - Research Methods (10) ARPL7056 - Research Report (in the field of SEEC) (90) Elective Course(s) from the Following Options, to a total of 20-Credits: ARPL7032 - Environmental Planning & Sustainable Development (20) ARPL7005 - Social and Technical Sustainability in Housing (20) Closing dates for applications October 31 – South African applicants August 30 – International applicants [-]
Contact

University of the Witwatersrand

Address 1 Jan Smuts Avenue
Braamfontein 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
Website http://www.wits.ac.za/
Phone +27 11 717 1000