Postgraduate
Programmes leading to a qualification in Forest and Wood Science:
The Department of Forest and Wood Science, Stellenbosch University is the only higher education institution in South Africa offering Postgraduate Forestry University degrees.
(MScFor) Master’s programme in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences
General Information
The master’s programme consists of a 100% research component (180 credits) but you could, in consultation with your supervisor, be requested to follow additional modules, including Biometry 811 or 821 (Biometrical Applications).
(PhDFor) PhD programme in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences
General Information
This programme leads to the qualification PhD (For) in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences or Wood and Wood Products Sciences. The programme focuses on research in various specialist fields of forestry and ensures that students become specialists in these fields. You must carry out a relevant and practically oriented research project in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences, leading to innovation or problem-solving through high-level research in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences and in the industry concerned. The research project will equip you at the highest academic level with the knowledge and expertise you need for entering the research industry or professional field.
(DScFor) DScFor in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences
General Information
For the DSc degree a number of advanced original research and/or creative work in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences or Wood and Wood Products Sciences is required. Additionally original and previously published work(s) of a high standard are required that show that you have made a real and exceptional
contribution to the enrichment of the knowledge base in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences or Wood and Wood Products Sciences. See section 2.5 for general information on the DSc degree in the Faculty of AgriSciences yearbook.
Looking to learn more about a Postgraduate degree?
You can find detailed information about the Forestry and Wood Sciences Postgraduate programmes in the 2026 Faculty of AgriSciences Yearbook. Check out the relevant section to see programme content, compulsory modules and more.
Q&A
Please have a look at some answers to your questions:
A: Postgraduate diploma degrees are mostly course work, with a small research component. For MSc and PhD there are no course work involved.
A: Yes, please identify a supervisor here before applying.
A: A postgraduate diploma is a minimum of 1 year, a MSc a minimum of 2 years and a PhD a minimum of 3 years.
A: Preferably not, only if agreed on with the supervisor.
A: Take note that there is a difference between project funding and student funding. The supervisor can be expected to provide the project funding, for materials / lab costs/ experiments etc. It is the responsibility of the student to secure funding for their study fees and living costs.