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Master of Commerce in Transport Economics

Master’s degree
ID:
0306_106_E126

The Master of Commerce in Transport Economics consists of a full thesis option.

This field is a branch of economics pertaining to the optimal distribution of scarce resources between the transport sector and other sectors, as well as within the transport sector itself. Within the transport sector transport economics will, for example, look at the equity of travel and freight charges, and also at subsidisation as an instrument for the redistribution of income. Transport economics is also involved in the economic evaluation of various transport projects.

Contact information
Mr Jacquin Flandorp
Programme administrator
+27 21 808 3911

Programme overview

Duration
Two years
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Full thesis

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

Admission requirements
One of the following with an average of at least 50%:
• A BComHons degree in Transport Economics, or
• A qualification considered by the Senate to be of equal standing.

Selection
The number of students selected can be influenced by, for example, staff capacity and the availability of resources within the Department, as well as academic merit and University transformation objectives. As staff capacity and resources can fluctuate from year to year, the number of students selected can also differ from year to year.

Should the number of applicants that meet the admission requirements exceed the available capacity of the Department, the applicant’s average academic performance and research proposal will be evaluated on case-by-case basis and will be used to rank the applicants in order of suitability to finalise the list of selected applicants.

Applicants should approach members of academic staff associated with the Department of Logistics to explore potential research topics and supervision. Only applicants with a viable research topic and a willing supervisor will be considered.

Supporting application documents

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)

Letter of motivation
One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay

Statement of research interest
This is a brief summary of the master’s research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Research project / Outline / Proposal

Programme structure

Programme structure
• A Coursework and Thesis option, consisting of a thesis and elective modules; or
• A Full Thesis option, consisting of a full thesis that is the result of independent research.

Programme content
You must earn a total of at least 180 credits for one of the options in this programme.
The modules for each option are listed below.

Compulsory module for the Coursework and Thesis option (150 credits)
11245 Thesis: Transport Economics 874 (150)

Elective modules for the Coursework and Thesis option (at least 30 credits)
64017 Capita Selecta 1 (Transport Economics) 814 (15)
64017 Capita Selecta 2 (Transport Economics) 844 (15)

Compulsory modules for the Full Thesis option (180 credits)
11245 Thesis: Transport Economics 828 (180)

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Oct 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
30-Sep 2026