Master of Philosophy in Sustainability Transitions
The Master of Philosophy in Sustainability Transitions is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance their ability to tackle complex social, environmental, and governance challenges.
The programme welcomes students from diverse academic disciplines who are keen to explore issues of sustainability and societal transitions in more theoretical and methodological depth. Given the complex nature of these challenges, we strongly encourage applications from candidates with varied expertise in both the natural and social sciences.
Through in-depth exploration of relevant frameworks and theories, students will be adept at formulating research questions, designing effective methodologies during structured coursework and independent research.
By fostering a comprehensive and transdisciplinary perspective, the MPhil in Sustainability Transitions equips students to become leaders in sustainability, capable of navigating and influencing local and international industries and organisations.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
When applying
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
• A Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University,
or
• An appropriate qualification equivalent to an honours degree (NQF level 8).
Selection
Matters like staff capacity and the availability of resources within the Centre, as well as academic merit and University transformation objectives, can influence how many students are selected each year. Since staff capacity and resources can fluctuate, the number of students who are selected can also differ from year to year.
If there are more applicants who meet the admission requirements than the Centre has capacity for, the criteria in the admission requirements will be used to rank the applicants in order of suitability, and to finalise the list of selected applicants.
Preference will be given to applicants who have earned an average of 65% or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development (NQF level 8) or an equivalent previous qualification at the level of an honours degree (NQF level 8).
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.
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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.
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Motivational letter / Essay
Concept Note
A brief document that you are required to complete, outlining your proposed research area and the aims of your research project.
Download to view and complete the departmental Concept Note template:
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.s…
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Research project / Outline / Proposal
Programme structure
Programme structure
This programme is presented by the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at teaching venues on Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch campus. It is a transdisciplinary programme comprising a thesis of 90 credits and coursework, also of 90 credits, all of which focus on sustainability transitions across diverse contexts.
Programme content
You must earn a total of at least 180 credits for this programme.
Your credits accumulate as follows: A thesis component of 90 credits, plus compulsory modules of 60 credits, plus elective modules of 30 credits altogether.
Thesis component (90 credits)
14947 Thesis: Sustainability Transitions 876 (90)
Compulsory modules (60 credits)
14944 Research Design and Methods 872 (30)
14946 Sustainability Transitions Foundation Concepts 872 (30)
Elective modules (at least 30 credits)
14945 Research Outreach and Reflection 873 (50)
13704 Capita Selecta: Advanced Studies in Sustainable Development 871 (15)
13703 Capita Selecta: Transdisciplinary Research in Sustainability Transitions 871 (15)