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???At the SPL we prepare graduates for leading roles in public and civic organisations to tackle development and governance challenges. Our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, competencies and values required to build sustainable African societies within a rapidly changing and com?plex world. Emphasis is placed on the ability of graduates to craft and facilitate an open civic public realm wherein dialogue and contes?tation can thrive thanks to a culture of tolerance, modesty, solidarity and compassion.?

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The MPhil in Sustainable Development 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 Sustainable Development equips students to become leaders in sustainability, capable of navigating and influencing local and international industries and organisations.

Programme overview and audience

The field of sustainability transitions and transformations is a dynamic and continuously growing area of academic study and practical application. This field is highly relevant for students who are working professionals, practitioners, and activists from various sectors. In the MPhil programme, students will develop a holistic understanding of sustainability through rigorous coursework and in-depth research projects. They will gain interdisciplinary skills - academic and practical - to analyse and solve complex sustainability challenges locally and globally.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for innovative and thought-provoking research, featuring expert-led lectures and practical projects that enhance analytical and critical thinking. Intensive coursework and research focused on real-world problems, coupled with interactions with leading scholars and policymakers, aim to cultivate a deep understanding of sustainability challenges and the skills to devise innovative solutions.

The 180-credit MPhil is structured over two years and consists of three mandatory coursework modules (30 credits each) and a research thesis (90 credits). The modules cover the following themes:

Module 1: Sustainability transitions foundational concepts

Module 2: Research design and methods

Module 3: Research reflection and outreach

The 90-credit thesis must cover a topic that is relevant to the CST¡¯s research themes. The thesis component is structured in the format of a research article. This approach requires students to present their findings clearly and concisely to adhere to the academic standards and style of peer-reviewed scholarly journals. By organising your thesis as a research article, students learn to effectively structure arguments, analyse data critically, and discuss results in the context of existing literature in preparation for professional publication and dissemination within the academic community.

The curriculum emphasises problem-oriented research, engaging students in real-world projects that enhance their analytical capabilities and equip them with quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to the growing field of sustainable development.

Admission requirements and selection process

• A Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch 肆客足球
• A qualification equivalent to an honours-level degree (NQF level 8)

Staff capacity, the availability of resources within the Centre, as well as academic merit and 肆客足球 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 differs 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 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 (NQF level 8) in Sustainable Development or an equivalent qualification at the level of an honours degree (NQF level 8).

Applications for the MPhil in Sustainable Development close on 30 September 2024.

Contact information

Prof Rika Preiser, MPhil programme leader, rika@sun.ac.za

Ms. Amanda October, MPhil and PhD programme administrative officer, aaoctober@sun.ac.za

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