Overview

The African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand invites students to apply to undertake postgraduate programmes in Migration and Displacement.

Based in the School of Social Sciences, migration and displacement is an interdisciplinary field encompassing a wide range of disciplines including economics, public health, political science, sociology, urban planning, and development studies. With migration and displacement being such important and hotly-debated topics, the course has a wide-ranging academic and practical scope. The programmes are taught by ACMS staff who are widely published and have conducted innovative research projects. 

The PhD in Migration and Displacement is suitable for those who intend to have a career in research either inside or outside the academy. The degree generally requires no coursework. À×ËÙÌåÓý_À×ËÙÌåÓýÖ±²¥s are required to either complete a full thesis of 75,000 to 85,000 words or three publications/manuscripts.

Entry Requirements

Successful applicants must have a strong undergraduate degree and Masters qualification (NQF Level 9); a substantive background in a migration-related field; and a demonstrated ability to conduct methodologically sound, independent research (academic or otherwise). Strong applicants who do not meet all of these qualifications may be admitted on the condition that they register for the research methods and/or the introduction to migration and displacement course at ACMS, or complete the MA degree in migration and displacement at ACMS.

Applications should include the following:

• Academic Transcripts. An average of 65% and above for the Masters degree and 70% and above for the Masters research report or dissertation are required for admission.
• Degree Certificate(s)
• Clearance from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for degrees awarded by non-South African institutions. Please apply for SAQA Clearance at saqa.org.za.
• CV
• Motivation letter explaining interest in migration and displacement studies
• Research proposal outlining the research topic or question, relevant literature and proposed methods (5-10 pages)
• Offer of supervision from ACMS staff
• Two letters of recommendation

Course Application Process

Candidates considering applying for the PhD programme are advised to first send their academic transcript and research proposal to the Postgraduate coordinator for eligibility screening and supervisor identification.

Applicants may apply on the University’s online application portal after receiving eligibility and supervision confirmation.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.