Application for Masters by Coursework and Dissertation (MPhil, MSC)

 

Application Deadline: 31 August each year

This deadline applies to both local and international applicants.

Please note that Master's programmes by coursework and minor dissertation have different application deadlines from Dissertation Master's and PhD degrees.

 

  • If you are interested in the MPhil in Environment, Society and Sustainability, please refer to the programme webpage here.

  • If you are interested in the MSc in Climate Change and Development, please refer to the programme webpage here.

     

Admission Requirements

 

Admission to postgraduate programmes in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science is competitive. Applicants should normally hold the equivalent of a South African Honours degree in Environmental and Geographical Science or a related discipline. This is typically a four-year qualification that includes a standalone research component (i.e. it has it's own entry on your official transcript).

 

Applicants who obtained their qualifications outside South Africa, or who are uncertain about the equivalence of their qualifications, may wish to consult the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) regarding the level of their qualifications. A qualification assessed by SAQA as NQF Level 8 would normally be considered equivalent to an Honours degree. Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a programme.

Application Process

Applications involve two stages.

Stage 1: UCT Online Application

Applicants must complete the UCT online application form and submit all required documentation through the UCT application system.

As part of the online application, applicants are required to submit:

•  Certified Academic transcripts and certified degree certificate;

• A curriculum vitae (CV);

• A statement of interest (maximum 1,000 words) explaining why they wish to undertake the programme and how their academic background, experience, interests and career goals align with the course;

• A writing sample demonstrating their ability to develop and communicate a scholarly argument. The writing sample should be between 6 and 20 pages in length.

For more information regarding the UCT online application process, including information for international applicants, please consult the relevant UCT admissions pages.

Stage 2: Academic References

Applicants must arrange for two academic references to be submitted.

Referees should either:

• Complete the departmental reference form: Academic Reference Form

or

• Email a reference letter directly to pgapplications.egs@uct.ac.za

Applications will only be considered once both stages of the application process have been completed. Both stages must be completed by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered.

Contact Information

For queries regarding Master's programmes by coursework and minor dissertation, please contact the Environmental Sciences Secretary at pgapplications.egs@uct.ac.za.