SPL (School of Public Leadership)
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

MPhil in Sustainable Development

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​​Mark Sch.png​​​​​


Programme Coordinator: Mphil in Sustainable Development

​Prof Mark Swilling

swilling@sun.ac.za​  

Tel:​​ 021 808 9607


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Administrator: Mphil in Sustainable Development

Ms Beatrix Steenkamp​

​​bsteenkamp@sun.ac.za​​
Tel: 021 881 3952



Mphil in Sustainable Development (NQF LEVEL 9)​


The MPhil (Sustainable Development) programme is defined as a research-based MPhil and is more highly rated in the national higher education system than a 2-year course work MPhil. Students thus graduate with a highly rated research-based Master’s degree from the University of Stellenbosch.​


The School of Public Leadership offers two project management courses: a basic course called Project Management and an advanced course called Advanced Project Management. Both of these courses can be selected as electives and will be accredited under these titles.

Note: the page numbers below are based on a letter size of 12 pt and line spacing of 1½ (with about 375 words per page). Double line spacing (about 250 words per page) will lead to a longer thesis.

 

Option 1

Research component plus Two Electives Programme: a 150 - credit research component (see options below) plus two electives worth 15 credits each selected from the modules on offer in the PGD programme or from any other Programme at  Stellenbosch University or other learning institution on condition these have been approved by the Programme Coordinator. The Programme will consist of the following:

- Research Methodology Course, plus

- Two Electives: 15 Credits each plus

- Research Component: 150 Credits with the following options:

i. Two academic journal articles in the style of a pre-determined journal and in accordance with the requirements of the University, the School and the supervisor (±8000 words [±24 pages] per journal article).

OR

ii. A project proposal for a given development project that must define the goal, objectives, implementation plan, budget, and monitoring and evaluation mechanism in accordance with the Logical Framework Analysis project management approach (±40 000 words [±120 pages]).

OR

iii. A traditional Thesis in accordance with the normal academic format and requirements of the University, the School and the supervisor (±40 000 words [±120 pages]).

Option 2

Research component plus Four Electives Programme: a 120 - credit research component (see options below) plus four electives worth 15 credits each selected from the modules on offer in the PGD programme or from any other Programme at the University of Stellenbosch or other learning institution on condition these have been approved by the Programme Coordinator. The Programme will consist of the following:

- Research Methodology Course, plus

- Four Electives: 15 Credits each plus

- Research Component: 120 Credits with the following options:

i. Two academic journal articles in the style of a predetermined journal and in accordance with the requirements of the University, the School and the supervisor (±8000 words [±24 pages]).

OR

ii. A Project Proposal for a given development project that must define the goal, objectives, implementation plan, budget, and monitoring and evaluation mechanism in accordance with the Local Framework Analysis project management approach (±20000 words [±60 pages]).

OR

iii. A mini-thesis in accordance with the normal academic format and requirements of the University, the School and the supervisor (±20 000 words [±60 pages])
Scheduling: Candidates must submit a research proposal, written in accordance with the Departmental Guidelines for Research Proposals and acceptable to the Programme Coordinator and the Research Committee, by mid-December; for registration end February.

Supervision: The Research Committee will assign a Supervisor for each candidate in accordance with available expertise and equitable distribution of the supervision load, plus two Examiners.


For more information on Mphil in Sustainable Development, download the interactive prospectus or standard version prospectus below:

 

Enquiries

For further information on fees, bursaries, accommodation or curriculum please contact Ms. Beatrix Steenkamp at Tel +27 (0)21 881 3952 or email:  bsteenkamp@sun.ac.za

For more information on the Mphil in Sustainable Development visit: www.sustainabilityinstitute.net


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