Sociology and Social Anthropology

Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology

The department enjoys an excellent reputation as a centre of expertise in the teaching of social theory and research methodology within and across sociology and social anthropology, as well as in selected areas of social enquiry focusing on socio-economic, political, cultural, medical, development and environmental themes. (For details see our departmental website.)

In our research and teaching we develop insights into the changes and continuities of the post-apartheid period while also considering the multiple transformations that have affected our region and continent within a globalising world. Our weekly seminar series hosts leading local and international scholars who form part of the broader intellectual networks of the department.

We have five NRF-rated researchers on our staff and an exchange agreement with Martin Luther University (Halle, Germany), as well as informal links with numerous other universities and research institutions. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to conduct extensive fieldwork under supervision, and to participate in seminars, conferences and exchanges.

areas of specialisation include -

Social Anthropology

The BAHons (Social Anthropology) is a one-year, taught programme, strictly residential and also require a research assignment. Students gain theoretical insight on social phenomena, including structures, institutions and relationships, develop important social science research skills and examine critical issues in South African society within a comparative perspective.

The MA programme consists of a thesis on an approved topic and participation in a series of research support seminars in the first semester. The programme focus on the application of theoretical and methodological understanding as well as relevant research skills to a specialisation area.

The doctoral programme entails a dissertation that demonstrates a grasp of both theoretical and methodological issues in social anthropology. It fosters the student's ability to think critically and in an innovative way, while producing new knowledge in the selected research area.

Social Science Methods

The one-year, taught postgraduate diploma programme is aimed at students who wish to become social researchers as research specialists, social research consultants, development planners in local government research and planning units and national government departments, NGO employees involved in social research activities, policy analysts and advisers.

The programme entails eight block modules of one week each. It focuses on the methodology of social science research, aspects of science philosophy, research ethics and research management.

This MA programme consists of a thesis on a topic with a strong methodological focus and extends over one year. It follows after the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Methods, but students with an equivalent qualification at the NQF level 7 are welcome to apply. It focuses on the methodology of social sciences research and aspects of science philosophy, research ethics and research management.

This doctoral programme entails a dissertation and focuses on aspects of social sciences methodology, including research designs and methodological paradigms, methods of sampling, and data collection and analysis.

Sociology

The BAHons in Sociology is a one-year, taught programme, strictly residential and also require a research assignment. Students gain theoretical insight on social phenomena, including structures, institutions and relationships, develop important social science research skills and examine critical issues in South African society within a comparative perspective.

The MA (Sociology) programme consists of a thesis on an approved topic and participation in a series of research support seminars in the first semester. The programme focuses on the application of theoretical and methodological understanding as well as relevant research skills to a specialisation area.

The MA (Public Sociology and Anthropology) programme programme focusses on the acquisition and broadening of knowledge in a specific area of Sociology or Social Anthropology. It also aims to develop your ability to think critically about social issues related to transformation in (South) Africa and to critically apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills to societal problems. It includes an applied practice component.

The doctoral programme entails a dissertation that demonstrates a grasp of both theoretical and methodological issues in sociology. It fosters the student's ability to think critically and in an innovative way, while producing new knowledge in the selected research area.

Transdisciplinary Health and Development Studies

The new Postgraduate Diploma in Transdisciplinary and Health Development Studies programme aims to create a space for a diverse group of students to develop the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to take on the social and political complexities of health and development in Africa. The postgraduate diploma provides a strong conceptual foundation for theoretically and methodologically grounded engagements with applied concerns around health and development, and sets up students for professional work or further academic study.

Please note: This programme is not necessarily offered every year.

The new programme requires a minimum of one year of study. Depending on their training, students can register for one of two options for the MPhil degree. The first option (879) requires the writing of a thesis containing the results of independent research on a research problem. Additional course work supporting the development of a research proposal is required of all candidates. Once the proposal is approved by the programme committee, students begin research, analysis, and writing. The second option (899) requires the completion of four modules and a research assignment.

Co-hosted by the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology in collaboration with the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (Division of Community Health) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the proposed MPhil in Transdisciplinary Health and Development Studies offers an innovative approach to the social study of health and development challenges. The programme allows students to explore a set of intersecting concerns that cut across social studies and studies of health and development. The MPhil provides a conceptual foundation for theoretically and methodologically grounded engagements with applied concerns around health and development, and sets up students for professional work or further academic study.