The Postgraduate Diploma in Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies is the only programme in the land and agrarian studies field offered at a South African University, and is accredited at NQF level 8. It offers:
- internationally recognised lecturers with decades of established expertise in poverty, land and agrarian studies;
- a solid understanding of key concepts in poverty, land, agrarian reform, and ecosystem and climate change;
- critical engagement with land and related policies in Southern Africa and their interventions in students’ professional contexts;
- two convenient three-week teaching blocks per year; and
- a relevant, respected, recognised career-enhancing qualification.
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake, and will close on 31 January 2026.
When will it start?
The first semester will take place from 23 February until 13 March 2026. Teaching and learning will take place in block sessions. Students will complete two modules for the first semester of 2026, and then complete the remaining two modules in the second semester in the second half of the year. The second semester will take place between 20 July and 07 August 2026.
Who will it benefit?
Our PG Diploma is designed for passionate and committed working professionals such as policymakers, planners, managers, and fieldworkers. It will benefit those working in government departments, local government bodies, NGOs, private sector companies, and consultancies.
What are the four course modules?
- Structural Poverty and Marginalised Livelihoods in Southern African Agro-Food Systems
- The Political Economy of Land and Agrarian Reform in Southern Africa
- The Economics of Farming and Food Systems
- The Social and Ecological Dimensions of Ecosystem Management
Who can apply?
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, with an average of 60% in the final assessment of the exit modules in relevant courses such as Sociology, History, Economics, Political Science, Agriculture, Public Administration, Geography and/or Environmental Studies, together with at least three years of relevant experience in the areas of poverty, land reform, and sustainable natural resources management.
For applicants without a first degree, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures will apply to candidates with extensive work experience (at least 10 years) in land and agrarian reform, rural development, natural resources management, and/or gender. Preference will be given to students with good English writing abilities.
How to apply
- Apply online on UWC via https://student.uwc.ac.za/ for the 2026 academic year. Should you encounter an error, please try to open the link in another browser from your default one.
- Submit your supporting documents for consideration.
Find more detailed application guidelines and the course on the PLAAS PG Diploma webpage.
Contact
Ms Carla Henry
Coordinator: Postgraduate & Continuing Education
Institute for Poverty, Land & Agrarian Studies
University of the Western Cape
Email: postgraduates@plaas.org.za
