MPhil by coursework and mini-thesis

Key information

Through this programme, graduates will demonstrate specialist knowledge and critique of current research or practices in the global agrarian studies field, and advanced scholarship or research in a particular field or practice pertaining to poverty, land and agrarian reform, rural development, or natural resources. The coursework and mini-thesis format benefits students who would like greater control over their time and a more structured approach to study, with taught classes and a class cohort. Coursework allows for students to study a wider array of topics, rather than working on their research alone, and it can provide a quicker qualification time. This course is perfect for working professionals who seek a structured timetable to earn an MPhil within two years while continuing employment.

University of the Western Cape faculty
Economic and Management Sciences

Programme duration
Two years

Start date
February 2027

Application deadline for 2027
27 January 2027

Number of graduations
53

Overview

What are the critical new understandings, debates, research, and scholarship on land, agriculture, oceans, water, climate and environment, food, and politics?

• Master concepts of land, climate, and conservation in Africa and other global majority areas as the competition for natural resources escalates in the contemporary world.
• Get ahead of the curve on how land, water, and rare earth minerals present new opportunities for accumulation of wealth, often in the name of carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and the decoupling of economic growth from resource-intensive industries.
• Interrogate what old and new pressures rural people anchored in small-scale farming, small-scale fishing and artisanal mining face, and scrutinise agrarian and aquatic reform, poverty and inequality, and rural and urban development from a multi- and interdisciplinary way.
• Examine and critique discussions on land, poverty, agriculture, food systems, natural resource governance, and climate change issues through political economy and political ecological lenses.
• Use real-time case study research in these fields to apply discussion points and arguments. Research methodology will be integrated in the research process of independent mini-thesis development – reading, proposal writing, fieldwork, analysis, and write-up.

Entry requirements

Candidates should hold either:

• a Postgraduate Diploma in Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, with an average of at least 65% in the programme; or
• an honours degree with an average of at least 65% in the final assessment of the exit-modules in Sociology, History, Economics, Political Science, Agriculture, Public Admin, Geography and Environmental Studies.

Learners must be able to communicate effectively in English with peers and the wider community, through writing and oral presentations.

Lecturers

Teaching and research

Format

Students will understand and apply theoretical arguments to current issues in written assessments, mainly:

• academic essays on key theoretical debates and apply these to a case study;
• a policy brief of clear and concise arguments with data and evidence;
• class debates on journal articles and on current topical issues; and
• group discussions and oral presentations.

Teaching and learning will be applied through contact time with lecturers; self-learning through extensive reading and conceptualising; writing practices for research, academic essays, opinion articles, policy briefs, and blogs; and oral presentations on topical issues. Film screenings, workshops, and skills development are central to the learning programme. Students will benefit from PLAAS’s international seminars, masterclasses, and research colloquiums.

How to apply

• Complete the UWC online application
  • Programme: MPhil in Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (Structured)
  • Application Type: Postgraduate
  • Faculty: Economic and Management Sciences
• Upload the required supporting documents below
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Research intention
  • Official transcripts and degree certificates
  • Certified ID/passport
  • SAQA evaluation (international)

Deadline

27 January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to submit at their earliest convenience. You will be notified by email whether your application has been successful or not. Information regarding the registration procedures will only be provided to successful candidates.

Start date
February 2027

Enquiries