Study
Four postgraduate degrees in Migration and Displacement at the University of the Witwatersrand — Honours, MA by coursework, MA by research, and PhD.
Based in the School of Social Sciences, the study of Migration and Displacement is inherently interdisciplinary — encompassing political science, sociology, public health, urban planning and development studies. The programmes are taught and supervised by ACMS staff who are experts in the field.
All programmes can be undertaken full- or part-time, and are designed to provide comprehensive conceptual and theoretical training. They also equip graduate students with the practical skills necessary to understand, analyse and advise on the drivers, impacts and management of migration within academia, government, the private sector and non-profit organisations, where many of our alumni are currently employed. Students are invited to participate in the Centre’s research activities, and to publish and present their own work.
15
Students enrolled each year
A maximum of 15 Honours, MA and PhD students are enrolled annually, from various academic backgrounds and countries.
The four degrees at a glance
Full- or part-time
| Degree | Entry level | Minimum mark | Written work |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Honours in Migration and Displacement | Undergraduate degree, NQF 7 | 65% average | Research essay, 9,000–10,000 words |
| MA by coursework and research report | Honours or 4-year degree, NQF 8 | 65% average | Research report, 20,000–25,000 words |
| MA by research (dissertation only) | Honours or 4-year degree in migration studies, NQF 8 | 65% average | Dissertation, 40,000–50,000 words |
| PhD in Migration and Displacement | MA in migration studies, NQF 9 | 70% for MA report | Thesis, 75,000–85,000 words, or by publication |
Honours · NQF 8
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Migration and Displacement
Suitable for those who would like to advance their scholarly training in migration studies. Students complete two mandatory courses, two elective courses and a research essay of 9,000 to 10,000 words.
- An undergraduate degree in Humanities / Social Sciences (SAQA NQF Level 7)
- 65% or above average mark for the undergraduate degree (average across 3 years)
- Candidates with relevant professional experience may also be considered
MA · coursework & research report
Master of Arts (MA) in Migration and Displacement
Intended to advance critical engagement with the theory and practices of migration and displacement. Students complete two mandatory courses, one elective course and a research report of 20,000–25,000 words.
- Honours or a 4-year degree in Humanities / Social Sciences (SAQA NQF Level 8)
- 65% or above average mark for Honours or 4th year BA
- A motivation letter explaining the interest in migration studies
MA · research, dissertation only
Master of Arts (MA) in Migration and Displacement
For advanced students with prior social-science research experience and a background in migration studies. With no coursework requirement, students complete a dissertation of 40,000 to 50,000 words.
- Honours or a 4-year degree in migration studies (SAQA NQF Level 8)
- 65% or above average mark for Honours or 4th year
- A motivation letter explaining the interest in migration studies
- Evidence of research methods training and ability to conduct research independently
PhD · NQF 10
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Migration and Displacement
Suitable for those who intend to have a career in research either inside or outside the academy. The degree generally requires no coursework, and can be completed either by full thesis (75,000 to 85,000 words) or by publication of peer-reviewed articles.
- Academic background (i.e. MA degree) in migration studies (NQF Level 9)
- 70% or above mark for the MA research report or dissertation
- Evidence of research methods training and ability to conduct research independently
- A motivation letter explaining the interest in migration studies
- A research concept note (5 pages max) outlining the topic, the question and the scholarly relevance of the intended research
- Supervision offer
Applications & funding
For more information, visit the Wits University Migration and Displacement course pages, or the University’s funding opportunities portal.
Talk to us
Any further enquiries about the programmes, supervision or applications can go straight to the teaching team.