The Department of Sociology offers three Master’s degree programmes. These are:
These programmes are offered in two formats:
Applicants have to choose both a specialisation (i.e. Gender Studies; Sociology; Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies) as well as the model (i.e. coursework or dissertation).
Our three MSocSci coursework programmes in Gender Studies OR Sociology Or Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies comprise of compulsory modules and optional modules from a preselected list as well as a mini-dissertation.
The mini-dissertation constitutes the research component of all coursework master's degrees and is based on independent research undertaken by the student, under the guidance of a supervisor, on an approved topic. The mini-dissertation constitutes half of the degree and follows on from the coursework which constitutes the other half.
PLUS: Select one of the following:
AND: Select one of the following:
PLUS: Select ONE of the following:
AND: Select one of the following:
PLUS: Select one of the following:
AND: Select one of the following:
Students have to register for an M Soc Sci by dissertation degree in one of the three specialisations:
A full research dissertation, based on independent research done by the student on an approved topic in the discipline, is written under the guidance of a supervisor. Students have to register for one of three specialisations:
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below.
If you need additional information contact Prof Alf Nilsen at [email protected] or +27 (0)12 420 4366.
I am unsure as to whether I should enrol for the master’s by coursework or by dissertation. What is the difference?
Most of the leading international universities offer master’s programmes by coursework because these allow students access to high calibre teaching from experts in the field coupled with a structured programme, thereby ensuring that students establish strong foundations in the field in which they are specialising. In general, the master’s by coursework is intense and fast-paced, but it has the advantage that you leave with a solid qualification in 18 months, and that you have the experience of independent research together with exposure to current theoretical debates in the field. In addition, the master’s by coursework programme is designed around the experience of intimate learning in small groups, where there is a considerable amount of peer support.
The master’s by dissertation, on the other hand, is a programme particularly suited to people who feel that they already have a strong foundation in the field in which they plan to specialise, and who have a clear idea of the research problem they want to explore in their study. In addition, this programme suits those who prefer to produce their own structure rather than to adapt to the structure of a taught programme. Students on a master’s by dissertation programme generally receive input only from their supervisor and need to be able to work independently in order to ensure completion. We do have evidence that students take long to complete the master’s by dissertation and that some students do not complete. The master’s by dissertation programme does, however, allow for more in depth research on a specific topic. Of course, this programme is the only option for students who are unable to attend classes.
In terms of status, there is no difference between the two degrees. Both lead on to the doctorate for students who have performed well, and both degrees are suitable for academic and non-academic career trajectories. In some cases, there is more funding available for master’s by dissertation programmes, because these are purely research-based degrees.
If I decide to enrol for one of the master’s by coursework programmes, will I be able to attend since I am working full time? When are lectures offered?
Lectures are usually offered on weekday evenings from 17:30 to 20:00.
I can only start the master’s programme mid-year. Is that allowed?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept students mid-year. If you are interested in pursuing master’s studies, we encourage students to use the time before the start of the next academic year to read up in their field of interest, and to submit their application for studies for the following year between September and November.
I do not meet the minimum requirement of 70% for my honours. What should I do?
If you fall below a 70% average, we strongly recommend that you consider redoing your honours in Sociology, Industrial Sociology or Gender Studies or a cognate field. A mark range below 70% indicates that you are not adequately prepared for the demands of master’s study.
I am an international student. I have been told that I need a SAQA certificate. Why do I need this and how do I go about acquiring it?
A SAQA certificate is issued by the South African Qualifications Authority. Such a certificate certifies each of the thousands of international qualifications that exists and interprets these in relation to the South African qualifications framework. It is therefore necessary to obtain such a certificate to ensure that applicants are given access to the correct level of study. SAQA certification can be obtained online or by hard copy submission. Details can be found on the South African Qualification Authority’s web site: http://www.saqa.org.za/show.asp?include=docs/brochures/ceeq-main.htm
I am interested in doing a master’s in Gender studies, but I already have a master’s degree in another discipline. Can I do another master’s degree?
Yes, you can. But bear in mind that if you did well enough in your master’s (i.e. achieved at least 70% in your core modules), and if your master’s is in a field that is broadly aligned with the social sciences or humanities, we may consider admitting you to a D Phil in Sociology with specialisation in Gender Studies, provided that you take one or two taught modules at the master’s level in addition. In that case, simply indicate on your application for that the D Phil (Sociology with specialisation in Gender Studies) is your 1st choice and the MSocSci (Gender Studies) your 2nd choice.
I am nervous about the interview. What can I expect to be asked and how should I prepare?
Interviews are generally quite informal. Expect to meet between three and four staff members. We use the interview as an opportunity to get to know you better. What we would like to know from you in particular is what makes you interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in your chosen field. We would also like to get a sense of your undergraduate and honours training. What did you learn; which of the courses you did you enjoy most; why is that? Because the master’s programme requires of students to do independent research, we would like to talk to you about your interests and whether there are particular topics or themes that you are interested in doing research on. Finally, the interview provides you with the opportunity to get to know the department and some of the teaching staff. It is also a good place to find out if what the programme offers matches your expectations.
I need a bursary. Can you assist?
The university has a centralised merit bursary scheme. All postgraduate students are automatically entered into the system. Top performers receive the merit bursary, which is usually only paid out by September of the year of study. The cut-off point for the bursary varies from year to year, but students with an average of 70% and above stand a good chance. Please note that students who already hold an master’s degree are not eligible for this bursary. For more details: http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=7724
There are a number of agencies and institutes that offer postgraduate bursaries at MA level. The most important of these are the National Research Foundation. Often one can only apply for these bursaries once you have a research proposal in place. Also see the following link for external bursaries: http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=7723
I need student financing. Can you assist?
Student loans and other financial arrangements are dealt with by the university administration. Please consult the relevant web site for more information: http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=7724
What are the possibilities for a tutorship appointment or part-time work in the department?
We do have a tutor programme in our department and we welcome applications. The availability of position depends on funding, though. Please indicate to us when you come for an interview that you are interested in a tutorship, student assistant work or general part time work. Once you have received confirmation that you have been accepted into the programme, you can also send an email directly to our Departmental Administrator, Ms Rosa Da Costa-Bezuidenhout at [email protected]
I have been unsuccessful in my application. What should I do if I still want to pursue postgraduate studies with UP Sociology?
If you have not been successful, you may consider applying for master’s programmes both inside the university and at other universities where different entry requirements apply. Should you do well in such a master’s degree, you can re-apply to UP Sociology for a D Phil or a second master’s degree. Alternatively, you can consider enrolling for an honours in sociology again, both at UP or at another institution. If you achieve a 70% average, you can re-apply for the master’s. (Prospective Gender Studies students who do not meet the entry requirements can consider redoing their honours in a related field – but it is best to do so in consultation with us, so that we can indicate which fields will be most helpful in preparing you for a master’s programme in Gender Studies. Please contact Prof Alf Nilsen at [email protected].
For further queries about Master’s programmes, contact Prof Alf Nilsen at [email protected] or 012 420 4366.
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