Postgraduate studies
Master's and doctoral studies by full research dissertation
In the postgraduate programmes, the emphasis is strongly on developing the subject discipline and making a valuable contribution to society through research.
Degree structure
The master’s degree entails the completion of a full research dissertation on an acceptable topic. This degree can be completed over a maximum of three years. The PhD degree entails the completion of a research thesis that can be completed over a maximum of five years.
Selection criteria
- For a master’s degree: An Honours degree in Sociology or a cognate discipline with a minimum of 60% for the Honours degree.
- For a PhD degree: A master’s degree in Sociology or a cognate discipline with a minimum of 60% obtained for the master’s degree.
- The selection is also subjected to the availability of a suitable supervisor.
The department is home to academic staff who specialise in the following areas of research:
- Applied social policy research
- Community protest
- Ethics
- Local governance
- Medical sociology
- Qualitative research
- Social demography
- Social ecology
- Social movements
Application procedure
Prospective students should download an application form on the department’s website (at the bottom of this page). Submit the completed form, together with the necessary documentation to the master’s and PhD Degree coordinator.
The departmental selection committee convenes regularly to consider applications and candidates are notified of the outcome by the coordinator. If the application has been successful students can proceed to register for the degree and must, upon registration, provide the assigned supervisor with proof of registration.
All sociology master's and PhD degree applications must be sent to:
Dr Sethulego Matebesi
Office: Room 9 (South Block)
T: +27 51 401 2590
E: matebsz@ufs.ac.za