University of the Witwatersrand > FMSP

TEACHING

The FMSP is an interdisciplinary unit with a social science focus. Through courses in the FMSP and affiliated departments, students have the chance to explore the philosophical, historical, methodological and managerial questions surrounding displacement and humanitarian aid. In doing so, they will also consider the needs and perspectives of international actors, sending and receiving societies, and the displaced themselves.

DEGREES OFFERED

Forced Migration Programme students may pursue one of four degree or diploma options:

Post-Graduate Diploma in Forced Migration (PGDA)

This degree option is open to applicants who have achieved a 65% average in their first University degree. Candidates from the social sciences are encouraged to apply as are those with strong degrees from other disciplines (e.g., law) or extensive practical experience.

For the PGDA, students must complete three taught courses with the marks for each course counting for one third of the final mark. There is no research report requirement. Students may also register for additional courses on an ‘occasional’ basis, although these require additional fees and do not count towards the degree. The course may be completed over one year (full-time) or over two years (part-time). Registration is in February of each year although students may also enrol in July under exceptional circumstances.

Students performing well on the Postgraduate Diploma may have the option of upgrading to the Masters level during the second semester, or at the end of the year.

Honours Degree in Forced Migration

The Honours in Forced Migration Studies degree programme is open to applicants who have a three-year first degree in any social science discipline and achieved a 65% average in their third year. It is also suitable for people who are transferring from technical fields (e.g., engineering, business).

Honours students are required to complete a total of four modular courses, each comprising 20% of the overall honours mark. They must also complete a long essay module (GRAD 470) that makes up the remaining 20%. Full-time students are expected to complete all degree requirements over a twelve-month period. Part-time students should finish within two years. Registration is in February of each year. Under exceptional circumstances, students may also enrol in July.

Masters of Arts in Forced Migration by Course Work and Research Report

Successful applicants to the Masters of Arts in Forced Migration Studies will possess a good honours or 4 year undergraduate degree (65% or better average) in any social science or related discipline. Candidates with relevant professional experience will also be considered. The Masters programme is offered over one year for full-time students and two years for part-time enrollees.

To earn an MA in Forced Migration Studies, students must complete three taught courses and a research report. Full-time students must register in February. Part-time students may be considered for mid-year registration.

Masters of Arts in Forced Migration by Dissertation

The Masters by Research is intended for advanced students with prior social science research experience and a background in migration studies. Students who are otherwise deemed qualified may be admitted on the condition that they complete the programme’s core course (GRAD 525) and/or the research methods module. Evaluation is based solely on the successful completion of a research report of around 50,000 words. A proposal for this research is due 3 months after first enrolling. The research report, based on substantial, primary-source research, is normally expected 12 months after initial enrolment although full-time students have up to 2 years to complete the project. A committee consisting of a primary supervisor and at least one other advisor will guide students. Students may enroll in either February or July for this degree.

Doctorate in Forced Migration

The PhD in Forced Migration Studies is by research alone and generally requires no course work. Successful doctoral applicants must have a strong under-graduate degree and masters qualification, a substantive background in a forced migration-related field, and a demonstrated ability to conduct methodologically sound, independent research (academic or otherwise). Strong students who do not meet all of these qualifications may be admitted on the condition that they register for a research methods course and/or the core course. All new doctoral students are encouraged to participate in the Masters level research methods seminar taught in conjunction with the programme’s core course.

FMSP doctoral students are supervised by a thesis committee consisting of a primary supervisor and at least one other advisor capable of offering coverage of relevant areas. Doctoral students wishing to pursue their degrees within the FMSP must register in the Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences. Upon acceptance, Doctoral students may register at any time.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Forced Migration Studies Programme receives applications from qualified students across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. To ensure that you receive fair consideration, please ensure that your application is complete and received in time. For additional information, please consult our Graduate Handbook 2008 and our admission requirements.

Application forms are available on-line pdf or email the Forced Migration Studies Programme at info@migration.wits.ac.za.

Students in Yeoville

“As one of the few institutions on the continent that offers a programme of such outstanding quality, the FMSP attracts and provides a platform for national and international scholars to consider migration issues that are significant concerns for people throughout the continent. Such an eclectic mix of students and scholars offered an in-depth understanding of some the more theoretical issues around migration. In my work, these have allowed me to place migration firmly within a human rights paradigm.”

Ereshnee Naidu
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation