Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme in Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) 2023–2024 for African Students. Apply below.
Table of Contents
When is the Application Deadline:
15th May 2023
Tell Me About Award the Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme:
Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme aims to provide research training to equip students (primarily academics already holding tenured positions) to complete interdisciplinary doctoral research on areas related to sustainability on the African continent.
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Additionally, the Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme allows students to complete primarily an online master’s followed by a primarily online doctorate.
Furthermore, the Masters by Research and Ph.D. programmes will combine in-person elements including sustainability schools (in-person schools focussed on enhancing knowledge in the field of sustainability research) in South Africa and contact sessions in Edinburgh alongside workplace-based internships. Academics from UoE and Wits will deliver the supervision online.
The Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme will recruit an initial cohort of 50 students from faculties from partner African higher education institutions to complete sustainability-focused doctoral studies. Following an initial online Master by Research, to front-load the development of critical research skills and delivered full-time, at least 30 of these students will continue to complete PhDs either full-time or part-time.
Through its cohort approach and emphasis on advanced research design and methods training, the Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme will produce a powerful cohort of African research specialists committed to addressing Africa’s sustainability challenges on its own terms. Impacts The Universities of the Witwatersrand and Edinburgh share a long-standing and productive partnership.
Therefore, bound by common values, the Institution commits itself to collaboratively producing the kinds of knowledge that will shape dignified, equitable, and sustainable futures for people across the world. Under this overarching vision, WESAF aims to:
Type:
Scholarship (Masters, Ph.D.)
Who can Apply?
MScR Programme in Sustainable African Futures
The target group for scholarships is emerging researchers and academics who meet the requirements to
pursue a master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh.
To apply for this programme, applicants must:
- have successfully completed a university degree that will qualify for entry into a Master’s programme
at the University of Edinburgh (A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). - demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable one to succeed in the studies,
regardless of nationality or country of residence. - have generally completed their last university degree not more than three and a half years ago
and/or have demonstrable experience in academia/research at the time of application. - be nationals or permanent residents of an African country
- be a) a staff member at one of the partner universities, OR b) a candidate being considered for
teaching or research staff recruitment by the partner universities.
Female applicants, applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and candidates from other
less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Ph.D. in Sustainable African Futures
Only candidates that have completed the MScR in Sustainable African Futures are eligible to apply for the
Ph.D. programme. Furthermore, candidates invited to apply for this programme will submit an online application form. In
addition to the online application form, applicants must upload the following mandatory documents:
- A time plan that demonstrates that the doctoral thesis dissertation will be completed in good time
- A recommendation letter from the Master’s supervisor at the University of Edinburgh
- A 2-5 page concept paper for the proposed PhD project.
Where will Award be Taken?
Johannesburg, South Africa
How Many Awards?
50
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Costs covered during the 12 months of the MSc by Research programme are:
- MSc by Research fees
- Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) in Johannesburg. Covered costs include visa
applications for South African entry, vaccinations as necessary, accommodation, and subsistence while
in Johannesburg, return flights, and internal travel. - Laptops and connectivity where appropriate
- Reading material will be accessible through the University of Edinburgh online library and other
resources will be made available by course lecturers (no cost will be attached to courses or
dissertation)
Costs covered during the Ph.D. programme are:
- Tuition fees
- Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) (one in Edinburgh (2025) and one in Johannesburg
(2027)), including visa applications for South Africa entry, vaccinations as required, accommodation and
subsistence while in Johannesburg, return flights, and internal travel. - Research placements of between 1 and 6 months will be arranged for students at some point in the
second or the third year of the Ph.D. Additionally, a stipend to cover costs for the placement with an external industry
(or appropriate workplace) partner.
Scholarships are granted for 3 years for full-time study and six years for part-time study for the Ph.D.
Annual reporting on progress will be mandatory
How Long Will The Award Last?
The program will be launched in September 2023.
While all the scholars are expected to complete the Master by Research in one year, it is anticipated that some scholars will undertake the PhDs flexibly, some full-time and others part-time while continuing in their substantive roles at their universities. The Ph.D. could be undertaken in various forms, including by publication.
How to Apply for the Wits-Edinburgh Doctoral Programme:
Apply below
