Deadline: February 2, 2026
Applications are invited for the University of the Witwatersrand & University of Edinburgh Masters by Research Sustainable African Futures 2026. The MScR programme will provide the necessary skills to undertake advanced research through a structured programme of research training. Students will have the opportunity to undertake additional specialist research training (through courses and sustainability schools) alongside an independent research project.
The MScR includes three compulsory courses that cover core research training skills around Data Collection and Research Design and a compulsory course to introduce students to the complex realities of sustainable development in African contexts with the course “Dynamics of African Development”.
An integral part of the degree is a dissertation, which is an extended research project of 18,000 words. This will allow students to explore and develop research ideas that could act as a launch pad into doctoral work. The programme approaches sustainability in very broad terms and so welcomes students interested in developing innovative, cutting-edge, multi, inter and transdisciplinary research projects. The programme also offers the opportunity to develop students’ own interests through workshops, short courses and online seminars offered by the University of Edinburgh.
Costs
Costs covered during the 12 months of the MSc by Research program are:
- MSc by Research fees
- Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) in Johannesburg. Covered costs include visa applications for South Africa entry, vaccinations as necessary, accommodation and subsistence while in Johannesburg, return flights and internal travel.
- Workload relief for faculty / work experience stipend for early career researchers
- Laptops and connectivity stipend where appropriate
- Reading material will be accessible online through the University of Edinburgh library, and other resources will be made available by course lecturers (no cost will be attached to courses or dissertation).
Eligibility
The target group for scholarships are early career researchers and University staff members who meet the requirements to pursue a social sciences masters 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 Masters programme at the University of Edinburgh (A UK 2:1 Honours degree, or its international equivalent).
- Ideally demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable the candidate to succeed in their studies, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. Support may be offered to offer holders who are slightly below the required IELTS band to help them reach the necessary admissions requirement, but all applicants will need a foundation in English to be eligible.
- Be either:
- recent graduates from the 14 partner universities with strong interests in pursuing a career in academia and/or research, OR
- demonstrably involved in research projects of one of the 14 partner universities OR
- a staff member at one of the 14 partner universities (including lecturers, early career researchers, professional service staff in arts and humanities, etc).have generally completed their last university degree not more than 3.5 years ago at the time of application
- Applicants must be 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year, they accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1991. Anyone born in 1990 and prior is not eligible.
- Be a resident and citizen or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
Application
In addition to the online application form, candidates will need to upload the following mandatory documents:
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable)
- Your final official university degree certificate and final official transcript.
For more information, visit Masters by Research Sustainable African Futures.