Masters Programme

The OIS Masters Programme is intended for students who have either attended the OIS Honours Programme or come from other, related academic programmes and are interested in the study of institutions. This programme focuses on mastery of broader theoretical debates as well as the process of developing a research design and conducting their own research.

The Programme is made up of one advanced theory core course—Advanced Concepts in Organisational and Institutional Studies—and one methods and thesis development course, as well as electives. Students are required to submit a 20.000 to 25.000 word research essay.

All students must complete 180 credits, comprising the course in Advanced Concepts in Organisational and Institutional Studies (30 credits), the Advanced Research Methods in Organisational and Institutional Studies, one elective course of 30 credit and a research report (90 credits).

• An Honours degree from OIS programme or comparable department
• A 70% or higher course mark aggregate in the Honours course
• A 68% or higher mark in the Honours Research Report
• NQF 7

Non-Wits Applicants require:

• CV
• Certified copies of your ACADEMIC RECORD / STATEMENT OF RESULTS
• Certified copy of Certificate of Evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority. Details of how to apply for the certificate are on their website: www.saqa.org.za (Only for International Students)
• Letter of Motivation detailing why you are interested in the program
• Sample of work (may be a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted)
• A 1–2 page Research Proposal outlining your research interest.
• In terms of the University rules, an applicant who has not used English in his/her academic education up to this point will be required to supply proof of proficiency in English at the time of application. A British Council test is recommended and they can be contacted at (011) 718 4300 or email IELTS@britishcouncil.org.za
• Non-refundable Application Fee of R200.00

Wits Applicants require:

• CV
• Letter of Motivation as to why you wish to pursue this line of study
• A 1-2 page Research Proposal outlining your research interest.
• Sample of Work (may be a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted, etc.)
• Sample of work e.g. essay, a chapter from previous research, etc.

• Students are encouraged to choose their optional courses according to the kinds of issues they wish to cover in their Research Report.
• Many optional courses are offered at both the Honours and the MA levels. Students will sit in the same class, but requirements of the course will differ depending on the level at which it is taken.
• NB: If you have taken a course at Honours level, you may not take it again at the MA level.

Core:

SOSS7085A                 Advanced Concepts in Organisational and Institutional Studies

SOSS7095A.               Advanced Research Methods in Organisational and Institutional Studies

Electives:

ANTH7017A                Political and Legal Anthropology

ANTH7025A                Economic Anthropology

ECON7025A                Advanced Institutional Economics

HIST7007A                  Capitalism and the Countryside

HIST7025A                  The Making of Urban South Africa

POLS7036A                 The State in Africa: Democratisation and Crisis

SOCL7012A                 Global Institutions and Economic Restructuring

SOCL4040A/7043A  Sociology of Land and Agrarian Reform in Southern Africa

Research Component:

SOSS7010A                 MA Research Report

or

SOSS7089A                 MA Research Report Part I

SOSS7090A                 MA Research Report Part II