Exploring Postgraduate Opportunities at Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University offers a wide array of postgraduate programs designed to advance knowledge and skills across various disciplines. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise in a specific field or explore new academic avenues, the university provides options for postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral studies. This guide outlines the diverse range of courses available, helping prospective students navigate the offerings within each faculty.
Faculty of AgriSciences Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University provides a comprehensive selection of postgraduate programs suitable for both domestic and international students. These programs focus on key areas within agricultural science, offering pathways to advanced study and research.
Agricultural Economics and Management
Students can pursue a Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Science in Agriculture (MScAgric), Master of Agricultural Administration (MAgricAdmin), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (DSc) in Agricultural Economics and Management.
Agronomy
The Department of Agronomy offers a Postgraduate Diploma, MScAgric, PhD, and DSc in Agronomy, allowing students to specialize in crop science and management.
Animal Sciences
Advanced studies in Animal Sciences include options for an MScAgric in various specializations like Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding, Animal Physiology, and Animal Products Science. Doctoral candidates can pursue a PhD or DSc in Animal Production Systems. A Postgraduate Diploma in Aquaculture is also available.
Conservation Ecology and Entomology
This department offers an MSc in Conservation Ecology, as well as an MSc, PhD, and DSc in Entomology and Nematology. Students interested in sustainable practices can pursue an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture.
Food Science
The Faculty offers an MSc in Food Science, an MSc in Food and Nutrition Security, and doctoral degrees (PhD and DSc) in Food Science.
Forest and Wood Science
Postgraduate students can obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry and Wood Sciences. Master’s degrees include an MScFor in Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences or Wood and Wood Products Sciences, alongside PhD and DSc options.
Genetics
The Department of Genetics provides opportunities for an MScAgric, PhD, and DSc in Genetics.
Horticultural Science
Students can pursue a BScHons in Applied Plant Physiology, an MScAgric, PhD, or DSc in Horticultural Science.
Plant Pathology
This department offers a BScHons, MSc, PhD, and DSc in Plant Pathology.
Soil Science
Postgraduate studies in Soil Science include an MScAgric, PhD, and DSc.
Viticulture and Oenology
The Faculty offers an MScAgric, PhD, and DSc in both Oenology and Viticulture. Additionally, the Institute of Wine Biotechnology provides a BScHons, MScAgric or MSc, PhD, and DSc.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a diverse range of postgraduate programs that encourage interdisciplinary study and critical thinking.
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Postgraduate Programs
This faculty provides a broad spectrum of postgraduate qualifications designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in economics, management, and finance.
Postgraduate Diplomas
Available postgraduate diplomas include Actuarial Science, Development Finance, Dispute Settlement, Financial Planning, HIV/Aids Management, Leadership, Marketing, Project Management, and Sustainable Development.
Honours Degrees
Honours degrees are offered in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Management, Economics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, Financial Analysis, Financial Risk Management, Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Information Systems Management, Logistics Management, Management Accounting, Mathematical Statistics, Operations Research, Public and Development Management, and Statistics.
Master’s Degrees
Master’s degrees encompass fields such as Auditing, Business Administration (MBA), Computer Auditing, Development Finance, Environmental Management, Futures Studies, HIV/Aids Management, Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Management Coaching, Public and Development Management, Sustainable Development, and Taxation.
PhD Degrees
Doctoral candidates can pursue a PhD in all fields offered at the master’s level, with an additional specialization in Complexity and Sustainability Studies.
Faculty of Education Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Education offers programs designed for aspiring educators and those seeking to advance their careers in educational leadership and research.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
This professional qualification is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects who wish to become professional educators.
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning)
This program allows students to specialize in areas such as Academic Leadership and Management, Citizenship, Social Inclusion and Difference, ICTs for Teaching and Learning, Postgraduate Supervision, Service-learning in Community Engagement, and Work and Learning.
Bachelor of Education Honours (BEdHons)
Specializations include Curriculum Inquiry, Education Development and Democracy, Educational Support, Foundation Phase Education, and Language Education, primarily offered through a blended learning mode.
Master of Education (MEd)
Students can pursue a research or taught program in Curriculum Studies, Education Policy Studies, or Educational Support.
Master of Education in Educational Psychology (MEd (Psych))
This is a professional degree accredited for registration as an Educational Psychologist.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Taught programs are available in Higher Education, Education and Training for Lifelong Learning, and an MPhil by Research.
Doctoral Degrees
The faculty offers both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (DEd), focusing on independent research and sustained scholarly work, respectively.
Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Engineering provides advanced programs for students looking to specialize in various engineering disciplines. All programs are open to international students.
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering (PGDip (Engineering))
Specializations include Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering (Data Science), and Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Students can choose between an MEng by Coursework, focusing on the application of engineering sciences in design, or an MEng by Research, which is research-intensive. Available branches include Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Engineering Management, Extractive Metallurgical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Mechatronic Engineering.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctoral research is offered across all major engineering branches.
Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
This degree is based on advanced-level research and publications throughout a professional career.
Faculty of Law Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Law offers specialized postgraduate programs for legal professionals and academics.
Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law
This two-year part-time coursework program covers various aspects of tax law, including income tax and VAT.
Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law
This program can be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two years, covering copyright, trademark, patent law, and more.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
A three-year LLB program is available as a second degree for those with an existing bachelor’s qualification.
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master’s degrees can be pursued through coursework with specialization in areas like Alternative Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade Law, and Labour Law, or through research in Mercantile Law, Private Law, and Public Law.
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Doctoral candidates undertake research in Mercantile Law, Private Law, or Public Law.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Postgraduate Programs
This faculty offers a wide range of postgraduate programs in medical and health-related fields, catering to both clinical and research-oriented students.
Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons)
Fields of study include Anatomy, Biokinetics, Clinical Human Genetics, Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Hyperbaric Medicine, Medical Physiology, Medical Virology, Molecular Biology, Morphological Sciences, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Reproductive Biology, and Sport Science.
Bachelor of Nursing Honours
Programs are offered via the Interactive Telematic Education (ITE) platform in Adult Critical Care Nursing, Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, and Advanced Psychiatric Nursing.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctoral studies are available in numerous specializations, including Anaesthesiology, Anatomical Pathology, Anatomy, Audiology, Chemical Pathology, Clinical and Research Ethics, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, and many others.
Master of Medicine (MMed)
Specializations include Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medical Genetics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nuclear Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and a broad range of surgical and diagnostic fields.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Programs include Addiction Psychiatry, Cancer Science, Cardiology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Communicable Diseases, Community Mental Health, and many other specialized areas.
Master of Science (MSc)
Fields of study include Anatomy, Baromedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Clinical Epidemiology, Cytopathology, Epidemiology, Food and Nutrition Security, Human Genetics, Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Microbiology, Medical Physics, Medical Physiology, Medical Virology, Molecular Biology, Morphological Sciences, Nuclear Medicine, and Pharmacology.
Other Master’s Programs
Additional master’s degrees include Master of Addiction Care, Master of Audiology, Master of Human Rehabilitation Studies, Master of Nursing, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Pathology, Master of Physiotherapy, Master of Public Health Nutrition, Master of Speech-Language Therapy, and Master of Therapeutic Nutrition.
Postgraduate Diplomas (PG Dip)
Various PG Dips are available, including Addiction Care, Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Family Medicine, Health Care Management, Health Research Ethics, Infection Control, Medicines Development, and Nursing.
Faculty of Military Science Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Military Science offers specialized postgraduate programs focused on defense and strategic studies.
Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
A PGD in Defence Studies is available, requiring coursework over two years.
Honours Programmes
BMilHons degrees are offered in Industrial Psychology, Military Geography, Military History, Military Management, Military Strategy, Organisation and Resource Management, Public and Development Management, Security and Africa Studies, and Technology (with specializations in Physics, Military Technology, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics, and Nautical Science). These programs involve coursework and a research assignment over two years.
Master’s Programmes
Master’s degrees include MMil in Military Geography, Military History, Military Science (Research), Military Strategy, Organisation and Resource Management, and Security and Africa Studies. Options include research-only or coursework and thesis. An MPhil in Security Management is also offered.
Doctoral Programme
A PhD in Military Science is available, focusing on research.
Faculty of Science Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Science provides advanced study opportunities in biological, physical, and mathematical sciences, often with interdisciplinary connections to other faculties.
BScHons
Programs are offered in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry, Biodiversity and Ecology, Microbiology, Physiological Sciences) and Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Polymer Science). Mathematical Sciences include Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physical and Mathematical Analysis. Interdisciplinary options are available with other faculties.
MSc
Master of Science degrees are offered in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry, Botany, Exercise Science, Microbiology, Physiological Sciences, Zoology), Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Polymer Science), and Mathematical Sciences (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical and Mathematical Analysis).
PhD
Doctoral research is available in Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physical and Mathematical Analysis, Physics, Physiological Sciences, Polymer Science, and Zoology, with interdisciplinary options.
DSc
Doctor of Science degrees are offered in Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Physiological Sciences, Polymer Science, and Zoology, with interdisciplinary options.
Faculty of Theology Postgraduate Programs
The Faculty of Theology offers postgraduate qualifications for those interested in Christian theology, church ministry, and leadership.
Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
A Postgraduate Diploma in Theology provides a basic orientation in various theological disciplines, with an option for specialization and a research assignment. A Postgraduate Diploma in Theology in Christian Ministry focuses on practical ministry areas. A Postgraduate Diploma in Theology for students in Religion and Culture is also available.
Master’s Programmes
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program explores themes related to the church in society, history, theology, and ministry skills. Master of Theology (MTh) programs are offered through structured coursework and research assignments or thesis-based routes. Specializations include Ecclesiology, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology (with sub-specializations like Clinical Pastorate, Ministry Practice, Youth Ministry), and Systematic Theology.
Doctorate Programme
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology is available, involving research and dissertation.

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