Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies Course Requirements at NWU
North-West University · Faculty of Humanities
The Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies is a master's Degree offered by NWU for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time; maximum 3 years full-time / 4 years part-time to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies at NWU
A Bachelor Honours in Development Studies (or a related field such as Development Administration/Management, Community Development, or Land Reform and Rural Development) at a minimum average of 65% (60-64% considered case-by-case where capacity allows).
About this course
This Mahikeng, full-dissertation Master's trains graduates to identify, analyse and solve complex development problems using scientific and locally appropriate methodologies. It builds capacity to conduct rigorous, contextually grounded development research. Successful candidates can progress to a PhD in Development Studies.
Course intelligence for Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Master's Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.
Admission chances
NWU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with NWU and NSFAS.
- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 June 2026
Closing date still to be announced by NWU.
View all Courses at NWU
- Duration
- Minimum 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time; maximum 3 years full-time / 4 years part-time
- NQF Level
- 9
Related courses
Source: North-West University 2026 Postgraduate Yearbook - Faculty of Humanities, last verified 2026-08-28. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with North-West University before applying.