Master of Commerce in Economics (Research) Course Requirements at University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg · College of Business and Economics
The Master of Commerce in Economics (Research) is a master's Degree offered by University of Johannesburg for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 1 year full-time (minimum), maximum 2 years full-time / add 1 year part-time, per general College Master's duration rules; 100% research-based. 180 credits, NQF 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 Commerce in Economics (Research) at University of Johannesburg
A cognate NQF Level 8 (old NQF 7) qualification deemed applicable by the School of Economics. Approved research proposal required, including preparatory work and possible proposal defence.
About this course
This dissertation-only Master's builds advanced competence in economic theory and methods as applied to real economic questions. Students must show evidence of independent and original scholarly work through the dissertation.
Course intelligence for Master of Commerce in Economics (Research)
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 Commerce in Economics (Research) 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
This course sits in the middle for competitiveness. With its published admission requirements, you have a reasonable chance if you apply in good time, though it’s not a sure thing. Don’t leave your application to the last week.
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 University of Johannesburg and NSFAS.
- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
View all Courses at University of Johannesburg
- Duration
- 1 year full-time (minimum), maximum 2 years full-time / add 1 year part-time, per general College Master's duration rules; 100% research-based. 180 credits, NQF
- NQF Level
- 9
Related courses
Source: UJ College of Business and Economics Postgraduate Yearbook, last verified 2026-08-28. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with University of Johannesburg before applying.