What Is Masters Degree
A master’s degree is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.
Entry Requirements To Study Masters Degree In South Africa
The main requirement to apply for a Masters degree is usually a Bachelors in a relevant subject.
However, postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, and can be quite flexible.
Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the applications process.
This guide explains the typical Masters degree entry requirements for a Masters, which include:
An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs
Remember that you can check the specific entry requirements to apply for a Masters degree using Find A Masters.
Academic qualifications
As postgraduate qualifications, Masters courses are intended for students who’ve already completed a Bachelors degree or other undergraduate course.
These existing qualifications show prospective universities that you have the knowledge and academic ability to succeed at Masters level. As such, your previous degree results may be one of the most important entry requirements for postgraduate courses.
A Bachelors (or other undergraduate) degree
Most SA universities require applicants to have earned a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject. International applicants should hold an overseas qualification of a similar standard, from a recognized higher education institution.
Schools Offering Masters Degree In South Africa
Architecture
| Courses | Location | Colleges/ Universities |
| Master of Architecture Professional | Port Elizabeth | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
Business & Management
| Courses | Location | Colleges/ Universities |
| Master in Finance and Investment (MFI) | Johannesburg | University of Witwatersrand |
| Masters in Public Management | Johannesburg | Regenesys Business School |
| Master’s Degree in Development Finance | Cape Town | University of StellenboSchool |
| Masters of Management (MM) by Research | Johannesburg | University of Witwatersrand |
| MPhil in Futures Research | Cape Town | University of StellenboSchool |
| MM of Entrepreneurship And New Venture Creation | Johannesburg | University of Witwatersrand |
| MPhil in Management Coaching | Cape Town | University of StellenboSchool |
What are the requirements for masters degree in South Africa?
To obtain a masters, you usually need to complete 12 to 18 college courses that often involve completing comprehensive tests and/or a thesis. A Master, which takes one to two years of schooling to receive, may help students improve their professional skills and gain knowledge in their chosen field.
What qualifications do you need for a master’s degree in South Africa ?
You’ll normally need an upper second class degree (a ‘2.1’) or its equivalent for entry to a Masters degree. Some universities and courses also accept students with lower second class degrees (2.2s).
How many years does it take to get a masters degree in South Africa?
The universities in South Africa offer a wide variety of masters degree programs that are popular among African and international students. Typically, it takes 1 or 2 years to complete a masters in South Africa.
Can you do masters without Honours in South Africa?
Each year we do manage to get several students on to Masters degrees without an honours degree. However in most cases, you will need to complete a bachelors degree before being accepted on a Masters.
Which masters degree is most in demand in South Africa?
Course types
The most popular fields of study for Masters students in South Africa are Engineering, Science, Law, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences
How many credits is a masters degree in South Africa?
180 credits
Bachelor’s Degrees and 180 credits per academic year for Master’s Degrees and Doctorates.
Which degree pays the most in South Africa?
Petroleum Engineers – 72,600 Rands in an Year.
Management Consultants – 392,000 and 672,000 Rands per Annum.
Actuary – 598,055 Rands per Annum.
Air Traffic Controller – 583,450 Rands per Year.
Chartered Accountant – 434,191 Rands per Year.
These are the top ten highest paying professions in South Africa in 2021.
What is the hardest degree to study in South Africa?
Mathematics is the most difficult degree course to study in South Africa today, followed by Pharmacy. In contrast, both mathematics and pharmacy are the most marketable courses in South Africa in 2021. Similarly, Accounting is also one of the hardest degree courses in South Africa.