Master of Education
The Master of Education by dissertation (HRA00) or by coursework and research report (HCA00) is a 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time degree.
Overview
The MEd by Dissertation is a research-focused master’s degree in which the student’s main academic work is a single, substantial dissertation rather than a combination of coursework and a research report. This programme is offered in January, April and July. Instead of taking multiple taught modules, you work closely with a supervisor to develop and complete an original research project in an area of education that you choose.
The MEd by Coursework and Research Report combines advanced coursework with a substantial research report, preparing graduates to lead evidence-informed change across classrooms, schools, and broader education systems in South Africa and beyond.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme may pursue careers as:
- Senior educators and curriculum specialists
- Education policy analysts and advisors
- Educational researchers
- Or follow an academic pathway towards a PhD.
- Other opportunities include roles as school principals and education leaders, educational technology specialists, and professionals in community education and development.
Curriculum
MEd by coursework and research report, students complete three coursework modules alongside a research report. Two of these modules are selected from eight named specialisation packages aligned with the student’s intended research focus, while the third may be chosen from over 50 available coursework options across all specialisation areas.
Alternatively, with Senate permission, students may select a cognate Master’s-level course from another discipline or faculty.
The specialisation packages include:
- Applied language and literacy education
- Curriculum and Tertiary Teaching
- Education Leadership and Policy Studies
- Education and Work
- Educational Technology
- Inclusive Education
- Mathematics and Science Education
- Early Childhood Education
Entry Requirements
- BEd Honours or pre-2002 BEd
- Equivalent qualification from another university
- A four-year degree or equivalent
- In exceptional cases: 10 years’ experience + a 3-year qualification + proven research competence
- Or a degree plus a Higher Diploma in Adult Education with at least 3 years’ experience in adult education
University Application Process
- Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ applications process. Refer to Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ postgraduate online application guide for detailed guidelines.
- Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the .
- Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.
Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
International students, please check this section.
For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.