Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand offers students an in-depth understanding of social behaviors, structures, and institutions that shape societies. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a nuanced perspective on social issues affecting both local and global communities. Throughout the course, students explore key concepts such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender dynamics, social change, and urbanization, gaining insights into the complex interplay between individual actions and societal developments. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical research methodologies, enabling students to conduct empirical investigations and produce meaningful social analyses. Emphasizing interdisciplinarity, the programme integrates perspectives from history, politics, economics, and anthropology to foster a well-rounded understanding of social phenomena. Students are encouraged to engage actively in discussions, participate in community projects, and undertake internships that provide real-world experience. The department promotes a critical awareness of social justice issues and prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, NGOs, community development, policy analysis, and beyond. With experienced faculty members dedicated to mentoring and supporting student success, the programme offers a vibrant academic environment that nurtures intellectual growth and social responsibility. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology are equipped to contribute thoughtfully to society and to pursue postgraduate studies in sociology or related fields, making a positive impact in diverse professional contexts.

Staff in Sociology are experts in a wide range of fields, and the areas of possible PhD supervision include, but are not restricted to:

• comparative politics and historical research
• environmental sociology
• economic and political development
• gender and work
• global institutions and economic restructuring
• health sociology
• higher education reform
• labour and left history
• labour movements in southern Africa
• political sociology
• rural development, land and agrarian reform
• religious movements
• social theory and political philosophy
• the social aspects of HIV/AIDS
• the social and political theory
• the sociology of disability
• the sociology of gender
• the sociology of race and identity
• the sociology of the media
• the sociology of policy, and policy analysis
• South African macro-economic policy
• South Asian studies
• feminisms and feminist theory
• urban and rural social movements
• work and employment

We aim to provide opportunities for tutoring, marking, and teaching, to PhD students as part of the overall training towards an academic career. 

• 70% aggregate in coursework and research at the Masters level in Sociology or a cognate discipline
• prior postgraduate-level training in social theory, and research methods, including academic research experience, and
• a suitable proposed research plan for the PhD in an area where the department can provide expert supervision.

Please also note:

• As the process of selection for the PhD is a rigorous and intensive process, and requires securing expert supervision before a decision on admission can be taken, it takes on average 3 to 4 months from the date of application for an applicant to receive a decision on their application.
• It is not required that you secure an interested supervisor prior to application. However, students can only be admitted if there is a willing and available supervisor , a process facilitated by the Postgraduate Selections Committee. Therefore, if you are not already in ongoing communication with a specific staff member regarding your interest in pursuing a PhD, please do not send requests to staff about their interest in supervision until you have followed the applications process, if applicable.

** Please note especially that an MA from a non-South African institution will require accreditation from the South Africans Qualifications Authority prior to admission. Please visit the SAQA website for further information.
It is the responsibility of all international students to secure necessary visas and study permits following a decision regarding admission. The Department does not assist with this process in any way.
All costs associated with foreign qualifications or international students’ visas and permits are for the applicant’s expense.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a comprehensive financing structure designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees are primarily determined by the university’s annual fee schedule, which is subject to annual review and adjustment. Typically, domestic students benefit from more affordable tuition rates, with the fees covering various program components including lectures, seminars, library access, and faculty support. International students, on the other hand, often pay higher tuition fees, reflecting the additional administrative costs associated with their enrollment.

In addition to tuition fees, students are responsible for other expenses such as registration fees, student services fees, and examination fees. The university provides detailed fee structures on its official website, allowing prospective students to plan their finances accordingly. To assist students in financing their studies, the University of the Witwatersrand offers several funding options. These include merit-based scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs aimed at supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. Such bursaries often cover a portion of tuition costs and may extend to accommodation subsidies or other living expenses.

Moreover, students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities, including government loans, private scholarships, and sponsorships from organizations aligned with their academic field. The university also facilitates access to work-study programs, enabling students to work part-time on campus to offset living expenses while gaining practical experience. The application process for university funding typically requires submission of academic transcripts, financial income documentation, and sometimes personal statements or motivation letters.

International students may have additional options such as student exchange programs or government-sponsored funding schemes that support international mobility. The university provides comprehensive guidance and support services to help students identify suitable financing options and navigate the application process. It is important for prospective students to start planning their finances well in advance of their intended start date, as funding availability can vary each academic year and depend on the student's individual circumstances. Overall, the University of the Witwatersrand’s financing options aim to make quality education accessible while encouraging students to seek financial support proactively to successfully complete their Sociology degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social structures, institutions, and processes that shape societies both locally and globally. The programme aims to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad perspective on social issues, preparing them for diverse careers in research, policy development, community work, and further academic pursuits.

The curriculum typically includes foundational courses in sociological theory, research methods, and various specialized areas such as social stratification, gender studies, development, and urban sociology. Students engage in qualitative and quantitative research techniques, enabling them to design, implement, and analyze social research projects. Through coursework and practical assignments, students develop skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and scholarly writing.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program emphasizes applied sociology, encouraging students to understand and address real-world social problems. Experiential learning opportunities may include internships, community engagement projects, and fieldwork, fostering practical skills and societal awareness. The program often collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to promote experiential learning and social contribution.

The duration of the degree is typically three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study in some cases. The programme aims to produce graduates who are socially conscious, culturally aware, and capable of contributing meaningfully to academia, government, NGOs, or the private sector. Entry requirements include a high school qualification with specific emphasis on subjects relevant to arts and social sciences.

Graduates of the Sociology programme may pursue postgraduate studies at the same university or abroad, specializing further in areas such as development sociology, social research methods, or global social analysis. The university's strong academic reputation, diverse student body, and active research centers support students' academic growth and professional development during their undergraduate years.