Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities

Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities is an innovative postgraduate programme offered by the University of the Witwatersrand that aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to address the complex challenges facing urban environments today. This multidisciplinary programme focuses on the design, development, and implementation of sustainable urban solutions that promote energy efficiency, environmental protection, economic viability, and social equity within cities. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as urban planning, renewable energy integration, green building design, transportation systems, waste management, and climate change adaptation strategies. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, encouraging students to develop innovative approaches to creating resilient and sustainable urban communities. Emphasizing a collaborative learning environment, the programme fosters engagement with local government bodies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to ensure that theoretical concepts are effectively translated into real-world solutions. Students will have opportunities to participate in research projects, case studies, and fieldwork that address pressing urban sustainability issues specific to South African cities and beyond. Graduates of this programme will be prepared for careers in urban planning, environmental consulting, policy development, renewable energy, and sustainable development sectors. They will be capable of contributing to the planning and implementation of energy-efficient infrastructure and sustainable city initiatives that align with global standards and local needs. The programme’s holistic approach emphasizes systems thinking, innovative problem-solving, and strategic policymaking, making it an essential qualification for those committed to making a positive impact on urban environments worldwide. With a comprehensive academic structure led by experienced faculty members, this degree provides students with the tools to lead transformative change towards more sustainable and energy-efficient urban futures.

The curriculum for the qualification is structured into FIVE Compulsory Courses and ONE Elective to be selected out of three elective courses

Compulsory courses

• ARPL7010 - Understanding Cities of the South
• ARPL7042 - Energy for Sustainable Cities
• ARPL7043 - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Buildings  
• ARPL7040 - Research Methods
• ARPL7046 - Research Report (in the field of SEEC)

Elective Course(s) from the Following Options

• ARPL7032 - Environmental Planning & Sustainable Development 
• ARPL7005 - Social and Technical Sustainability in Housing
• ARPL7015 - Sustainable City Studio + ARPL7XXX – Technologies and Techniques for the Built Environment 

• The degree admits graduates with an honors degree in built environment, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, law or economics. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience after their bachelors degree
• Certified copies of all your degree certificates and a full academic transcript covering all periods of registration. Include all details of courses undertaken and the marks obtained. Certified copies must bear the original Commissioner of Oaths’ stamp and signature. Any documentation not in English must be translated and sworn to by an authorised translator. Credit certificates are not acceptable. 
• Curriculum vitae. 
• An applicant to a postgraduate programme who holds a foreign qualification, is required to submit proof of evaluation of the qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Attach certified copies of all your programme certificates and a full transcript of your academic record, to your application form. If you have applied for Financial Aid, obtain a separate copy for their records;
• Include all details of courses undertaken and the marks obtained. Any documentation not in English must be translated and sworn to by an authorised translator.
• A pass in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a score of at least 7.0. 
• A non-refundable application fee of R200 is required. 

The financing options for the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities programme at the University of the Witwatersrand are designed to accommodate a diverse range of students and provide accessible educational opportunities. Prospective students can explore various funding sources including government bursaries, university scholarships, private sponsorships, and student loans. The university offers several bursaries and scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria such as leadership qualities or contribution to community development. These awards are competitive and application procedures typically require submission of academic transcripts, motivation letters, and supporting documents demonstrating financial need or other eligibility criteria.

In addition to internal funding options, students may qualify for national and international financial aid programs aimed at promoting sustainable development education. The South African government supports students enrolled in postgraduate studies through financial aid schemes that may partially or fully cover tuition fees and living expenses. Private companies and environmental organizations sometimes offer sponsorships or donation-based funding opportunities to students committed to advancing sustainable urban development.

The university also provides guidance on student loans available through financial institutions, which can be utilized to pay for tuition, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. These loans usually require a repayment plan post-graduation and may have favorable interest rates for students pursuing critical fields such as sustainable cities and energy efficiency.

Furthermore, some students might consider income-generating options such as part-time work or research assistantship positions facilitated by the university, which not only help offset costs but also enrich academic experience. The university’s financial aid office offers comprehensive counseling to help students identify suitable funding avenues and prepare strong scholarship applications.

Overall, funding for the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities programme is multifaceted, with multiple pathways to support students financially throughout their studies. The university encourages applicants to explore all available options early and to pay close attention to application deadlines and eligibility requirements to secure the necessary funding for successful completion of the programme.

The Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities program at the University of the Witwatersrand is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address some of the most pressing challenges related to urban sustainability and energy efficiency. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including renewable energy technologies, urban planning, environmental management, sustainable development practices, and policies aimed at reducing urban carbon footprints. Students engaged in this program are exposed to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing them to contribute effectively to the development of sustainable urban environments.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from engineering, environmental science, policy studies, and social sciences to foster innovative solutions suitable for diverse urban contexts. Throughout their studies, students participate in various projects, workshops, and fieldwork that provide real-world experience, enabling them to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and the importance of sustainable design. The program also fosters research skills, encouraging students to develop new strategies to improve energy efficiency in urban infrastructures, transportation systems, and building designs.

Graduates of this program are well-positioned to work in various sectors, including government agencies, urban planning consultancies, environmental NGOs, and the private sector, where they can contribute to policy development, project implementation, and research activities focused on sustainable cities. The program also aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on sustainable cities and communities, affordable and clean energy, and climate action. By focusing on innovative, context-specific solutions, the program aims to produce graduates capable of leading and influencing urban sustainability initiatives in South Africa and beyond. Overall, the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities program is committed to preparing future leaders who are passionate about creating resilient, sustainable, and energy-efficient urban environments that can meet both present and future needs.