Overview

The Disaster Risk Science and Development programme at the Stellenbosch University comprises of a coursework component of 90 credits and a research thesis of 90 credits.

Quick Facts:

Rapid population growth, poverty and environmental pressures are increasing disaster risk in South and Southern Africa. Drought, flash-floods and fires are common, along with 'small disasters' in informal and low-cost housing settlements, eroding developmental gains and having a devastating impact on municipalities and households.
The MPhil in Disaster Risk Science and Development programme builds on the honours module in Disaster Risk Science and consolidates a broad-based theoretical understanding of disaster risk, including the interplay between hazard and vulnerability factors. Through the use of case studies, it places disaster risk within rural and urban contexts, at regional scale, and also with respect to its transboundary considerations.

Building strategic analytic and management capabilities across sectors, including critical risk reduction processes and practices, the programme delivers the following specific learning outcomes:

Competence in understanding and analysing disaster occurrences, patterns and trends in urban and rural contexts relevant to southern Africa

Analytic and strategic planning competencies in addressing priority disaster risks

Knowledge of critical ethical principles that guide responsible disaster risk management policy and practice

Knowledge of DRR strategies and implications for implementation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Disaster Risk Assessment and Analysis

Disaster Risk Science and Development

Thesis (Disaster Risk Science and Development)

GIS for Risk Reduction

Development Planning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-28 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2025-10-30 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Disciplines

Geography International Development Risk Management View 20 other Masters in International Development in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Your contract

Student support form (Students with special needs)

Qualification documents - Please ensure that you upload qualification documents for each tertiary qualification obtained and that the documents is official and certified. This implies that your original qualification documents (academic transcript and accompanying degree certificate) which you recieved upon graduation must be stamped and signed by the awarding institution. Qualifications shorter than 12 months in duration will not be considered

Proof of English Language proficiency

A BAHons degree in Geography and Environmental Studies or a BScHons in GeoInformatics

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Stellenbosch University and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

64375 ZAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 64375 ZAR per year during 12 months.
National

27438 ZAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27438 ZAR per year during 12 months.

National: last year's tuition

Living costs for Stellenbosch

7630 - 10640 ZAR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Disaster Risk Science and Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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