Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies (MA IDKES)
The Wits Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies (MA IDKES) is a formal post-graduate academic qualification that provides capacity to operate in Africa's dynamic ICT ecosystem and digital knowledge economy. This dissertation-only degree empowers its candidates to do intensive investigation into a particular component of the African ICT ecosystem and digital knowledge economy.
This degree is designed to meet the needs of policymakers, regulators, operators, communications managers in large and small organisations, user and consumer groups, NGOs, and others involved in or affected by ICT sector policy and regulation. The degree provides participants with an opportunity to improve their professional skills and/or refocus their expertise through:
- expanding and updating their knowledge of ICT ecosystem and digital knowledge economy policy, regulation and practice
- conducting intensive investigating a research problem and producing a full-length Master's dissertation
Where applicable, students are expected to adhere to the South African San Institute's San Code of Research Ethics.
Course entry requirements and registration details.
Who should participate?
This degree is designed for middle- to senior-level managers and practitioners working in the broad electronic communications and ICT sector across the African continent. The sector includes telecommunications and electronic communications operators; the IT industry; the broadcasting and digital audio-visual content services sector; trade unions; national electronic communications regulators and regional regulatory associations; government policy departments, including communications, trade and industry, science and technology; science councils; university teaching departments; consumer advocates, and development sector entities.
Methodology
The candidate completes a Master's dissertation, based on original research, under the supervision of a member of the LINK Centre's teaching and research team. Go to LINK Centre "PhD and Master's 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Research" page to see examples of successful MA research projects.
2024 fees
SLLS8009A: Dissertation: Interdisciplinary Knowledge Economy Studies (full year): ZAR31,060
SLLS8010A: Dissertation: Interdisciplinary Knowledge Economy Studies (2nd term only): ZAR15,770
Entry requirements
The MA in Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies is a higher-level degree. As well as an Honour's degree or equivalent, you will need to have at least three years of relevant work experience. This may be salaried or voluntary but must include organisational experience, either in management or in policy design. RPL (recognition of prior learning) may be requested on an individual basis. Evaluation of applications for acceptance will be based on the following:
- Evidence of research writing experience and ability. Before commencing the application process, each prospective student must submit evidence of previous research writing, and a detailed research concept paper (including research problem statement, foundational literature review, and indication of research methodology), to LINK Centre Short Course and Degree Coordinator Nokhanyo Yolwa at nokhanyo.yolwa@wits.ac.za. Only upon receipt of LINK Centre written approval of these two documents should the prospective student proceed with the application.
- Evidence of a Bachelor's degree with Honours, or post-graduate diploma or equivalent, achieved at a suitable level and preferably related to one or more of the following fields: digital technologies, media studies, public policy, law, economics, regulation, development theory.
- Evidence of at least three years of work experience in an appropriate field.
- Satisfactory completion of Wits admissions tests measuring cognitive, arithmetic and general reasoning abilities.
Applications
For South African applicants, and for international applicants who have South African qualifications and who do not require a visa (e.g., from the SADC region), applications close on 30 November.
For applicants with qualifications obtained from institutions outside South Africa:
- the closing date for applications is 30 September and applications after that closing date will be considered only if the applicant has a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificate of verification
- verification of your international qualification(s) must be obtained from SAQA
- the SAQA verification of qualifications must accompany the online application to Wits
- you should apply as soon as possbible for SAQA verification of your qualifications (see SAQA Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications)
- early application to SAQA will enable you to have the application processed by Wits in time for you to apply for a study visa (should a study visa be required)
Applications are online only, at /postgraduate/applications, using the following information where applicable:
Programme code: ARA00
Plan code: AFAIDKE70
Course code: SLLS8009A, SLLS8010A
Applications should include the following supporting documentation:
1. Certificates of all degree qualifications stamped by a Commissioner of Oaths
2. Full academic transcript of the most recent degree qualification
3. SAQA certificate of evaluation if your degree is from a university outside South Africa
4. CV
5. Short note (no more than one page) giving reasons why you wish to study for this degree programme. Please include your possible topic of research and the reasons why you wish to conduct such research.
You will also be required to complete an admissions test. Taken together, these allow us to undertake a balanced assessment of your suitability for the programme.
Contacts
The Wits University 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Enrolment Centre, tel: +27-11-717-1888, will assist you with your application.
Administrative queries can be directed to the LINK Centre's Nokhanyo Yolwa on nokhanyo.yolwa@wits.ac.za
The Degree Convenor is LINK Centre Director Dr. Lucienne Abrahams, available at witslinkcentre20@gmail.com, who can assist with academic queries.