POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT 2ND EDITION UCT at a glance 02

Why choose UCT? 06

Location, location, location 08

What type of postgraduate study is best for you? 10

How to apply for postgraduate study at UCT 12

6 tips for finding a supervisor at UCT 14

Finding funding 16

Postgraduate development & support 18

Facilities at UCT Libraries 20

The international postgrad experience 22

Finding a place to stay 26

11 things to do in on a student budget 28

Faculty of Commerce 30

Faculty of & the Built Environment 31

Graduate School of Business 32

Faculty of Health 33

Faculty of Humanties 34

Faculty of Law 35

Faculty of 36

UCT School of EDITORIAL TEAM: Jess Oosthuizen, Design Thinking 37 Carolyn Newton, Natalie Simon & Lisa Boonzaier 7 university research institutes 38 DESIGN: Sean Robertson PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Hammond, Interdisciplinary Je’nine May, Libby Young, iStock by research strengths 40 Getty & Shutterstock Meet a new generation With special thanks to our researchers of researchers 46 and other staff members who contributed 5 bright young information and images. postgrad researchers 48 CONTENTS “Postgraduates are the engine room of research at UCT and are pivotal to THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN our future success. UCT is committed to creating a research environment that enables young researchers from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills and make a meaningful contribution in whatever discipline they choose.” PROFESSOR AT A GLANCE Vice- (@FabAcademic)

WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS UCT INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS SUBJECT RANKINGS TOP 50 TOP 100 TOP 100 Oceanography Microbiology Clinical, pre-clinical & health Social sciences Anatomy & physiology 1st in Africa TOP 10 TOP 20 IN THE IN THE IN THE IN THE Anthropology Development Mining & mineral 36th WORLD 63rd WORLD 72nd WORLD 89th WORLD Archaeology 198th 156th BRICS RANKINGS studies engineering SHANGHAI 2019 US NEWS THE 2019 THE 2019 Architecture/built IN THE WORLD IN THE WORLD environment IN THE IN THE BEST GLOBAL THE 2019 BRICS and WORLD WORLD Immunology UNIVERSITIES 2019 Education QS 2020 THE 2019 9th 20th Clinical medicine Education emerging economies 9th IN THE Geography QS 2019 SHANGHAI 2019 49th WORLD IN THE IN THE Social policy & Social sciences 91st WORLD 95th WORLD 114th 223rd QS 2019 US NEWS BEST GLOBAL administration KEY TERMS and public health US NEWS THE 2019 Sports-related subjects IN THE WORLD IN THE WORLD 22nd BRICS UNIVERSITIES 2019 THE Times Higher Education IN THE BEST GLOBAL

US NEWS 2019 CWUR 2018-2019 QS Quacquarelli Symonds 71st WORLD UNIVERSITIES 2019 QS 2019 CWUR Center for World University Rankings Sport science schools BEST GLOBAL US NEWS GRAS Shanghai Rankings and departments UNIVERSITIES BEST GLOBAL Law Clinical Medicine BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China and IN THE SHANGHAI ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of 49th WORLD UNIVERSITIES 2019 IN THE Public health 77th WORLD Academic Subjects SHANGHAI* 2019 SHANGHAI 2019 SHANGHAI* ShanghaiRanking’s Special Focus THE 2019 Institution Ranking “The postgraduate experience at UCT is a time of growth and an invigorating opportunity. Growth occurs through the thinking, reading, researching and learning at the progressively advanced levels required of the postgraduate, while 28 701 4 941 11 008 2 688 5 688 2 126 333 the development of new creative ideas and focus invigorates young researchers. Students International Postgraduates International Master’s Doctoral Postdoctoral Postgraduates have the opportunity to develop and examine concepts, theory students postgraduates students students research fellows and practice from the diverse angles that true scholarship expects.” PROFESSOR PETER MEISSNER Director of Postgraduate Studies and Researcher Development

A third of South Africa’s 3 240 NRF A-rated researchers TOTAL TOTAL VALUE OF 33% (international leaders in AMOUNT OF POSTGRADUATE Peer-reviewed IN 2018 R1.6 RESEARCH R312 SCHOLARSHIPS AND research publications their field) are at UCT BILLION INCOME MILLION BURSARIES AWARDED *All stats refer to 2018 We strive to offer our WHY CHOOSE postgraduates 5an international experience through our wide network UCT? UCT’s Hasso of international As a UCT postgraduate, you will join a community of committed, smart Plattner partnerships across You will be and influential individuals who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, School of Africa and the rest of joining a vibrant Design the world, including joint international contributing to the betterment of society, and who will go on to take Thinking (the doctoral and master’s community: d-school) is programmes and UCT is home to leadership roles in academia, business and communities in South Africa, 6over 2 650 international 4one of only three in the mobility opportunities. postgraduate students from Africa and the world. Your postgraduate experience will give you the world. (See page 37) (See page 22) opportunity to establish networks that span the globe. more than 100 countries.

REASONS WHY YOU You can make a difference: UCT’s “In a world where SHOULD CHOOSE UCT Knowledge Co-op links postgraduates FOR YOUR POSTGRADUATE the future of work is STUDIES 7 who want to make a difference to evolving faster than community partners with research needs. it has ever before, 10UCT, with its large You will mix with some of the best population of It is also in the top 100 universities researchers in the world: just over acquiring leading- globally influential globally for clinical, pre-clinical and a third of the country’s A-rated edge skills remains the 1researchers, is the health and in the top 10 for development researchers (international leaders We can help you: UCT has a dedicated only currency that will leading university in studies. (See page 3) in their field) are at UCT. Postgraduate Funding Office, an Office Africa and is ranked 3 for Postgraduate Studies and dedicated differentiate talent in an among the top 200 2 staff serving the postgraduate increasingly competitive in the world. community in all faculties. 8(See page 18) labour market. “Postgraduate degrees allow Corporates endeavour students to form a thorough 10Our Upper Campus – to source the best talent foundation on their preferred frequently ranked one of The university has an outstanding the most beautiful in the possible, both for their subject matter. They also provide record of attracting international world – offers breath- skills and leadership.” students with the platform to funding: for example, for many taking views of Cape enrich their personal development.” years in a row, UCT has received Town and the Cape AZVIR RAMPURSAD more funding from the United Peninsula, a sought- (HR Business Partner Unilever TATIKA SCULLARD 9States’ (US) National Institutes of Health after tourist destination. Food Solutions + Talent & (PricewaterhouseCoopers, Graduate (NIH) than any other higher education Employer Brand Manager Recruitment Manager) institution outside the US. Unilever SA)

6 7 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION UCT’s postgraduates have rich and unique data on their doorstep and a world of wicked problems to solve.

One of the factors that draws more researchers – including postgraduates – to UCT is our geographical location. The university is located at the tip of Africa, at a point where the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans meet. On land, the Cape is home to the richest floral kingdom in the world. And all this is roofed over by Africa’s great southern skies. So students of climate, oceanography, astronomy and related disciplines such as ornithology naturally gravitate to UCT. The university is also situated in a context with critical human problems to solve. South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, and faces multiple epidemics, including TB, HIV/AIDS and chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. These create a living laboratory for research into social and physical ills – and research that makes a real impact.

8 9 HONOURS DEGREE PROFESSIONAL Unless you hold a four-year QUALIFICATIONS bachelor’s or equivalent degree, Some professions have an an honour’s degree is the gateway to examination or accreditation system postgraduate studies in South Africa. to verify that the practitioners reach This is a one-year degree programme. an acceptable level of knowledge and skill. This may be at the master’s, honours or PGDip level. For example, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA the Postgraduate Certificate in Education Postgraduate diplomas are (PGCE) is a one-year qualification to qualifications at the immediate train graduates who wish to become post-bachelor’s level, and enable students school teachers. to undertake advanced reflection and development in a particular discipline or profession. They are similar to some honours PHD and master’s programmes, but without a A PhD (i.e. doctorate) is dissertation or significant research project. a research degree at the Some postgraduate diplomas require most advanced level, typically three students to have an undergraduate degree or four years in length, culminating from the same discipline. Others are available in the acceptance of a doctoral thesis. to students with any undergraduate degree In essence the degree consists of and act as conversion courses – allowing a piece of significant (most often entry to vocational or professional work. original) research making a substantial For example, the Postgraduate Diploma contribution to knowledge in that field. in Management Practice is a pre-master’s It is expected that such research is business programme that packs a power publishable and students are encouraged Maybe it’s been punch of vital business skills for success in to publish during the course of their a few years since uncertain economic times. PhD. Students undertake PhD studies you finished your under the guidance of a supervisor, undergraduate sometimes with one or more WHAT TYPE studies and you MASTER’S co-supervisors. would like to blow away the Master’s programmes at There is no one route to finding cobwebs before you kick-start UCT are, for the most part, advanced a PhD option or topic. A student may OF POST- your postgraduates studies. research-based degrees. They fall into apply for PhDs advertised by departments Or maybe you just want to gain three general categories: or research institutes or apply generally some new skills to complement 1. a research master’s by full dissertation to the department, where an early GRADUATE STUDY your postgraduate research? 2. a research master’s by coursework research proposal may be required and dissertation or advised. In many cases it is best UCT offers a number of Massive 3. a professional master’s degree. to establish contact with a particular IS BEST FOR YOU? In such degrees the research potential academic supervisor and Open Online Courses (MOOCs). So, you have an undergraduate degree and you are These are free online courses component may require a research gain their support for your research, considering your next step. Here’s an overview of the with no entry requirements paper styled submission, in addition and gain their agreement to potentially and are not for university credit. or in place of the dissertation. act as a supervisor. different types of postgraduate study offered at UCT. You can choose to purchase a certificate, and in some cases financial aid is available. Find Still feel uncertain about which postgrad degree is the best fit for you? Visit the out more about the UCT MOOCs Postgrad Hub www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za for more information or contact the UCT project on the Postgrad Hub. Careers Service (www.careers.uct.ac.za/) to book a one-on-one consultation to discuss which degree option is best for you.

11 Confirmation of submission and acknowledgment of application You should receive confirmation of submission immediately. HOW TO APPLY FOR Within three working days, you will receive formal acknowledgment of your application, containing your applicant number and login credentials to UCT’s online POSTGRADUATE student self-service called PeopleSoft. Login to PeopleSoft 4 to monitor the status of your application.

IMPORTANT: Acknowledgment of your STUDY AT UCT application does not mean you have been accepted and admitted to UCT. INTERNATIONAL Each POSTGRADUATES Some programmes may allow for TIP faculty has (INCLUDING FROM SADC access through ‘recognition of a designated post- Get to know your potential COUNTRIES) must report to prior learning’ (RPL) – visit graduate office or host department the Postgrad Hub or faculty administrator so don’t the International Academic Managing applications varies across websites for more information be afraid to ask for help Programmes Office (IAPO) departments and faculties. Visit the before you submit your Notification of outcome for pre-registration clearance. department or faculty website or application online. Consideration of your application This includes fee clearance, email the relevant postgrad office or For most research postgraduate may take up to a couple of months or presenting your study administrator within your department. degrees you need to contact more. You may be asked to submit further 1 Before you start, check that you permit and health insurance information and/or documentation. a potential supervisor at an early stage. Contact details information. Your registration have the required qualifications. Communication about your application will reach are generally available on departmental websites. at the faculty will only be For coursework master’s degrees, decisions about you by email at the UCT email address assigned 5 processed once you have been research dissertation topics and supervisors are to you at the time of first application. cleared by IAPO. made after completion of the coursework.

NOTE: If you need INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS Do you need funding for your degree? help, ask for a one- Registration Postgraduate funding applications are not considered Follow The International Academic on-one funding Generally registration takes place at the start of the unless you have already applied for the degree you’re @UCTpostgrads Programmes Office (IAPO) TIP information session academic year; for certain research-only postgraduate interested in. See step 3. supports international students on Twitter and monitor from the PGFO – but degrees you may register later. The process and and facilitates your integration Be informed and prepared. While postgrad the Postgrad Hub for only once you have dates for your programme registration will be sent at scholarships and bursaries are announced throughout funding announcements. applied for admission. the time of acceptance/ admission but do check for into the UCT environment, 2 the year, the deadlines are often months before you updates on faculty or programme websites. including helping with queries intend to start your studies. Applications involve a lot of 6 relating to applications, visas time and effort so start the process as early as possible. You are not officially a UCT postgraduate student and international tuition fees. There are a number NOTE: (with access to the required facilities and resources, including TIP of brochures and CONTACT IAPO handbooks designed to help supervision) unless registered. [email protected] or you make sense of what you +27 21 650 2822 / 3740 Many of the need to do. Download them documents you from the Postgrad Hub or Compile and submit PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES. Applications need to submit request printed copies directly an application vary according to Registration also requires for most postgraduate from the Postgraduate Centre Registration NOTE: UCT residence accommodation for Visit applyonline.uct.ac.za the department a Memorandum of programmes containing and Funding Office (PGFO) or involves getting postgraduates is limited, and admission to to begin your and faculty. TIP Understanding (MoU) coursework close on the Admissions Office. signatures from your UCT does not imply a housing offer. Housing application. Academic records between you and your 31 October. You can apply supervisor or head of applications are dealt with separately by must be submitted supervisor – information for any time during the year section/department or the Student Housing Admissions Office. as certified, paper this is available on faculty 3 for a research master’s by programme convenor, and Visit the Postgrad Hub for more information. copies. UCT or programme websites and full dissertation or PhD. Refer to the “Directions for there is a penalty fee for transcripts are the Postgrad Hub Postgraduate Applicants” brochure late registration, so don’t www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za not required. for detailed information (visit the leave it until the last minute. Postgrad Hub to download a copy). There isn’t a one- style-fits-all approach TIPS FOR FINDING to supervision: it depends on the agreement you 6 A SUPERVISOR AT UCT establish between Conducting your own research is often challenging (but hopefully rewarding). You will you and your need guidance, and all postgraduate research takes place under supervision by a member supervisor, and of academic staff. A supervisor’s role is, among other things, to support you through the the requirements process, help you find relevant literature and guide you around the research methodology. of your discipline or degree programme.

EACH FACULTY, DEPARTMENT AND ASK FOR HELP. Many IF YOU WANT TO DO A RESEARCH DISCIPLINE IS DIFFERENT, so find departments have a designated MASTER’S OR DOCTORAL SUPERVISION INVOLVES IF A SUPERVISOR DECLINES DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF 1out how your specific programme 2person to support postgraduates, 3DEGREE , start finding out about A LONG-TERM WORKING YOUR REQUEST FOR RESEARCH YOU WANT TO DO – manages the process. Faculty websites who can be a useful first contact. supervision requirements and looking for 4RELATIONSHIP, so try to get to 5SUPERVISION , don’t take it 6particularly if it crosses a number are often a good place to start. You can also contact your head a potential supervisor at least six months know your potential supervisor and their personally. Some academics are of fields of expertise or disciplines of department (HOD) or course ahead of when you plan to register. areas of expertise before you make already supervising as many students – it might be useful to appoint one or conveners or even other postgraduates If you need your potential supervisor a decision. Start by establishing an email as they can and you don’t want more co-supervisors. Co-supervision in your discipline for support if you to endorse your application for funding, conversation and if possible schedule a supervisor who is too busy to by someone within or outside UCT is are struggling to find a supervisor. you might have to start earlier than a meeting with them in person. give you the attention you need. possible, but your principal supervisor this. For coursework master’s degrees, should be employed at UCT. Discuss decisions about research dissertation whether you need co-supervision with topics and supervisors are made after Visit the Postgrad Hub for more your supervisor or potential supervisor completion of the coursework. information about each faculty at UCT. www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za when you get started.

14 15 7 KEY THINGS TO BE FLEXIBLE. Financial assistance for GATHER AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. Visit our Postgrad postgraduates comes in various forms. The Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO) offers a Hub and consult UCT KNOW ABOUT Some are administered by the university range of material to help you find funding for your Handbook 14 for details FUNDING YOUR 1 and others by external agencies and donors. 5studies. Booklets, such as this one, and handbooks on the full spectrum Be sure to investigate a range of options. can be obtained from the PGFO or downloaded of postgraduate funding POSTGRADUATE from the Postgrad Hub. awards available. STUDIES KEEP THOSE MARKS UP. Many postgraduate PREPARE FOR A BALANCING ACT. With the exception www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za awards are based on either academic merit alone of some prestigious scholarships and a specific group of or a combination of financial need and merit. UCT-supported, full-cost awards, full financial support 2 While there are awards based only on financial via a single award is rare. This means financing your need, the better your academic scores, the more postgraduate studies is likely to involve a combination of awards are available. bursaries, part-time employment and loans. Bear in mind, 6 some awards cannot be held concurrently with others. So, when you plan, consider as many sources of support PLAN AHEAD. Start looking for funding as possible. opportunities well in advance. Opportunities for funding are often announced months before the ASK FOR HELP. The PGFO is within easy walking 3 deadline to register for your degree (e.g., in the year distance of most faculties and departments on Upper preceding the start of your postgraduate studies). Campus. Our staff are there to advise you on the diverse 7 funding opportunities available to postgraduates and help with the submission of applications. Also speak to FOLLOW @UCTPOSTGRADS Our Twitter account researchers and potential supervisors as they may have announces bursaries, scholarships and other access to grantholder bursaries. opportunities. Otherwise, details are available Upper Level, Otto Beit Building, University Avenue INTERNATIONAL 4on the Postgrad Hub’s electronic noticeboard. North, Upper Campus APPLICANTS +27 (0)21 650 3622 [email protected] Most funding is restricted to South African citizens and in some cases to permanent IMPORTANT Postgraduate funding is not automatically To be considered for postgraduate Currently, students registering only Students who intend to study residents. A limited amount of POINTS TO granted based on admission to UCT or as funding, prospective students must for full-time honours, masters and for a second degree at the same funding is, however, available for CONSIDER 1 a follow-on to the undergraduate funding 2 have applied for an academic place 3 doctoral degrees are eligible to apply 4 level as one they already hold international students and those you may have had. There are many awards, each at UCT (in addition to applying for funding). for funding. Students who register for (e.g., a second honours degree) are also who have refugee status. Either REGARDING with specific criteria and rules that must be postgraduate diplomas and certificates, not eligible for postgraduate awards. contact the Postgraduate Funding FUNDING fulfilled/matched. Hence there is an application the BArch, the LLB or for the fourth year Office or visit our Postgrad Hub for ELIGIBILITY process for all awards, including deadlines for of any bachelor degree are not eligible more information about options submission dates, which must be adhered to. for postgraduate awards. for international students. only R650 a year for membership and for an off-peak membership WRITING HELP AND COURSES POSTGRADUATE (08:30 to 15:00). Sports Science: +27 (0)21 659 5600, THE WRITING CENTRE on Upper SHORT WRITING COURSES FOR www.ssisa.com Campus helps you improve the POSTGRADUATES are offered in UCT gym: +27 (0)21 650 5197, quality of your academic writing the Centre for Higher Education www.students.uct.ac.za/students/ in terms of argument and flow. Development (CHED), including DEVELOPMENT student-life/sport-fitness/uct-gym You can contact them at any blended and online courses. Keep stage of your writing process. an eye on the events calendar on www.writingcentre.uct.ac.za our Postgrad Hub for upcoming THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUD [email protected] workshops and seminars. & SUPPORT seeks fair and equitable resolutions +27 (0)21 650 5021 We offer a wide variety of services ranging from wellness consultations to concerns and problems UCT students can book online: Research Writing in the Sciences to writing workshops in order to support your academic and raised by any member of the uct.mywconline.com gives postgraduates in the sciences professional development. Here are some of the available services: university community in a neutral, and engineering an opportunity independent, informal and THE WRITING LAB at the Faculty to engage in different forms of confidential environment. of Health Sciences provides medical scientific writing beyond the thesis. THE UCT KNOWLEDGE CO-OP links THE OFFICE FOR POSTGRADUATE THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC www.ombud.uct.ac.za students and staff with convenient [email protected] postgraduates to community partners – STUDIES addresses the academic PROGRAMMES OFFICE (IAPO) [email protected] access to specialist writing support such as nongovernmental organisations and professional needs of provides specialist services for +27 (0)21 650 3665 on their own campus. Navigating Research Writing – with specific research needs. postgraduates. Here, you can discover international postgraduates and helps www.writingcentre.uct.ac.za/ is an intensive week-long course Postgraduates can thus address real a range of extracurricular opportunities with immigration issues and advice about/healthsciences for postgraduates from all social challenges through their research and activities designed to support on study visas. IAPO also offers THE DISABILITY SERVICE aims to +27 (0)21 650 6241 disciplines, at any stage of projects. The co-op is there to provide your studies. information on opportunities for empower students with disabilities to their postgraduate research. support throughout the project. postgraduates to spend time in other reach their potential in every aspect The UCT English Language Centre [email protected] www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za www.knowledgeco-op.uct.ac.za countries during their course. of their lives. It is also responsible offers year-round courses in general [email protected] www.international.uct.ac.za for ensuring that the university is as English at all levels. Courses begin Journeys in Research Writing +27 (0)21 650 3171 [email protected] accessible as possible. This includes every Monday and last two to 48 is a free five-week online course THE POSTGRADUATE CENTRE AND +27 (0)21 650 2822 access to venues and study materials. weeks with students attending for all postgraduates, with special FUNDING OFFICE provides a communal www.oic.uct.ac.za/disability- lessons in a friendly and supportive focus on writing your proposal space where postgraduates can meet. THE FACULTY POSTGRADUATE service-1 environment. and literature review. The Blue Desk in the office offers a one- STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS are run by THE STUDENT WELLNESS SERVICE is +27 (0)21 650 2427 uctlanguagecentre.com [email protected] stop information service for all aspects postgraduates and foster a vibrant staffed by a team of doctors and nurses of funding and administration. and diverse culture on campus. For dedicated to helping students remain [email protected] more information regarding your PGSA healthy. Services include a 24-hour toll- THE SPORTS INJURIES CENTRE +27 (0)21 650 3622 representative, visit the Postgrad Hub. free helpline, clinical consultations and offers treatment for sports or other UCT eRESEARCH supports researchers, THE SAVVY RESEARCHER SERIES psychological support. injuries by trained physiotherapists including postgraduates, at every step is hosted annually by UCT Libraries. www.dsa.uct.ac.za/student-wellness/ and biokineticists. The staff teach of the research data lifecycle: including It is a series of seminars and workshops THE CAREERS OFFICE ensures that about-student-wellness you how to prevent further injury, but certainly not limited to high- aimed at postgraduates that target graduates are equipped with the skills +27 (0)21 650 1020/17 help you with training schedules performance computing services, data all aspects of the postgraduate they need to fulfil their career ambitions. and give advice on corrective visualisation support and facilities and research experience. They provide advice, information and equipment. They charge medical research data management. libguides.lib.uct.ac.za/savvyresearcher resources, and facilitate engagements PHYSICAL HEALTH options include the aid rates. www.eresearch.uct.ac.za between students and employers. Sport Science Institute of South Africa, www.sic.org.za [email protected] www.careers.uct.ac.za which offers discounted membership [email protected] [email protected] to students. Also, don’t forget the UCT +27 (0)21 686 7777 +27 (0)21 650 2497 gym on middle campus where you pay

18 19 FACILITIES AT UCT LIBRARIES THERE ARE A RANGE OF SPECIAL The Rare Books and Antiquarian COLLECTIONS AND LIBRARY SERVICES Collection, which consists of AVAILABLE TO POSTGRADUATES. rare and specialised material, including African children’s literature and a fore- THE RESEARCH COMMONS caters for SPECIAL COLLECTIONS consist of edge painting collection. the information and workspace needs printed and audio-visual materials on specialcollections.uct.ac.za of master’s and PhD postgraduates, a wide array of specialised subjects, postdoctoral research fellows and including: Government Publications which academic staff. It offers: includes historical and current spacious workstations with high- The African Studies Collection of publications for Southern African end PCs published material, which provides countries and current publications of an excellent selection of software research and reference resources most African countries, including French- applications on Africa, with a strong southern and Portuguese-speaking countries. laptops African focus. governmentpublications.lib.uct.ac.za high-speed internet connections printing, scanning and copying A rich collection of manuscripts The Digital Library Services facilities and archives, which offers department which offers a seminar room for collaborative primary research material relating a variety of digitisation and research work to the political, social, cultural and data management services to a comfortable lounge economic history of South Africa, students and staff at UCT. experienced library staff who can with a focus on the . digitalservices.lib.uct.ac.za help with information and arrange consultations with subject specialists.

The Library Learning Lounge is a bring-your-own-device, collaborative learning space. The venue is wifi enabled with plugpoints for electronic devices. Study rooms are available for group discussion and a library buddy 72 000+ 28 500+ 38 000+ 85 000+ print journal 1 300 books and 3 000+ is on hand to help. e-journal titles resources in collections 190 films for viewing titles audio-visual of unique high-quality pamphlets and research and other on African The Hlanganani 24/7 study area manuscripts electronic (the collection offers comfortable after-hours working formats and personal databases studies alone of African film space for 148 students with wifi access papers is among the and plugpoints for electronic devices. most extensive It is open when the library closes in in the world) the evening and on weekends, with on-site security. Follow @UCTLibrary on Twitter or visit lib.uct.ac.za for the latest news on UCT Libraries’ services

20 21 THE The Yale/Fox Fellowship is a prestigious two-way international exchange programme between the University of Cape Town INTERNATIONAL and . It supports outstanding postgraduates with demonstrated leadership potential POSTGRAD from the world’s finest educational institutions to spend an academic year at Yale University pursuing Mobility opportunities EXPERIENCE independent research in one of UCT has exchange agreements The research endeavour at UCT is committed to bringing a number of fields, from with a number of universities African knowledge and expertise to the global challenge economics to politics and law. across the world. These mean that students can apply to of solving the world’s wicked problems. International collaboration spend a period of time (usually is key to achieving this goal, and we have developed a large and a semester) at one of these institutions without paying vibrant network of partnerships across the globe. tuition fees. Sometimes we are IARU UCT’S JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMME IN A NUTSHELL also able to offer a scholarship Since postgraduates lie at the UCT has a rapidly expanding joint degree programme to connect our to cover some or all of the travel productive heart of much of our postgraduates with opportunities to work in partnership with universities or living costs. We prioritise research, we are committed to based overseas. These offer UCT postgraduates the opportunity to gain postgraduates for these encouraging each of our postgrads valuable international exposure and experience. exchanges. to have an international experience – whether through exposure to other Our postgraduate exchange international students and researchers partners include: on our vibrant and diverse campuses, University of British Columbia, by tapping into our extensive Jointly awarded degrees entail Co-badged degrees require Canada networks or by taking up one of the 1 equal involvement and investment 2 50% or more of the work Johannes Kepler University at many mobility opportunities to spend from both/all participating institutions conducted by the postgraduate Linz, Austria time or even be jointly taught and The International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) (e.g., each institution will examine to be done at the university University of Massachusetts, supervised at a university elsewhere The International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) is a network the work involved and postgrads are where the student is registered. Amherst, USA in the world. of 11 international research-intensive universities from nine countries required to spend equal amounts of University of Newcastle, across the globe. One of IARU’s flagship activities is the Global Summer time at each institution). Australia Program; each member university puts forward one or more modules University of Nottingham, UK for which students from IARU universities may apply. In both instances a single degree is issued. UCT does not offer double degrees. University of Stuttgart, Germany York University, UK Keep an eye on the Postgrad Hub IARU universities: University of North Carolina at for announcements of these and Australian National University ETH Zurich National University Greensboro, USA other international opportunities. of Singapore University of California, Berkeley Sciences Po, France UCT The Erasmus + programme aims to enhance quality in higher education through Ludwig Maximilian University, The Yale University academic cooperation between the European Union and the rest of the world. Germany www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za UCT is involved in several successful Erasmus + partnerships that offer mobility Leeds University, UK opportunities to postgraduates and staff.

22 23 Postgraduates at UCT are part of a university with extensive 2 40 10 collaborations across Africa. These knowledge networks 1 help us achieve our mission of enabling Africa to solve our

ARUA own, Africa-specific problems, and to develop the next generation of researchers in order to do so. We aim to 2 1 33 be not just the best in Africa, but the best for Africa. 2 3 ARUA 3 1. Addis Ababa University 4 4 3 185 17 2. University of Lagos 6 3 93 3. University of Ibadan 34 1 The African Research Universities Science, 4. Obafemi Awolowo University Universities Alliance (ARUA), 65 Humanities, Law and 5. 1 2 a partnership of 16 research POSTGRADUATES 152 Engineering Partnerships 6. University of Dar Es Salaam 31 9 universities in Africa, was launched in Africa (USHEPiA) FROM COUNTRIES 4 in early 2016 as a response to the 7. 58 USHEPiA promotes collaboration IN AFRICA IN 2018 growing challenges faced by African 8. University of Witwatersrand among established African UCT is home to universities. The focus is on building 9. University of Rwanda researchers in the generation and 2 688 international African-centred research excellence 10. University of Cheikh Anta Diop dissemination of knowledge, and 10 to enable the continent to take control postgraduates from more 145 67 builds institutional and human 11. Makerere University of its future and assert itself as a powerful than 100 countries. Many 90 global force. One of ARUA’s missions is to capacity in African universities. 12. University of Stellenbosch 7 of these postgraduates increase research capacity across the continent, 13. 25 and the many formal and informal collaborations 14. are drawn from across the 439 between ARUA universities offer a number 83 11 62 15. University of KwaZulu-Natal continent, making UCT a 163 96 of mobility and research opportunities full degree cohorts degrees 16. University of Cape Town 34 to postgraduates. fellowships generated conferred thriving hub of African- awarded centred knowledge. 78 since 1996

THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION CARNEGIE PROJECT: GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION AFROBAROMETER HUMAN HEREDITY HEALTH IN (SKA) SCHOLARS PROGRAM OF ACADEMICS FOR AFRICA Afrobarometer is an African-led, AFRICA (H3AFRICA) The SKA project is an international The MasterCard Foundation (MCF) Scholars Program allows This extensive programme runs at UCT, the University of the non-partisan research network that Despite both the high disease burden effort to build the world’s largest UCT to recruit, educate and mentor talented students from Witwatersrand, Makerere University (Uganda) and the University conducts regular public attitude and genetic diversity on the continent, radio telescope. The telescope will economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Africa. of Ghana and aims to train a community of future academics. surveys on democracy, governance genomic research is limited in Africa. be co-located in Africa and Australia. and well-being in Africa. Six rounds H3Africa seeks to increase the number UCT is playing a leading role in of surveys with more than 220 000 of African scientists in genomics a flagship programme that will create 338 students early- 96 PhD students African citizens in 37 African countries and population-based research, data science capacity for leadership will enroll at UCT over 10 years 120 career 24 postdoctoral fellows have been conducted. The data from establish collaborative networks of in the MeerKAT SKA precursor survey researchers the surveys is used to contribute to the African investigators and grow the projects, other global precursor and postgraduates trained at UCT 39 from South Africa Index of African Governance compiled infrastructure to facilitate genomics pathfinder programmes and SKA 270 and 68 undergraduates over five years: 81 from the rest of Africa by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. research across the continent. key science.

24 25 TIPS FOR FINDING ACCOMMODATION FINDING A PLACE 5OFF CAMPUS Start looking for accommodation at 1 least two months before your planned occupation date: accommodation in Cape Town is highly sought after. TO STAY The Off-Campus Student Accommodation 2 Services (OCSAS) team help students find accommodation. Get in touch with the OCSAS team if you need assistance: +27(0)21 650 4934 [email protected]

UCT has its own ’Gumtree for digs’ – a list 3 of private accommodation on the OCSAS website to help you find somewhere to live.

UCT offers a free shuttle bus route 4 called the Jammie Shuttle. Find a link to the Jammie shuttle bus route on the Postgrad Hub. Cape Town is a massive city with poor public transport infrastructure, so accommodation within walking distance of any Jammie shuttle bus-stop saves a great deal of time and money.

Beware of false advertising and scams. 5 Use accredited landlords and sign a lease agreement before you pay a deposit and move in.

3 important things to know about accommodation on UCT campus: Third-tier residences for postgraduate students 1 UCT can offer on-campus accommodation unless you housing places for the year, Third-tier residences offer semi-autonomous self- accommodation to just apply. and placement is dependent catering accommodation. They have wardens who over 600 postgraduates, on individual faculty rules. Visit the Postgrad Hub oversee the academic and social well-being of the so space is limited. If you 2 The allocated bed space for more information students in the sector. The wardens ensure that are looking for on-campus for postgraduate students 3 Some residences on student housing there is a good community life in the houses, flats accommodation, apply is proportionally divided provide for the needs of and accommodation. and the purpose-built residences like Obz Square. early. You will not be between the faculties. Each students with physical Since there are limited places in UCT residences, considered for on-campus faculty has a set number of disabilities. many postgraduate students find their own www.postgradhub.uct.ac.za accommodation in private housing off campus.

26 27 6 VISIT AND THE DIGITAL PLANETARIUM 7 WATCH THE LATEST There are many Iziko Museums in Cape ARTHOUSE FILMS AT THE OLDEST THINGS TO DO IN Town that offer insights into South Africa’s INDEPENDENT CINEMA IN SA natural and cultural history. All museums, The screens a range of except the Planetarium and the Castle of independent films and documentaries CAPE TOWN ON A Good Hope, have free entry on public as well as hosting various film festivals holidays. You get 50% off the throughout the year. Students get admission price to all Iziko a discount on ticket prices. STUDENT BUDGET Museums with your www.thelabia.co.za student card. www.iziko.org.za

1 RIDE UP The cableway up Table Mountain is a must-do Cape Town experience. 2 WALK OR CYCLE ON THE On Fridays students get a discount. PROMENADE 8 TREAT YOURSELF TO A SHOW If you’re a South African, you can You can hire a bike from UpCycles The Baxter Theatre complex is part of UCT’s get a free ride on your birthday. at a reasonable rate; walking is free. DNA. It offers performances ranging from www.tablemountain.net www.upcycles.co.za dance and music to comedy and drama. The Little Theatre and the Arena Theatre showcase a wide variety of student and professional productions. 3 SPEND TIME IN THE GARDEN www.baxter.co.za At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden @UCTLittleTheatre you can picnic on the rolling lawns, explore the Boomslang canopy walkway or stroll through the indigenous gardens. Summer 9 TAKE A TRAIN TRIP ALONG THE SOUTHERN LINE sunset concerts run from November to early The southern line railway route stretches from Cape Town to Simon’s April. Students get a discount for entry to the Town. Buy the hop-on/hop-off ticket to explore stops along the way. gardens but you pay extra for the concerts. capetowntrains.freeblog.site www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch

10 WANDER THROUGH THE COMPANY’S GARDEN 11 GO TO THE BEACH You’ll find the Company’s Garden in 4 EXPERIENCE Cape Town is home to some of the city centre. It’s well-known for WORLD-CLASS ART 5 TAKE A HIKE the most beautiful beaches in the the perpetually hungry squirrels, so FOR FREE There are some magnificent world. Whether you like to surf, take along some peanuts. And the Explore art galleries and free hiking routes in and swim or just lie in the sand and garden offers free wifi. cultural attractions for around Cape Town – Lion’s watch the world go by, there’s free on First Thursdays Head is one of the most popular. a beach for you in Cape Town. (the first Thursday of Other popular hikes are Platteklip every month). Organisers Gorge, which takes you to the top of Your UCT student card not only opens doors provide a map and Table Mountain, and , highlights. which offers shady walks under the trees. (quite literally) on campus; it’s also a passport to www.first-thursdays.co.za Remember always to follow mountain safety rules. discounts and freebies in and around Cape Town.

28 29 FACULTY OF FACULTY OF COMMERCE ENGINEERING & Commerce degree programmes prepare students for the constantly changing business and public DID YOU KNOW? THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT management environments, and for participation UCT is the first university The Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE) takes pride in its in Africa to offer an in the global economy. The faculty continually MPhil in Data Science people – most especially its students, who become sought-after architects, reviews degree curricula and outcomes to ensure of Financial Technology planners, quantity surveyors, property valuers and professional engineers in a that qualifications maintain academic integrity, to prepare students for the tech revolution in variety of areas, whether electrical, chemical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, workplace relevance and professional accreditation. financial services. civil, computer engineering or mechatronics. Seven departments 6 559 Six departments 4 693 students students

Architecture, Chemical Civil Construction Electrical Mechanical Education College of Finance School of School of Information Nelson Planning and Engineering Engineering Economics Engineering Engineering Development Accounting and Tax Economics Management Systems Mandela 1 199 Unit Studies School 4 414 Geomatics and postgraduates of Public undergraduates Management Governance 238 784 PhD students An extensive range of postgraduate The African Institute of Financial Markets and postgraduate study diploma students Internationally STATE-OF-THE-ART options are available, recognised Risk Management (AIFMRM) is an industry- FACILITIES including vocationally research funded unit within the Faculty of Commerce, EBE laboratories make use orientated postgraduate 615 EBE research is of the latest industry offering postgraduate programmes in financial diplomas, and honours, master’s students recognised for its standards to support modern master’s and PhD relevance to the risk management and quantitative finance. teaching and learning. degrees. needs of industry,

and offers great 513 honours students opportunities for UCT’s new School of IT is a collaboration between the Department The complex challenges facing postgraduate students. of Information Systems in the Faculty of Commerce and the 209 Africa and the global community – Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science. water scarcity, alternative energy, PhD students urbanisation and sustainability – 45National Research Foundation demand collaborative solutions. (NRF)– rated researchers, of 24 The faculty houses a number of which two are A-rated CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES postdoctoral interdisciplinary research units +27 (0)21 650 4375 [email protected] www.commerce.uct.ac.za research fellows +27 21 650 2699 [email protected] www.ebe.uct.ac.za concentrating on these challenges.

30 31 THE UCT FACULTY OF 13 departments Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine Ranked in the HEALTH SCIENCES GRADUATE SCHOOL UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to Health and Rehabilitation Financial Times’ Sciences improving the health of the people of South Africa and Global Top 100 OF BUSINESS beyond. Regularly ranked the #1 health sciences faculty Health Sciences Education The UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) is for Customised in Africa*, its prestige today is rooted in over 100 years internationally renowned as one of just three triple-crowned Executive Human Biology of excellence. This is the home of the oldest medical business schools in Africa with endorsements from the Programmes for Integrative Biomedical school in southern Africa, and the site of famous European Foundation for Management Development eight consecutive Sciences advances in healthcare – including the world’s first (EQUIS), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools years. successful heart transplant in 1967 and research that Medicine of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). led to the development of the CT scan. Pathology As a top school located Our most popular degrees: in a changing emerging Obstetrics and Gynaecology market, the GSB has a Paediatrics and Child Health responsibility to engage 2 500+ 2 200+ with its socio-political Psychiatry and Mental Health and economic context. Master of MBA in Master of Master of PhD Postgraduate Its teaching, learning Public Health and Family Business Executive Commerce in Philosophy Diploma in programme and research is directed Medicine Administration Management Development in Inclusive Management (MBA) (EMBA) Finance Innovation Practice towards building a more Surgery (MCom) (MPhil) (PGDip) economically prosperous, equitable and integrated undergraduates postgraduates Radiation Medicine continent. The school is constantly investing in Of the 81 accredited quality scholarship and 274 research groupings research units at UCT, strong partnerships to postgraduates 37 spanning basic, 31 31 are in this faculty. support these aims. clinical, rehabilitation and graduated in 2018, public health sciences * Times Higher Education World University Rankings including 30 PhDs for clinical, pre-clinical and health rankings GSB has its home at the CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF Breakwater Campus at A-RATED POSTGRADUATE COURSES R935 million the V&A Waterfront RESEARCHERS ​0860 UCT GSB (828 472) 12 in research contracts As rated by the National [email protected] entered into in 2017 Research Foundation www.gsb.uct.ac.za CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF +27 21 406 6340 www.health.uct.ac.za [email protected] POSTGRADUATE COURSES

33 FACULTY OF Commercial Law HUMANITIES Private Law With close to 6 000 students, the faculty is the second largest at the University of Cape Town. academic Public Law It comprises 17 vibrant academic departments located 17 departments in three main clusters: the arts, the social sciences, Centre for Film and Media Studies and the performing and creative arts. Common to all Drama is a focus on the human condition in all its dimensions. English Language and Literature

Historical Studies FACULTY OF L AW The Faculty of Law might be the smallest at UCT, Michaelis School of Fine Art but its footprint is large – whether you’re talking about Philosophy the impact of its staff and students on society, the

Political Science largesse of its alumni or the diversity of its research. Psychology Did you know? Religious Studies Internationally The faculty is the oldest law school in South Africa. recognised research School for African and Gender Studies, Anthropology The faculty’s research is and Linguistics (AXL) It is ranked in the top 100 law schools worldwide. recognised for its great relevance to the national and Centre for Theatre, Dance and international needs of industry, Performance Studies The faculty has students and alumni working across the globe – contributing excellence to the legal profession, as shown by the considerable School of Education the development of law, and research in the field. industrial funding of research The faculty has produced a number of world-renowned graduates, programmes and projects. School of Languages including (author), (international Apart from the active research and Literatures The faculty has over 25 international agreements that composer and sound artist), Roger Ebert (Pulitzer Prize winner), members in each department, enable students and staff to pursue exchanges and Richard E Grant (actor), Pretty Yende (opera singer), Akin Omotoso Social Development there are 10 research units based research relationships elsewhere in Africa and across (filmmaker) and two winners – Emeritus Professor in the departments pursuing Sociology the world. JM Coetzee (Literature) and (Peace). specialised areas of research of Music and practice. These include the CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES innovative UCT Law Clinic and Knowledge and Information UCT Refugee Rights Unit. + 27 (0)21 650 3059 [email protected] www.humanities.uct.ac.za Stewardship +27 (0)21 650 3086​ [email protected] www.law.uct.ac.za

34 35 academic 12 departments THINKING BY DESIGN FACULTY OF SCIENCE How UCT’s d-school trains postgraduates to solve The faculty has a long and distinguished history. Formally Archaeology complex real-world challenges established in 1918 by UCT’s founding act, today it’s a sizeable faculty consisting of 12 departments and multiple Astronomy The Hasso Plattner School of Design research units whose teaching and research is internationally Thinking (HPI d-school) at UCT is “I learnt to think analytically acknowledged for excellence. one of only three d-schools in the and critically towards solving Biological Sciences world. The other two are at Stanford problems in a multidisciplinary University in the USA and the team. And I gained an University of Potsdam in Germany. empathetic understanding of 2 887 students Chemistry The d-school’s approach is centred human needs, which makes on the principals of ‘design thinking’: me better at solving problems.” a design thinking mindset that is a creative, human-centred approach – Andrew Bisagaya, master’s empathetic, collaborative, innovative Computer 1 200 postgraduates in commercial law and action-oriented. Science Design thinking helps find the sweet spot that lies at the intersection “It opened me up to the between what people desire and want 1 594 undergraduates scope for doing things that Environmental and to problem solving that has its roots to use, what is technologically feasible have a social impact. Before, Geographical Science in industrial design. Learning to and what is financially viable. I was focused on good practice this hands-on process of “Key to this creative confidence- academic staff income, now I am searching 206 creating a culture of innovation is building is embracing failure as part to make a good impact. It Geological Sciences offered to postgraduate students of the learning process,” says d-school empowered me to think from all faculties. director, Richard Perez. “The idea is to support staff big about issues that affect 179 For two days a week, over fail early, learn quickly from mistakes all of us.” – Charl Souma, Mathematics and a 12-week period, students are and move on.” honours in digital forensics given an opportunity to develop Postgraduates learn design thinking on real-world projects provided by partners from industry, government AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS Molecular and and academia. Through this Cell Biology experience, they get to grips with

African climate and development 20% how to use these essential skills of the for a fast-changing world of work. Biodiversity and the Greater Oceanography publication www.d-school.uct.ac.za Chemistry and biology for health in Africa output of UCT Marine biology and the Southern Ocean as a whole is “It taught me a lot about Southern skies and evolving universe produced by the importance of empathy. It highlighted the value of Statistical Sciences Human evolution and the African Quaternary the Faculty working in diverse teams to of Science solve challenges, especially real-world challenges that are not limited to one sector.” CONTACT US FOR A LIST OF +27 (0)21 650 2712 [email protected] www.science.uct.ac.za – Sarah Atmore, master’s POSTGRADUATE COURSES in social policy and management

36 37 Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) is a trans- 4faculty, multidisciplinary research enterprise that has become the largest research entity at UCT and a national leader in research and human capital UNIVERSITY development in the field of health sciences. The IDM is distinguished by the ability to drive world-class research at the laboratory–clinic–community interface by engaging a wide range of scientific and 7 RESEARCH clinical disciplines. INSTITUTES Institute for Communities The university research institutes are grounded in existing areas and Wildlife in Africa of internationally recognised excellence while being aligned to 5 (iCWild) While biology and sociology are institutional, regional and national priorities. These institutes take core research domains for wildlife interdisciplinary approaches to research. Thus, as a postgraduate, and society, conservation also needs you may be registered within a department but your research to engage with the historical and socioeconomic context and the carried out within a particular research institute. philosophical, legal and political frameworks within which conflicts arise. The ICWA challenges the divide African Climate and Poverty and Inequality Initiative (PII) between the arts and hard sciences Development Initiative The Poverty and Inequality Initiative (PII) tackles the question of why, in a as it strives to understand and 1(ACDI) 2country of rich resources, poverty and inequality are persisting and even, in guide the realignment between The African continent has an the case of inequality, deepening. PII aims to identify all major role players inside humans and the natural systems imperative to improve human and outside the university, including academics, research groups, government we depend on. wellbeing, but within the and NGOs who are working in poverty alleviation. It also plays a leading role in constraints of the need for the Carnegie national inquiry into strategies to overcome poverty and inequality. low-carbon development and Institute for Democracy, Neurosciences Institute mounting impacts of climate Citizenship and Public There is a major research gap when it comes to variability and change. The ACDI 6 Policy in Africa (IDCPPA) 7 understanding the impact of many disorders of engages with these challenges Future Water The IDCPPA conducts comparative the brain in Africa. There is also a need to understand through innovative research The complexity and uncertainties that go with water empirical studies on contemporary these conditions in context, as some diseases – such and teaching that draws on 3management in South Africa provide a major national African democracy. Previous research as traumatic brain injury and the neurological and intellectual capital across a wide 19% challenge and can no longer be explained through the has demonstrated that democracy neuropsychiatric consequences of HIV and TB – range of disciplines. It brings OF RURAL SOUTH lens of single disciplines. Future Water’s aim is to increase is sustained through effective and are far more prevalent here than elsewhere. The together academics with non- AFRICANS LACK water sensitivity to underpin improved quality of life and predictable political institutions, Neurosciences Institute brings together expertise in governmental organisations, ACCESS TO sustainable development in South Africa. The institute and an active and critical citizenry, the basic sciences, public health and an array of other business and government in a A RELIABLE integrates technical and socioeconomic aspects through underpinned by public policies that disciplines to advance our understanding of the brain. knowledge factory that co- WATER SUPPLY the adoption of inter- and transdisciplinary scholarship, as enable inclusive growth and rising The institute advances patient care while fostering produces and tests new insights, well as the perspectives of multiple stakeholders and users. welfare. The institute investigates research, education and advocacy in the fast-moving evidence and innovations that will The research programme includes a clear focus on the each of these areas with democracy and exciting world of neuroscience. help to solve Africa’s climate and interactions between environmental, technical, economic as the guiding theme binding them development challenges. and social aspects. together.

38 39 INTER- DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH STRENGTHS Increasingly, research at UCT is drawn together into areas of research strengths: interdisciplinary hubs that are selected for particular support because they meet a number of strategic objectives and encompass a critical mass of researchers. They also provide an opportunity to leverage our geographic advantage, and show potential for strong collaboration nationally, across the continent and globally.

Astronomy, cosmology and gravity UCT research in this area spans stellar and galactic astrophysics, and extragalactic astronomy, and extends into the fundamental physics that underlies the nature of the universe. UCT also plays a leading role in the Square Kilometre Array (see ‘data-intensive research’ pg. 43). The Department of Astronomy – the only dedicated university-based astronomy group in South Africa – and the High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Astrophysics Theory Group are two groups that undertake this research.

40 Data-intensive research and contributes strongly to its visibility on Research is, at its UCT is rapidly becoming a the international scene. best, profoundly hub for astronomical and astrophysics research in Marine research transformative. Africa. In order to address the shortage The cold Benguela current of skills required for dealing the data- and warmer Agulhas current, This is a particular intensive nature research, UCT (in together with the southern imperative for the collaboration with the University of ocean, are central to African climate the Western Cape) is taking the lead variability in the region and its diverse University of Cape in creating the framework to introduce biology. South Africa’s position between African researchers to research- the currents, with ready access to three Town, located as intensive data and turn it into actionable major world oceans, makes it an optimal knowledge. While astronomy and site for marine research. The UCT Marine we are in a country, astrophysics are the main focus areas for Institute (Ma-Re) is advancing knowledge and on a continent, developing and transferring these skills, of this unique marine environment and its other areas such as bioinformatics and associated environmental issues. of vast wealth and statistical sciences will be included. Mineral beneficiation deprivation – with Drug discovery South Africa’s economic growth the opportunity to The Drug Discovery and is greatly dependent on the Development Centre (H3-D) efficiency and sustainability of make a difference. at UCT was established to its mining industry. Mining research at UCT close the gap that exists between the explores ways to address these challenges institution’s research and the development and also investigates the role of policy of new medicines. By adopting a and law in South African mining. Here, the multidisciplinary approach and the use of focus has primarily been on the competing modern technology platforms, the H3-D demands of nationalisation and private has become the leading drug-discovery ownership of the country’s natural resources organisation on the African continent. and how it has had an impact on relations The centre is also committed to training a between government and national and new generation of African scientists with international investors. the key skills needed for integrated drug discovery and development. Preserving our African heritage High-energy physics Globalisation presents many To gain new knowledge, challenges involved in preserving physicists have been colliding Africa’s identity – it is the topic of ongoing atomic particles at ever debate. One thing, however, remains clear: higher energies. At present the highest during this time of rapid development, it is beam energies are available at the Large essential that Africans are empowered to Hadron Collider (LHC) near Geneva, shape their own identity. Since narrative Switzerland. The Department of Physics shapes identity, UCT supports a variety of at UCT has been participating in the work projects that give a voice to the different of the LHC by contributing to two of its histories of South Africa and the continent. large detectors. This is now an important In this way, UCT aims to contribute to a component of the Department of Physics process of respect, growth and healing. Image by Mathew Bone Mathew Image by

43 Safety and violence South Africans continue to face persistent high rates of violence. There is a core group of researchers at UCT from a variety of disciplines who have been working within the diverse but related fields of policing, causes of rape, prevention of child maltreatment and the like. Together they have formed the Safety and Violence Initiative (SAVI) with a mandate to focus on understanding and intervening in the promotion of safety and the reduction of violence in South Africa.

Schools improvement The Schools Improvement Initiative (SII) is a direct response to the education crisis in South Africa. The underachievement of learners, in particular in township schools around Cape Town, has resulted in relatively small numbers of black students from these disadvantaged areas qualifying for entrance to UCT. SII was formed to harness the university’s broader resources to foster meaningful partnerships with education- related groupings, both within and outside of UCT.

Urban Africa Rapid urbanisation raises issues of adequate food supply, affordable shelter, employment opportunities, water and waste management, environmental degradation and climate change. Achieving well-governed and sustainable cities is becoming increasingly important to the future health of the planet. The African Centre for Cities at UCT is an interdisciplinary research and teaching programme that seeks to facilitate critical urban research and policy discourses for the promotion of vibrant,

democratic and sustainable urban Miller Johnny Image by development in the global south from an African perspective.

45 nGAP lecturer: Melissa-Rose nGAP lecturer: Frissiano Abrahams, researcher in the Honwana, assistant lecturer Department of Pathology in the School of Public Health OUR NEW GENERATION Abrahams is part of a team of & Family Medicine scientists involved in driving HIV cure From rural Mpumalanga, Honwana’s research, an area which has gained work in public health has opened doors OF RESEARCHERS attention as it becomes clear that and shown him that research involves infected individuals must remain on collaboration among people with treatment for the rest of their lives. a common goal. “Of the many hats worn by With an interest in infectious disease MAKING AN IMPACT academics, I most enjoy the modelling and longitudinal models, he UCT has embraced the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), an opportunity excitement of critically analysing believes the nGAP programme is helping provided by the Department of Higher Education (DHET) to build a new generation of and interpreting laboratory results him build a research profile that will black South African academics. Here, we feature just five who are making their mark. and determining what story they contribute to knowledge in the field. have to tell.”

nGAP associate: Suraya Scheba, lecturer in the Department of nGAP lecturer: Taahira Goolam Hoosen, lecturer Environmental and Geographical in the Department of Health Sciences Education Sciences Named as one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Scheba recently completed a postdoctoral Africans for 2018, Hoosen merges a passion for medical fellowship with the African Centre for Cities. science with teaching and academic development. She loves Through her work, she aims to understand the being able to help students navigate the often strange and contested political processes shaping cities. confusing world of academia through literacy support. Scheba’s recent work includes an investigation She describes it as, “Beyond the textbook: teaching and into water scarcity in the Western Cape and empowering, one person at a time.” the adoption of desalination technology in the Knysna Local Municipality.

RIGHT: Scheba’s husband and two children accompanied her on a UCT nGAP writing retreat.

nGAP associate: Mochelo Lefoka, lecturer with Construction Economics and Management “I am excited about nGAP, as it contributes to what I believe Lefoka’s first international paper, written in collaboration with Professor Abimbola to be the heart of transformation at UCT – institutional Windapo, won the Singapore Institute of culture change. Transformation at UCT is therefore about Building Limited Best Paper Award in 2018. “The transition from industry to academia creating a university that is truly a ‘pluriversal’ place that can be hard. The nGAP is a perfect reflects the many identities, ideologies and belief systems transitional package. It’s allowed me to survive and thrive. The journey so far has in a manner that includes and doesn’t alienate.” been amazing. It’s given me space to do Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, research and develop as an academic.” Professor Loretta Feris

46 BRIGHT, YOUNG DR THULWANENG MASHIFANE UCT postdoctoral research fellow, South POSTGRAD African Environmental Observation Network Mashifane graduated with a PhD in ocean and atmosphere Science at UCT in 2017; he was the first RESEARCHERS black South African to do so. During his PhD he received two prestigious 5Of the exceptional young people featured on the 2018 fellowships: the German Academic Exchange Services and 2019 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans and the UCT Science Faculty PhD Equity Fellowship. lists, 81 are UCT students, alumni and staff members. Mashifane is one of the few experts in South Africa who has skills in biogeochemical modelling, and he Here are a few of their stories. has transferred these skills to students as a tutor and teaching assistant at UCT. He is also actively involved in education outreach programmes at the South African Environmental Observation Network. NTSAKO MGIBA He participates in international discovery research Co-founder and CEO, LONDEKA MAHLANZA and capacity building cruises between Namibia, Jonga Systems Environmental project South Africa and Mauritius, where he contributes Following a personal encounter with coordinator, Anglo American to the advancement of knowledge in the Indian burglary, Mgiba fused his training in DR SINDISIWE BUTHELEZI Through her tertiary education – and Atlantic oceans. mechatronic engineering and interest in Scientific researcher, Council which included working towards entrepreneurship to “restore dignity, security for Scientific and Industrial two master’s degrees at Oxford3 4 and peace of mind to communities that are and the University of Cape often seen as perpetrators of violence in After finishing matric, Buthelezi – Town, simultaneously – Mahlanza South Africa”. He co-founded Jonga, which who was born and raised in a small2 became aware of the socio-ecological develops low-cost, community-based town in KwaZulu-Natal – settled on aspects of environmental governance. PABALLO CHAUKE home-monitoring solutions for low- microbiology and biochemistry as With a clear understanding that Training and outreach coordinator, income communities. majors and secured a place at the environmental damage and climate H3ABioNet-Pan African Bioinformatics Currently pursuing a master’s University of KwaZulu-Natal. change would have the most Network for H3Africa degree in computer science “In my first year, I became more and severe effects on society’s most Chauke says he grew up in conditions of at UCT as a Mandela Rhodes more fascinated by the functioning of vulnerable, she pledged her support squalor that made him hungry for success and scholar, Mgiba clinched the human body,” she says. She went to environmental conservation that’s opportunities. After obtaining an undergraduate the first prize in numerous on to complete an honours degree at socially just. degree and honours at UCT, he did an MSc in entrepreneurship challenges the University of the Witwatersrand She has since established herself as 5biodiversity, conservation and management at on- and off-campus. and a master’s degree at UCT. For her a leading thinker and practitioner in the University of Oxford in 2016. Throughout “I believe my career as PhD, she investigated ways to increase the field of environmental governance his studies, he assumed leadership roles and a social entrepreneur has the stability of anti-rabies drugs for and management. volunteer positions. Now, in addition to working at a direct impact on society,” developing countries. Mahlanza, who has been part of H3ABioNet-Pan African Bioinformatics Network for says Mgiba. “Through Now, Buthelezi is involved in research Anglo American’s efforts to support H3Africa, Chauke supervises, mentors and guest providing our product, I to identify drug targets relevant to the women’s representation in the lectures at the School of International Training. hope that communities South African population. She believes company’s leadership roles, joined the “There is an urgent need to develop a new will become empowered a career in science “gives one the environmental team at Anglo Platinum generation of researchers, practitioners and decision- to come together and form opportunity to make a contribution to support the development of makers who are equipped with the necessary skills neighbourhood watches that that may result in improving people’s environmentally and socially sensitive and experience to tackle climate change, because

protect themselves.” lives.” on 200youngsouthafricans.co.za the individual profiles from been adapted have profiles These approaches to risk management and ultimately it will affect the marginalised Africans operational models. more than anyone else,” says Chauke. VISIT OUR POSTGRAD HUB The UCT Postgrad Hub will provide postgraduates at UCT with all the information that they need to enhance their research experience – from start to finish.

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