African Centre for Cities (ACC) 2 x Masters scholarships in South Africa 2024

The African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town is offering two Masters scholarships as part of the CLAIMS to Energy Citizenship project funded by DANIDA (2024-2028). The scholarships support students enrolling in the MPhil in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism program, focusing on energy transitions in South Africa.

The ACC has secured funding for two Masters student positions (as well as two PhD scholarships) as part of the CLAIMS project, funded by DANIDA (2024 – 2028). The project focuses on energy transitions in South Africa and has three work packages:

• WP1 will focus on everyday practices related to energy access.
• WP2 will focus on the sub-national state and processes of transitioning energy systems.
• WP3 will aim to draw insights from WP1 and WP2 together to craft a multi-scalar and multi-actor view of infrastructural citizenship.

The current call is for two of the Masters scholarships for students registering for the MPhil in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism programme at the ACC. We are seeking applicants who are interested in issues of urban infrastructure and claims around energy access and provision at the scale of the everyday and/or urban statecraft.

• Table of Content
• About African Centre for Cities (ACC)
• 2 x Masters scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of 2 x Masters scholarships
• Requirements for 2 x Masters scholarships Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for 2 x Masters scholarships
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About African Centre for Cities (ACC)

The nature and functioning of cities are at the epicentre of larger questions dominating the 21st Century about how we will fashion new economic and political systems that can effect a radically inclusive and sustainable society. Given that 95% of urban growth between now and 2050 will take place in Africa and Asia, the global South must take the lead in exploring and theorising emergent forms of urbanity. By necessity this knowledge practice must be rooted in concrete experiments to figure out how to imagine, enact and institutionalise novel forms of city-making.... continue reading

2 x Masters scholarships

Aim and Benefits of 2 x Masters scholarships

ZAR 245,000 per year, renewable for a second year based on satisfactory progress. Additional funding for fieldwork and travel costs is available.

Requirements for 2 x Masters scholarships Qualification

Applicants must hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate + Honours) or another Master’s degree by February 2025. The program seeks candidates interested in urban infrastructure, energy access, and urban statecraft

Interview date, Process and Venue for 2 x Masters scholarships

Selection will be based on academic ability and the alignment of the applicant’s research interests with the CLAIMS project. A committee consisting of the project’s PI, lead researcher, and two external ACC representatives will review the applications.

Documents Required for Application

All applications should include:

1. A letter of application which covers:

• The reasons for applying for participating in the project
• An overview of how the applicant’s profile responds to the minimum requirements of the advert, indicating what previous work or research experiences are relevant to the criteria;
• What the applicant will additionally bring to the project team (in terms of experience, approach etc.);
• A quick overview of how the applicant would approach the study energy access and provision in Cape Town, including an indication of the questions they think are most relevant and interesting?
• A two page CV
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A 1-page writing sample (e.g., an abstract/introduction of a previous dissertation chapter, scholarly article, or long-form essay).

Either names (and contact details) OR letters of reference from at least two academics who have taught, supervised or worked alongside the applicant. In case of relevant professional experience, letters from one academic and one professional referee are welcome.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit ACC website.