(NRF Bursaries for two MEd researchers)

Two full-time Masters researchers are needed to join a two-year project investigating the role of values and ethics in learning processes that develop citizens’ agency to respond to environmental sustainability concerns in Grahamstown / Makhanda.

Grahamstown / Makanda, the town where Rhodes University is situated, faces critical and escalating sustainability challenges related to water provisioning, waste management and food security. These can be described as “Social—Ecological—Economic Justice” (SEE-Justice) concerns because they occur at the intersection of social, cultural, political, environmental and economic challenges. This NRF and Rhodes University-funded research project seeks to understand the role of values and ethics when ordinary citizens learn to respond to these concerns by participating in a formal intervention (such as a training project, environmental activist group etc.). The project aspires to ‘give voice’ to African perspectives, experiences and innovations for citizen learning that is ethics-led, and to explore possibilities for a new, common ‘language of environmental care’ so that residents of Grahamstown / Makanda can address their SEE-Justice concerns.

Two Masters bursaries from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of R50 000 per annum are available. Qualifying applicants should:

• hold an Honours Degree (or equivalent NQF level 8 qualification);
• have a strong interest and/or background in education (formal or informal) and environmental sustainability, values, ethics and social justice;
• have a strong academic track record and show potential to cope with the challenges of postgraduate studies (at least 65% average at Honours level);
• have well-developed social skills;
• have experience of working with qualitative data;
• be able to live and study full-time in Grahamstown/ Makhanda in 2019 and 2020;
• be a South African citizen/permanent resident.

Applicants should complete the Rhodes University Masters application form PLUS a motivation letter and CV demonstrating how they meet the above requirements. Direct specific research-related questions to the project’s lead researcher, Dr Lausanne Olvitt (L.Olvitt@ru.ac.za).

Those interested in researching the relationship between human values, ethics and learning, but who do not qualify for the abovementioned NRF bursaries, or who prefer to locate their research in their own community, school or organisation, are most welcome to apply as self-funded Masters students. Email Dr Lausanne Olvitt (L.Olvitt@ru.ac.za) to chat about options.

Last Modified: Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:06:49 SAST