Rhodes>ELRC>Studying>2019/2020 Bursaries

Ethics, Learning & Social-Ecological Justice

Ethics, Learning & Social-Ecological Justice

(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: Fri, 07 Dec 2018 13:56:51 SAST

Rhodes>ELRC>Studying>2019/2020 Bursaries

Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods

Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods

(Possible Bursary for M.Ed. Studies at Rhodes ELRC)

Pending the outcomes of a funding proposal, Rhodes ELRC will offer one or more bursaries for full-time or part-time studies in Environmental Education, in a two-year project investigating the skills that are needed for sustainable livelihoods in one community.

Background to the research:

Residents in South African towns, townships and villages are struggling with the rising cost of living and unemployment, as well as challenges in accessing quality education and training, environmental resources such as water, electricity and decent sanitation, and other services. As a result, a good quality of life and well-being are hard to attain ideals. Municipalities and other institutional role players are struggling to support citizens in their quest. One of the key factors needed to achieve or support sustainable livelihoods, are skills. This research programme will look at the skills needed in communities and institutions for sustaining humans and the environment. It will do so by looking at healthy home and community environments, participation in formal or informal economies, and better governance of environmental resources. Our theoretical frameworks will be informed by alternative economists such as Kate Raworth and Lorenzo Fioramonti, sustainability transitions theory and the skills development work in the Green Skills Programme (www.greenskills.co.za).

Masters bursaries to the value of R50 000 per annum for full time studies or up to R25 000 for part time studies are available. While exceptions may be possible in the case of highly deserving candidates, applicants should ideally:

  • hold an Honours Degree (or equivalent NQF level 8 qualification);
  • have a strong interest and/or background in environmental sustainability, social justice, skills development and research;
  • 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 and/or quantitative data;
  • be able to travel for study and research purposes during 2019 and 2020.

Applicants should complete the Rhodes University Masters application form PLUS a motivation letter (around two pages) and CV demonstrating how they meet the above requirements. Direct specific research-related questions to the project’s lead researcher, Prof Eureta Rosenberg (E.Rosenberg@ru.ac.za). Submit your application on the Rhodes Online system.

 

Last Modified: Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:14:54 SAST