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: Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:06:17 SAST