THE SOUTH African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is committed to
developing talented young researchers interested in pursuing a
post-graduate degree related to arts, culture, research or statistics in
an effort to grow the sector’s research base in alignment with the SACO
Research Agenda.
“Research is the cornerstone of the work we do
at the Cultural Observatory,” said Prof. Richard Haines, SACO chief
executive. “Aside from tapping into past research, harnessing the
insights of current research, we want to ensure that academics of the
future have a vested interest in mapping, understanding, and counting
the impact of arts, culture and heritage in the years to come. The
scholarships on offer are designed to nurture and support research into
our important sector.”
There are four scholarships on offer:
- Honour’s Degree: R20 000
- Coursework Master’s Degree: R50 000
- Research Master’s Degree: nR80 000
- PhD Degree: R120 000
Applications
are open to any South African citizens who obtained an average of 65%
in the degree preceding the Honour’s, Master’s or PHD and who have shown
academic excellence in their field of studies. Priority will be given
to designated groups. Applicants may come from all those fields of study
that have a strong relevance to the national development of the
country.
Scholarships-holders are allowed to hold supplementary
bursaries, grants or emoluments, provided these bursaries or grants are
not from Government Departments or other State Agencies.
University
staff members applying into the programme will have to provide a
supporting letter from their human resource department clearly
indicating their working hours and status of employment during the
tenure of the award.
Prof. Haines added that the SACO encourages all young or ascending academics to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Scholarship
is an incredible opportunity to not only contribute to knowledge
development, but also influence and shape policy, promote deeper
understanding and to fundamentally change the way people view and value
the creative and cultural industries,” he said.
RESEARCH FOCUS AND OUTPUTS
The
research undertaken must fall within the scope of the South African
Cultural Observatory’s work within the cultural and creative economy
and/or relevant industries. The successful candidate and the
supervisor/s involved must ensure that a working or research paper based
on the research undertaken in the degree is lodged with the South
African Cultural Observatory and that the contribution of SACO be
formally acknowledged in any publication.
The scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis for a maximum two years duration depending on the degree.
Applications
will be adjudicated by an independent selection panel consisting of
South African experts in the various fields, which may include
representatives of the Department of Arts and Culture, the South African
Cultural Observatory, well as South African academics from Nelson
Mandela Metropolitan University, Rhodes University and Fort Hare
University.
Moreinfo: http://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.co.za/article/new-opportunities-offered-via-saco-scholarship-programme
