African Sustainable Communities 2026-2027 MA program

AFRICAN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES MA PROGRAM

The 21st century is a time of significant transformation across Africa, with rapid economic, political, and social changes reshaping local communities, bringing both opportunities and challenges. African Sustainable Communities is an MA program that unites students from around the globe in a unique learning environment focused on sustainable community development.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, we prepare our students to navigate and contribute to the rapid changes across Africa. You'll engage in dynamic discussions, exploring the complex factors that drive lasting change in communities.

Rational And Goals

The program places African communities at its core, exploring the political, economic, cultural, and social factors that shape their long-term initiatives. Our goal is to equip students with the theoretical foundation, analytical skills, and practical insights needed to pursue individual and community projects across various fields.

We believe that effective community interventions—whether in social, cultural, scientific, agricultural, or economic domains—should be informed by a deep understanding of history, politics, economics, and social and cultural dynamics.

Program Duration And Structure

African Sustainable Communities is a year-and-ahalf-long MA program (three semesters plus additional write-up time for the Thesis Track). Students spend a year of intensive study at BenGurion University of the Negev, where the African Studies program has earned an international reputation for excellence. The program offers an Applied Track for most students and a Thesis Track for those pursuing indepth research.

All students take mandatory core classes, a project workshop, research methods, and electives they choose according to their interests. Required and elective courses are completed over two semesters at BGU. In the third semester, students apply their knowledge to a community initiative or conduct research in Africa, with support from program staff.

A Sampling Of Classes

• Deconstructing Development: Theory, Practice and Critique
• Project workshop
• Economics, Politics and Society in Africa of the 20th Century
• Sports and Development in Africa
• Considering Sustainable Design Projects in Africa
• Resilience- The Art of Disaster Management and Coping Youth in Africa
• Rubbish and shit: an introduction to discard studies

Application Process

• Applying via the registration website and submitting mandatory documents.
• Pay the registration fee
• Application is reviewed and processed
• Personal interview via Zoom
• Receive notification of acceptance or rejection
• If accepted, pay the rest of the deposit
• Obtain a student visa and health insurance with the support of BGU's staff

Program Details

Duration

• 2 semesters at BGU followed by research and/or internship in Africa.

Beginning: October

Admission Requirement

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
2. Submission of all application materials
3. Written assignments
4. Online interview

Scholarships

• Scholarships (full and partial) are available for qualifying candidates.

Accomodation

• The Marcus Campus dormitories are home to a vibrant student community and are offered based on availability.

Registration opens on February 1

Deadline for registration: May 1

For More Info 

Email: africama@bgu.ac.il

Tel: +972-8-6428268