Call for Applications: Master’s Fellowship in Media Literacy at UWC
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Chair in Media Inclusion and Diversity is inviting applications for a two-year Master’s Fellowship in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, starting in January/February 2026. The fellowship will focus on media literacy research, with a special emphasis on how young South Africans use language in digital spaces. This includes exploring multilingualism, code-switching, and slang to understand how language shapes the ability of youth to critically engage with media content. The research aims to strengthen inclusive and effective media literacy initiatives in South Africa’s diverse multilingual context.
The UWC Chair in Media Inclusion and Diversity advances research, dialogue, and community engagement on issues of media inclusion, diversity, and critical thinking in media studies. It is co-chaired by Associate Professor Sisanda Nkoala, an award-winning researcher in media inclusion and diversity, and Professor Leo Van Audenhove, Professor of New Media and International Communication at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and extraordinary professor at UWC. The Chair is based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UWC.
Funding for the fellowship is up to R65,000 over two years and covers tuition as well as research-related expenses such as conference attendance and data collection.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold an Honours degree in Linguistics or Communication-related fields with an average of 65% or above. They should have a strong interest in media studies, particularly media inclusion and diversity. Successful applicants must be accepted into a Master’s programme in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UWC and must commit to conducting the proposed research.
Application Requirements: Candidates should submit a single PDF file including a one-page letter of intent outlining motivation, research interests, and alignment with the Chair’s focus areas; a 2–3 page academic CV with details of degrees, achievements, research experience, and professional background; the names and contact details of two referees; academic transcripts for all degrees; and optionally, a research report from the Honours year.
Deadline for applications is November 14, 2025, at 16:00 (SAST). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the call will close once a suitable candidate has been identified. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
To apply, send the complete application as a single PDF to snkoala@uwc.ac.za. For inquiries, please contact Associate Professor Sisanda Nkoala at snkoala@uwc.ac.za