The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defense (viva voce) and two manuscripts, based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.

Students for the PhD degree must: Submit a research proposal during the first year of registration and defend it successfully before a panel of examiners appointed by the Dean, in collaboration with the relevant head of department, supervisor and research coordinator, before they can start with the research; Apply for ethical clearance to the relevant head of department and Ethics Committee and only commence with field work once the application for ethical clearance has been approved by the Ethics Committee; Annually present a progress report on the research to the supervisor. Continued reregistration depends on satisfactory progress annually; Attend all research capacity-building sessions on quantitative and qualitative research at the doctoral level; Submit a thesis for examination on a topic approved by the Dean on the recommendation of the relevant head of department and successfully defend her/his thesis at an oral examination; Submit proof of submission of an article issued by an accredited journal. The draft proof as well as the proof of submission must be submitted to Student Administration before 15 February for the Autumn graduation ceremonies and before 15 July for the Spring graduation ceremonies. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the degree being awarded during a subsequent series of graduation ceremonies.

Not all postgraduate Programs are offered every year. Please consult the relevant faculty's student administration concerning the presentation of this Program.

Subject to the stipulations of the General Academic Regulation G42, a master's degree is required for admission to studies for a PhD.

The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.

A PhD student must:

The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence (viva voce) and two manuscripts, based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.

The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence (viva voce) and two manuscripts, based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.

Submit a research proposal during the first year of registration and defend it successfully before a panel of examiners appointed by the Dean, in collaboration with the relevant head of department, supervisor, and research coordinator, before they can start with the research.

Relevant master's degree

Subject to the stipulations of General Academic Regulations G42, a master's degree is required for admission to studies for a PhD.

An acceptable level of proficiency in English is required.

Relevant master's degree

Note: Additional modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.