Masters and PhD studies

Research Topics

Most research topics are cochlear implant related as described on the Research Focus page. These cover areas from experimental work to computer modelling, and include aspects of acoustics, audiology and psychoacoustics, stochastic signal analysis, perception, neuroscience and computational neuroscience, and finite element modelling (not an exhaustive list). Please contact Prof Johan Hanekom or Prof Tania Hanekom for specific topics.

Eligibility

Please note that Masters and PhDs are research-based degrees, and one required outcome is that research articles should be published in high quality international journals during the study.

To enter into a Masters, a prospective student needs:

• a solid commitment to fulltime Masters degree studies;
• an appropriate undergraduate degree in engineering (typically Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or Biomedical Engineering); 
  • in exceptional circumstances and depending on present research projects, students with an appropriate qualification in an appropriate field within natural sciences (BSc Physics) may be considered;
• and an appropriate Honours degree (typically B.Eng. Hons in the engineering disciplines mentioned above) from a South African university;
• demonstrated appropriate foundational training and experience in research, typically through a comprehensive and challenging research project as part of the final year of undergraduate study,
• excellent English reading, writing and speaking skills. The latter will be demonstrated through email communication, an interview, through a writing assignment, through a major undergraduate research report and often through results of TOEFL tests.
• International students will need own funding, and availability of this for the entire duration of study needs to be demonstrated before an application may be considered. Limited funding is available on competitive basis for South African citizens.

To enter into a PhD, a prospective student needs:

• a solid commitment to fulltime PhD degree studies,
• an undergraduate degree in engineering, 
• or, in exceptional circumstances and depending on present research projects, students with an appropriate qualification in an appropriate field within natural sciences (typically audiology or physics) may be considered, 
• an appropriate Honours degree from a South African university, or equivalent,
• and an appropriate research Masters degree,
• appropriate experience in research, demonstrated through journal and conference publications resulting from the Masters, and a high quality Masters dissertation,
• excellent English reading, writing and speaking skills. The latter will be demonstrated through email communication, an interview, through a writing assignment, through the Masters dissertation and often through results of TOEFL tests.
• International students will need own funding, and availability of this for the entire duration of study needs to be demonstrated before an application may be considered. Limited funding is available on competitive basis for South African citizens.

Funding

Funding is available (on competitive basis) for fulltime Masters and PhD study. Funding is seldom available for non-citizens. International students will need own funding for the entire duration of study.

Application for a Masters

Prospective students need to apply online and also need to discuss their plans with the Group Head, Prof Johan Hanekom ([email protected]) by 15 November of the year just prior to the year that you wish to enroll. 

Application for a PhD

Kindly submit the following information in electronic format to the Group Head, Prof Johan Hanekom ([email protected]):

• Brief curriculum vitae
• Academic record
• Pdf copy of your Masters dissertation 
• Publication list
• Contact details of your study leader for your masters degree.
• Cover letter with a motivation for your application.

Please include the words PHD BIOENGINEERING in the subject line.

Travel and Conference attendence

PhD students are provided with the opportunity to travel to a conference and/or visit our international research partners.