PhD

What is the objective of the course?

This course is multi-professional in nature and welcomes students from disciplines such as special education, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and psychology. Background in AAC,severe disability or early childhood intervention is essential.The course is intended to provide students with advanced and specialized knowledge in the field of AAC, ECI and/or severe disabilities, with the opportunity to become quality researchers. The training approach is collaborative as students and lecturers engage in ongoing interaction on the Web as well as during week-long on-campus visits at the University of Pretoria, which are held twice a year.

Interactions with local and international experts form an important part of the PhD training in an attempt to expose students to a broad range of methodologies and approaches to research within the respective fields.

What are the admission requirements?

A relevant Master's degree is required. It is preferable for prospective students to have engaged in independent research before. Candidates might be required to do an admission examination in the form of a critical appraisal of a published research article.Prospective students are also required to write a 1 page bio-graphical statement.Students are required to have full internet access.Contact with the programme manager is essential before application, in order to receive a copy of the prescribed article that needs to be appraised.

How do the lecturers and students communicate?

This is a distance education course, therefore students do not have to be resident in Pretoria as no regular lectures or practical sessions have to be attended at the University. However, two onsite weeks per year are compulsory (usually February and September).

Communication is via e-mail, on-line discussion groups, faxes and the telephone.

Periodic visits to the University are recommended to enable students to participate in teleconferencing events with overseas universities. These contacts allow students to benefit from interactions with international experts.

For whom is the course intended?

This course was developed for advanced students in AAC and related fields such as ECI and severe disabilities, who wish to build their expertise as researchers and facilitate the further development of the field of AAC.

What is the language of tuition?

The course will be conducted in English.

Course structure

Course Code: 01264613

The course consists of one preparatory year, during which students finalise their research proposal. Once this has been accepted, students register for the full PhD and have 3 years to complete their degree. The degree entails an independent research project on an approved topic, formulated and executed by the student, and the writing up of a formal dissertation. The student will then also defend the general approach and findings of the study before a panel.

How will the students be assessed?

External examiners will be appointed for each thesis and examination. Academic experts in the relevant field employed by South African and overseas universities will be appointed as external examiners.

Please click here for Phd (AAC) information in pdf.

Are there any bursaries or loans available?

Anybody interested in applying for loans and/or bursaries should direct enquiries to:
Study Financing
University of Pretoria
Private bag X20 Hatfield
Pretoria
0028

Tel: (012) 420-3111
Fax: (012) 362-5168 or 362-5190 or
E-mail: [email protected] or check this link: www.up.ac.za/fao

For further information on the course, E-mail: [email protected]

Applications close 21 November of the preceeding year

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