Yearbooks

Programme: PhD (Religion Studies)

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
06265082 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Religion Studies
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

Also refer to General Academic Regulations G42-G55.

The outcome of a PhD is highly specialised, research-based knowledge and expertise.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant master’s degree
  2. At least 65% for the research component at master’s level
  3. Students who obtained 63% to 64% may be considered for PhD Preparatory studies
  4. English language proficiency as determined by a proficiency test
  5. Hebrew passed at second-year level of the bachelor’s degree (for the MTh in Old Testament Studies) or an admissions examination may be required
  6. Greek passed at second-year level of the bachelor’s degree (for the MTh New Testament Studies)
    or
    an admissions examination may be required

Note: The MDiv qualification or a qualification not directly correlated to Theology may be considered for admission to a preparatory year

Examinations and pass requirements

Examination regulations applicable to doctorates in the faculty
A doctorate is conferred on a student only if he or she has complied with all the requirements laid down in faculty regulations: An examined thesis and oral examination. The doctorate is not conferred with distinction.

Research information

  1. Prospective doctoral students register for Theology Doctoral Preparatory (Code 06290001) if so determined by the Admission Committee of the Postgraduate Committee.
  2. The registration period for Theology Doctoral Preparatory is maximum one year, and the student must prepare a substantial research proposal under supervision of the supervisor. If necessary, the supervisor may prescribe additional fundamental material (eg research methodology) which is essential for the preparation of the thesis, to be studied and assessed formally.
  3. Once the supervisor has completed the assessment to his or her satisfaction and the research proposal is recommended by the relevant head of department and approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Theology, the student will be allowed to register for the appropriate doctoral programme.

Also refer to General Academic Regulation G51.

Article for publication

  • Unless Senate, on the recommendation of the supervisor, decides otherwise, a student, before or on submission of a dissertation, must submit at least one draft article for publication in a recognised academic journal and in the case of a thesis, must submit proof of submission of an article issued by an accredited journal, to the Head: Student Administration.
  • The draft or submitted article, should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the thesis and be approved by the supervisor if the supervisor is not a co-author.
  • The supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the paper is taken through all the processes of revision and resubmission, as may be necessary. Conferment of the degree may be made subject to compliance with the stipulations of this regulation.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A comprehensive and advanced research report (thesis) on an approved project has to be done. This is an expert, highly specialised and advanced research project, both across the major discipline and interdisciplinary. Planning, resourcing, managing, and optimizing all aspects of processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts are important aspects. Complete accountability for research results achieved, and evaluating personal and/or group output. The aim is to build academic leadership and to skill senior management professionals.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    A comprehensive and advanced research report (thesis) on an approved project has to be done. This is an expert, highly specialised and advanced research project, both across the major discipline and interdisciplinary. Planning, resourcing, managing, and optimizing all aspects of processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts are important aspects. Complete accountability for research results achieved, and evaluating personal and/or group output. The aim is to build academic leadership and to skill senior management professionals.

    View more


The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

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