Purpose of the PhD

A PhD graduate has an in-depth and broad knowledge of a specialized area of the discipline, is well versed in the scientific method and has proven through independent and guided research that he/she can apply the scientific method in a scientific study to make an original contribution to the discipline. Therefore, the objective of the doctoral study is to guide students to do original research.

The thesis should be an original contribution towards knowledge and insight of the discipline. The research should be suitable for at least two publications in an accredited scientific journal. The thesis must show clearly that the candidate

• is familiar with the nature and objective of his/her study;
• has satisfactory knowledge of the relevant literature;
• has mastered the research methods used in the study;
• has a good knowledge of the underlying theory/ies and the application of the scientific method;
• is able to evaluate the scientific implications and meaning of the finding.

Steps to follow

Check if you meet the Admission requirements. Eng Man / Proj Man / Tech & Innov Man Familiarise yourself with the GSTM research areas. Research Groups Academic staff research areas PhD's completed at Department  Direct any queries by E-mail		Refer to the PhD Guide for detail information Apply online (New applicants / Current students); and E-mail  the following documents: CV Research idea for PhD.  (Template) Full academic record Copy of your master’s degree certificate. Copy of your masters research report Applicants who did not study at a South African University need to submit a SAQA certificate TOEFL test may be required for students who did not complete their qualifications in English Verify outcome of your  application on the portal Study leader is allocated if student is accepted		Refer to the PhD Guide Pre-registration steps- Complete contract on portal Pay initial fee International students contact [email protected] to lift International Block
Register for ZZZ on the UP Portal ZZZ process		Access the module Advanced Topics in GSTM Research on clickUP Draft proposal in line with the guidelines set out in the GSTM Research Guide Complete the online Research Methodology course (if applicable)		Present at colloquium Update proposal
Register for PhD if proposal is accepted Follow the EBIT Post Graduate lifecycle, which include the completion of the MOA between student and supervisor and Ethics clearance Update PhD lifecycle on UP portal regularly Access the PhD module on clickUP		Present at colloquium Submit thesis for examination Submit proof of two articles submitted to be published