PhD in Physics (Research)

Purpose

The purpose of the doctoral programme is to provide qualifying students with an in-depth understanding and integrated knowledge of advanced applicable theory in the field of specialisation. A doctoral degree in science is a pure science-based research study that requires candidates to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline of specialisation. The degree demands a very high level of intellectual, theoretical and practical specialized science knowledge and insight into problems related to the field of study and of the application of advanced experimental methods and techniques of the modern research, as well as of fundamental scientific and academic values in generating, processing, interpreting and presenting research data orally and in written form.

Admission Requirements

For admission to a doctoral programme, applicants must have successfully completed a relevant master programme in the same or relevant field of study or discipline as determined by the relevant Faculty Board, approved by the SHDC, ratified by Senate and contained in the relevant Faculty Rules and Regulations. The extent to which applicants meet admission requirements is assessed by the relevant Head of Department, in consultation with the prospective supervisors, in accordance with the admission requirements for the particular doctoral programme determined by the Faculty Board, approved by Senate and contained in the relevant Faculty Rules and Regulations. The Head of Department, in consultation with the relevant Executive Dean, may set additional admission requirements, as approved by the relevant faculty higher degrees committee, for a particular student. Admission requirements are department specific and approved by the Executive Dean. Admission to a Doctoral programme is not automatic even if the applicant is in possession of an appropriate preceding qualification. A department may, subject to approval by the Executive Dean, require a student to successfully complete certain specified components before the Doctoral degree can be awarded. Students applying for Doctoral degree studies in general need to have obtained their previous relevant degree with an average mark of at least 65% or equivalent. In exceptional cases a student with a mark between 60% and 64% may apply to be accepted for study provided a motivation from the Supervisor and the Head of Department where the study is to be conducted is submitted to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science for approval.

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