Program Overview

PhD specialising in Rural Development

Programme Overview

The PhD specialising in Rural Development is a research-based degree that aims to develop problem-solving individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation.

Admission Requirements

• General Admission Regulations: Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.
• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
  • Certified copy of ID or passport.
  • A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable).
  • Certified copy of passport.
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year.
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
• Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
• If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project.
• All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.
• Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application.
• All applicants must be computer literate.
• All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
• Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Master of Agriculture degree (NQF level 9) or relevant master's degree (NQF level 9).
• An average of at least 65% for the research component at master's level (NQF level 9).
• A CV with contactable references may be required.
• A copy of final master's dissertation may be required.
• An admission interview may be required.

Programme Details

• Minimum duration of study: 2 years, full-time.
• The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.
• All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation.
• The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.
• According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.
• In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.