PhD in Economics (by Dissertation)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered in all Faculties of the University. In the Faculty of Commerce, it is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision. The examination is by thesis alone.

Faculty Rules

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is also subject to the following Faculty rules:

• FDA1: A candidate who registers for the degree without submitting an approved research proposal is required to submit this approved research proposal to the Faculty Board by no later than six months from the date of first registration.
• FDA2: If the Faculty Board approves the research proposal, the Board shall recommend the candidate for registration to the University's Doctoral Degrees Board.
• FDA3: If the candidate fails to submit a research proposal by not later than six months from the date of first registration, or if the Faculty Board rejects the research proposal, the candidate's registration shall be cancelled.
• FDA4: A candidate registering for the first time for the degree may register at any time.
• FDA5: A returning candidate shall register by not later than 28 February each year.
• FDA6: The registration renewal is subject to a satisfactory annual report from the primary supervisor and relevant Head of Department approved by the Dean or Dean's nominee.
• FDA7: Except by the special permission of the Dean of Commerce, the thesis submitted for the degree shall not be less than 40,000 words or exceed 80,000 words.

Admission Procedures

The procedures for admission into the PhD in Economics (by Thesis) are as follows:

• A Masters degree in Economics is usually required.
• Applicants should upload a 5-page proposal with their application.
• The proposal will be distributed to the relevant lecturers within the School of Economics to match the applicant with a suitable supervisor.
• The Post-graduate Committee in the School of Economics will send recommendations for suitable candidates to the Faculty Board.
• Subject to Faculty Board approval, the candidate may register with the university for this degree.
• A candidate will be required to submit and present a formal research proposal to the Post-graduate Committee and Faculty Board for approval by no later than six months from the date of first registration.
• If the proposal is not accepted, registration will be cancelled.
• During the registration period, a candidate will normally be required to "attend the University" for a period of at least one year.
• For practical purposes, the PhD in Economics (by thesis) programme takes about 4 years to complete.
• The Doctoral Degrees Board (DDB) controls much of the process after registration, even though the School of Economics can call for seminars periodically.
• Students are generally required to be residents in Cape Town for at least one year.
• The thesis submitted for the degree shall not exceed 80,000 words.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

---

Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

---

Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.