Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Mission Studies

The PhD specialising in Mission Studies is a research-based degree that provides students with highly specialised knowledge and expertise in the field of mission studies.

Programme Information

The outcome of a PhD is highly specialised, research-based knowledge and expertise. The programme is offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

• All applications must be accompanied by 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 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

• Relevant master's degree (at least NQF level 9)
• An average of at least 65% for the research component at master's level
• Note: An admissions examination may be required

Examinations and Pass Requirements

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

• Prospective doctoral students register for Theology Doctoral Preparatory (Code ) if so determined by the Admission Committee of the Postgraduate Committee.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• GSW 980: Thesis: Science of religion and missiology 980
  • Credits: 360.00
  • Module content: A thesis based on independent research about an approved topic in the field of science of religion and missiology. The thesis has to make an original contribution to the field of the relevant discipline.

Programme Structure

• Minimum duration of study: 2 years
• Total credits: 360
• NQF level: 10

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

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. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.