Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Consumer Science option Development

The doctorate is conferred on a student only if one of the following periods has expired:

1. At least four years after complying with all the requirements for a three-year bachelor's degree.
2. At least three years after complying with all the requirements for a four-year bachelor's degree.
3. At least two years after complying with all the requirements for a bachelor's degree of five years or more.
4. At least two years after complying with all the requirements for a master's degree.
5. With the exception of a shorter period that may be approved by the Dean, at least 12 months since registration for the doctorate at this University has expired.

Programme Information

• Duration of studies: The relevant head of department may set specific residential requirements for students who are required to live on campus.
• Renewal of registration: Subject to other faculty regulations, a student for a doctorate must complete his or her studies within three years after first registering for the degree.
• Curriculum: The curriculum for the PhD degree consists of the following:
  1. Theoretical knowledge of the major subject/s and such additional modules as may be prescribed.
  2. A thesis.

Admission Requirements

• General Admission Regulations:
  1. All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  2. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
  3. Certified copy of ID or passport.
  4. 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.
  5. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  6. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
  7. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable).
  8. Certified copy of passport.
  9. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
  10. 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).
  11. 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.
  12. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
  13. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
  14. 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.
  15. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.
  16. All applicants must be computer literate.
  17. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  18. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

1. Master of Consumer Science degree (NQF level 9) or Relevant master's degree (NQF level 9).
2. An average of at least 60% for the master's degree (NQF level 9).
3. Research methodology passed at master's level (NQF level 9).

Core Modules

• VBR 990: Thesis: Consumer Science 990
  • Credits: 360.00

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.