Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Forest Science

The PhD specialising in Forest Science is an interdepartmental programme offered by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Programme Information

The curriculum is determined by the heads of department in the biological sciences.

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: 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

• Master of Science degree (NQF level 9) or Master of Science in Agriculture degree (NQF level 9) or Relevant master's degree (NQF level 9).
• An average of at least 65% for the master's degree (NQF level 9).

Core Modules

• FOR 990: Forest Science 990
  • Credits: 360.00
  • Module content: Interdepartmental programme. The curriculum is determined by the heads of department in the biological sciences and will include the research proposal development and scientific writing. This is followed by research in the area of the chosen specialization in Forest Science culminating in the preparation and submission of research dissertation: including submission of scientific papers for peer reviewed credited journals.

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.

Regulations, Degree Requirements and Information

The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) Verification Project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.