Centre for Rehabilitation Studies
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Division of Disability & ​Rehabilitation Studies

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Education


Doctorate in Philosophy (PHD) in Health Sciences Rehabilitation

Programme Convenor:  Associate Professor Gubela Mji

 

Maximum duration

The maximum duration for a doctoral degree is five years. The supervisor of a candidate may submit an acceptable motivation for the extension of the period to the Committee for Postgraduate Education of the Faculty, at least six months prior to the expiry of the five years.

 

Admission requirements:

A student can be admitted to the degree PhD in Medical Sciences provided that:

  • A minimum period of two years has passed since obtaining the degree MB,ChB or BChD; or he has obtained a relevant honours degree in Medical Sciences directly following an MB,ChB/BChD degree; or
  • He has obtained a master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Nutrition/Dietetics, Physiotherapy or Speech-Language Therapy; or
  • He has obtained a relevant MSc degree (Master of Natural Science) of the University, or another university approved by Senate; or
  • He has obtained another qualification (and has allowed for the required period following the qualification) that is deemed sufficient by Senate. and
  • He complies with all the other provisions for doctorates (as stipulated under Higher Degrees in Part 1 of the Calendar, as well as in the Briefing Document on D degrees)


Assessment and examination

  • The PhD degree is awarded in recognition of high quality, original research and is conventionally assessed based on a dissertation.
  • In addition a PhD degree may be obtained in an alternative way, namely primarily based on published scientific articles. However, it is not possible to obtain a PhD degree exclusively on the basis of published articles. More details on this can be found in the briefing document on D studies at the Faculty, and can be obtained from the faculty secretary.
  • With regard to the date of submission of the dissertation, the number of copies to be submitted, as well as the further requirements with which students have to comply in order to graduate, the general provisions for doctorates will apply as stipulated under Higher Degrees in Part 1 of the Calendar, as well as in the Briefing Document on D degrees of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
  • The PhD degree is not regarded as basis for registration as a specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, but can indeed be registered as an additional Qualification.