PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The Centre offers doctoral studies in human rights through a LLD (Doctor of Laws) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). The former is dedicated to candidates with a law background while the latter is for those with a background other than in law. In accordance with the stipulations of the Faculty Board, a Doctoral Degree (LLD or PhD) is presented in the form of the submission of a doctoral thesis (360 credits).
A candidate must be registered for a minimum of two years before the degree may be conferred.
The language of tuition and supervision is English.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
In terms of Rule E13, DOCTOR OF LAWS AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, the LLD or PhD graduate will be able to:
- Conduct independent and original research and contribute to scholarship in the field of law;
- Produce a thesis that places the research within the broader context of the field of research, and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny;
- Deal with complexity, and/or contradictions in the knowledge base; and select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence;
- Synthesise and make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria;
- Communicate fully and professionally with other colleagues in relevant fields;
- Understand legal problems and provide appropriate solutions;
- Publish research results in accredited journals and present research findings at discipline-specific congresses; and
- Apply new knowledge and findings in the field of law.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
In terms of Rule E13.1 Admission:
- To be admitted to the LLD, a candidate must have obtained an LLM and a final mark of at least 65%.
- To be admitted to the PhD, a candidate must have obtained a Master’s degree and a final mark of at least 65%.
- A candidate with a final mark between 60% and 64% in the Master’s degree may be admitted within the discretion of the Dean, on recommendation by the supervisor.
- Before a title registration may take place, an LLD or PhD candidate must, within the first twelve months after registration:
- Attend the sessions in the LNAV7900 module;
- Prepare and submit a research proposal of between 20-30 pages in the prescribed form to the promoter;
- Do an oral presentation of the research proposal;*
- After a successful defence, the title registration and confirmation of the finalisation of the research proposal must be referred to the Faculty Board.
*Additional information is available in the faculty Rule Book.
PROGRAMME PLAN
Note:
Candidates who plan to undertake LLD or PhD studies at the Free Centre for Human Rights are welcome to approach a potential supervisor for further discussions on their suggested topic. Information about potential supervisors including their contact details is available on the Faculty of Law and the Centre’s website.
PROGRAMME CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr Gerard Kamdem Kamga
Coordinator, Research and Postgraduate Division
Free State Centre for Human Rights, University of the Free State
Bloemfontein Campus, Mabaleng Building
Office: C218
Tel: +27 51 401 2064
Email: KamdemKamgaGE@ufs.ac.za
DOCTORAL STUDENTS CURRENTLY REGISTERED AT THE FSCHR
| Name | Topic | First Year of Registration | Supervisor | Co-supervisor |
| Jr Valery Gemandze Oben Bobuin | Judicial independence in a bi-jural unitary state: The case of Cameroon. | 2022 | Dr Gerard Kamga | Prof Karin van Marle |
| Tanaka Muganyi | The contemporary cultural barrier towards the progressive and full realisation of sexual minority rights In Zimbabwe. | 2022 | Dr Gerard Kamga | Dr Claire Westman |
| Lizl Pienaar | An analysis of the effectiveness of protection orders: A feminist perspective. | 2022 | Dr Gerard Kamga | Dr Annelie De Man |
| Quinter Onyango | Digitalised activism and local contests for power: A study of Kenya and Sweden citizens online political mobilisation (2016 -2021). | 2023 | Dr Gerard Kamga | |
| Thobeka Dube | The constitutionality of current statutory regulation of bulk water provision to local government institutions. | | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Roger Kruger | An ethico-legal framework for acute stroke and the right to emergency medical treatment: A South African context. | | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Lerato Masapo-Changwara | Student housing, the right to have access to adequate housing and the prohibition against arbitrary eviction. | | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Mapule Maema | The Role of public interest law organisations in promoting social cohesion in contemporary South Africa: A case study of the Legal Resources Centre. | | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Bernard Ngalim | Human rights violations resulting from environmental crimes as crimes against humanity under the international criminal justice system. | 2021 | Dr Carol Ngang | |
| Megha Nkem | Exploring the implementation of children’s rights within the framework of Agenda 2063: Key to achieving “the Africa we want.” | 2022 | Dr Carol Ngang | Dr Annelie De Man |
| Khothalang Moseli | Analysing the legality of the right to development in South Africa. | | Dr Carol Ngang | |
| Johan Christiaan Nel | The effect of western philosophical approaches to human dignity and ethics on state neutrality and religious freedom in disputes pertaining to alleged horizontal unfair discrimination based on sexual orientation. | 2021 | Dr Gerard Kamga | Dr Georgia Du Plessis |
| Kahari, A | Protecting migrant women’s rights: A case study of South Africa. | 2021 | Dr Annelie de Man | Dr Rita Ozoemena (external) |
| Moshounyane, KM | The next act: An examination of playwrights who are committed to the defense of human rights in South Africa. | 2023 | Dr Annelie de Man | Dr Siphiwo Mahala (external) |
DOCOTRAL STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED IN 2023
| Name | Topic | Supervisor | Co-supervisor |
| Lindani Mhlanga | To remain. | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Thabang Ramakhula | The impact of constitutional and customary law on women’s social status in Lesotho. | Prof Danie Brand | Prof Karin van Marle |
| Amanda Murugan (Naidoo) | Xenophobia against non-national academics employed at higher education institutions in South Africa: a legal perspective. | Prof Danie Brand | |
| Jenny Tambwe | The impact of a one-party-dominant system on the right to vote: the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo. | Prof Danie Brand | |