Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Programmes

The following PhD research programmes are offered by the department:

• PhD majoring in Construction Management BC490024 (Module code PQMR9100)
• PhD majoring in Property Science BC490085 (Module code PROP9100)
• PhD majoring in Quantity Surveying BC490043 (Module code DQFR9100)

These learning programmes aim to:

• Provide the student with an opportunity to present evidence of advanced study and research characterised by intellectual independence and advanced knowledge of a specialisation area in the subject, as well as accurate assessment of his/her own results and that of others by production of a thesis.
• Develop the student in order to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of supervised planning and execution of a research project in the discipline.This project includes problem identification, hypothesis and/or research question formulation, reviewing of literature, research methodology design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results.
• Enable the student to make an original contribution to the selected discipline. The student must do research on an approved topic selected in consultation with the Academic Department Head in preparation to complete the thesis (360 credits).

Application

Apply online via the UFS website anytime during the year. For more information, visit our Prospective Students page at www.ufs.ac.za/prospective

Admission requirements

The minimum admission requirements are:

• Master's degree or equivalent on NQF Level 9 in a cognate field.
• In addition to the above requirements, admission is dependant upon the supervision capacity of the department in terms of availability of a supervisor.

Duration

The minimum term of this study is three years, and a total of 360 credits is allocated for each of the programmes above.

Registration

For successful candidates, registration will be done via email or in person at the department by the Programme Director.

General UFS Rules on period of registration apply. Note that General Rules are subject to change. It is the student’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the General Rules, Policy on Master's and Doctoral Studies, Faculty Rules, and Department Rules.

Mode of programme delivery:

The student must do research on an approved topic for at least three years, in consultation with the Academic Departmental Head, in preparation for a thesis that shall be submitted as the only requirement for the degree.

A supervisor is allocated to each registered student by the department and approved by the faculty board. Deadlines are set and progress is monitored throughout the study period in line with the Policy on Masters and Doctoral Studies.

Title registration at Faculty Board is required within three months after the student has registered/enrolled. Once enrolled, students are required to re-register for every year of study. Progression to the following year is not automatic, but dependant upon satisfactory performance.

Students are required to:

• Present at least one seminar at the department colloquium in each year the student is registered.
• Submit at least two written progress reports in each year of registration.
• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor of at least once in four weeks as agreed upon in line with the Policy on Masters and Doctoral Studies and signed supervision agreement.
• Produce at least two publications from their research work.

Tuition fees and quotations:

The Department does not assist prospective students with any fee related enquiries. This is done by the UFS Finance Department.

Quotations may be obtained via the UFS website at https://www.ufs.ac.za/kovsielife/student-finance

Enquiries:

For further enquiries on the programme, contact qscmr@ufs.ac.za