This research degree offered by both universities and is by dissertation only. Candidates will be required to undertake an advanced, approved researched project under the guidance of a supervisor, indicating successful training in methods of research.

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.

1. University of Cape Town PhD info page
2. General Rules for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• a minimum period of two years has passed since obtaining the degree MBChB;
• the candidate has obtained a relevant honours degree in Medical Sciences directly following an MBChB degree;
• the candidate has obtained a relevant MSc degree of the University, or another university approved by Senate;
• the candidate has obtained another qualification (and has allowed for the required period following the qualification) that is deemed sufficient by Senate;
• the candidate complies with all the other provisions for doctorates (as stipulated in the Briefing Document on Doctoral degrees)

Upon application for registration (enrolment as student), the prospective student needs to use a specific form that can be obtained from the Administration to provide Senate with details of qualifications (accompanied by certified copies of certificates if the qualifications have not been obtained at Stellenbosch University), the place and subject of the dissertation for approval. Upon approval, a promoter will be appointed.

The PhD degree will be awarded to a student:

• after the candidate has been registered for the PhD degree at the University for at least two academic years;
• on the condition that, with the promoter’s consent, the student will at least six months prior to the desired date of graduation give written notice to the Registrar of his intention to submit a dissertation;
• based on a dissertation – under supervision by a promoter – that covers a problem from an area in the Medical Sciences. (The dissertation must provide proof to the satisfaction of the University of advanced, original work, which contributes to the enhancement of fundamental, theoretical and/or clinical knowledge in the particular field of research.);
• provided that the dissertation is accompanied by a statement confirming that it has not previously been submitted to another university or institution in order to obtain a degree or diploma, and that it is the student’s own work; and
• after the candidate has passed an oral examination. An oral examination for the doctorate is a general requirement (apart from the advanced doctorates), but subject to the approval of Senate, exemption from this examination may be granted in specific cases based on sufficient motivation.

The PhD degree is awarded in recognition of high quality, original research and is conventionally assessed based on a dissertation. In addition to this, a PhD degree may be obtained in an alternative way, namely primarily based on published scientific articles. It is however not possible to obtain a PhD or DMed degree exclusively on the basis of published articles. This option is accommodated by the DSc degree in Medical Sciences. More details on the latter option 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) and Doctoral Degrees (part 12) of the Calendar, as well as in the Briefing Document on Doctorate degrees of the Faculty of Health Sciences.