PhD in Education University of the Witwatersrand

The PhD in Education is offered by the Wits School of Education, as a research degree. This highly innovative programme is designed to catapult you to academic leadership in your chosen area of study. Though the Thesis is the only examinable component of this programme, we provide support to ensure the success of your thesis through the following activities designed to support students in their studies, give students opportunities to interact with each other, receive critical feedback on their work from fellow students and academics beyond their supervisor, and provide forums for intellectual and emotional support in the research journey:

• Research degrees weekends: The School runs four weekends dedicated to research degrees students. Each student is encouraged to present their research at least once a year, throughout the duration of their study. The presentations provide you with the opportunity to discuss your research in progress, listen to ideas and views from peers and another faculty who are not normally conversant with your work.
• Seminars and workshops: These provide a vibrant research training programme to help you sharpen your research skills and to provide you with the necessary academic support.
• Student reading groups: Students are encouraged to participate in these voluntary reading support groups which are designed to help you make sense of the various philosophical and theoretical perspectives in social sciences research.

Benefits of the programme

• A prestigious qualification from one of the world’s best institutions of higher learning
• The ability to engage in academic debates locally and globally
• The ability to influence policy and decision making at various levels of government and other national and international fora
• Leadership skills development
• Research and Communication skills development
• A range of possible career pathways

Curriculum Outline/Modules taught

There are no taught modules for this PhD programme. The degree is offered with specialization in various key areas, including:

• Curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment
• Educational leadership and policy studies
• Science and Mathematics Education
• Languages and Literacy Education
• Higher Education
• Disciplinary studies in Education
• Inclusive Education
• Deaf Education
• Educational Technology
• Education and the labor market
• Rural Education

Closing dates

We have a rolling admissions policy on all PhDs. However, we encourage enrolment up to September each year.

Duration

The PhD Programme is normally 3 years full time, and up to 5 years part-time. It is wholly research based.

Careers

The two main career routes for a holder of a PhD in Education are:

• University lecturer/ Professor
• Teaching at various levels within the school system
• Curriculum developers
• Education administration
• Various educational and research organizations, NGOs, etc

Entry Requirements

Enrolment criteria/Admission requirements

• 70% and above at Masters level
• Assessments of each applicant’s writing and previous experience are also made. Interviews with applicants might also be requested. Admission is also guided by the capacity to supervise in the School with expertise in the student's area of interest.