Download PhD: Environmental Sciences

Postgraduate Admission requirements for the Postgraduate programmes
in the Department of Environmental Sciences
2017 intake
Department
Qualification
Contact details for the Department of
Environmental Sciences
Curriculum:
Purpose of Research Proposal Modules:
DPENV00
Application dates
Admission requirements for the DPENV00
Department of Environmental Sciences
PhD: Environmental Sciences (Qualification code: 98009)
Further contact: Prof M Tekere,
Postgraduate coordinator for the PhD Environmental Sciences program
Tel: +27 11 471 2270
E-mail: [email protected]
A research proposal module (DPENV00) and a thesis (TFENS01). Students are
required to first register and comply with the requirements for the research proposal
module before registration for the thesis will be allowed.
The purpose of this module is for students to gain the knowledge and skills required
to execute a research project that falls within the scope of the research groups
particular to Environmental Sciences (see key focus areas further on in document).
The learner accredited with this module will be able to:
 Identify a research problem.
 Formulate the problem, research questions and/or set appropriate hypothesis.
 Set well defined research objectives.
 Compile a literature review.
 Present a suitable methodology and data analysis for the research project.
 Identify the contribution the research will make to the Body of Knowledge.
 Draft a research proposal that addresses all of the above.
Students interested in the PhD in Environmental Science program need to apply
during the bulk application dates of Unisa.
An appropriate Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences,
Applied Sciences, or Physical Sciences or a related field.
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and TFENS01 modules
International students must meet the English language requirement as provided for in
paragraph 2.1 of the Procedures for studies for Master’s and Doctoral Degrees.
In the case of a course work Master's Degree the applicant must submit a PDF
version of their research project that formed part of such a degree.
In addition to the above requirements, ALL applicants must submit a 5 page concept
document (PDF) describing their intended research.
An approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa's policies on equality and
diversity in the discipline or department will be implemented. Students, who are
awaiting Masters dissertation examination results, must still submit applications by
the due date. Applications will be considered once results become available.
Selection criteria
Students will be accepted on the following criteria:
1. A score of at least 60%.
2. Suitability and viability of the intended research as presented by the
student.
3. English writing skills as reflected in the submitted documentation.
4. The supervision capacity within the specific research group.
5. The full academic record will be evaluated and ranked (aspects that
will be taken into account with the ranking is the number of
supplementary opportunities a candidate has used to obtain the
graduate degree; the percentages obtained for other modules in the
graduate degree; the number of times a student repeated a module;
the length of time the student took to complete the graduate degree.
6. Should it be determined that more students from a specific group are
registering for the qualification, the correction of this bias will be
included in the ranking criteria for admission.
7. All students from outside the borders of South Africa will only be
considered if their application is accompanied by the name and
curriculum vitae of a possible supervisor located in the country in
which the research is to be undertaken.
8. Due to the gender bias of the present cohort of students, preference
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Selection procedure
Procedures for unsuccessful applications
Documents to support application
Assessment mode for DFENV00
Assessment criteria for Research
proposal
will be given to female applicants during the selection process.
9. Due to the racial bias of the present cohort of students, preference will
be given to South African Indian, Coloured and Black applicants,
followed by South African White applicants and lastly foreign nationals
during the selection process.
 Apply online for a student number and appropriate qualification.
 Application should reach the student admission office no later than 15
November 2016.
 The application will be forwarded to the Department of Environmental
Sciences for consideration.
 A selection committee will complete the review process of the application by
31 January 2017
 In cases where clarity is required on the application the research field/theme
leader may consider requesting an interview (telephonic or in person) with the
candidate.
 Applications of selected candidates will be submitted to the College Research
Innovation and Higher Degrees committee for final approval.
 Successful candidates will be notified by 15 February 2017 or as soon as
possible thereafter. Successful applicants must formally register by 15 March
2017.
 Candidates who were not successful may apply to the COD of the
Department for the reasons for rejection of the application.
 A further appeal may be submitted through the appropriate Unisa procedures
A Candidate will be requested to provide the following documentation:
 An updated CV.
 A five page research concept document within the scope of the research
group.
 Full academic record.
The research concept document will be assessed through the use of an assessment
rubric.
The assessment is based on the vetting of each research concept document within
the Department of Environmental Sciences. The vetting committee consist of two
appropriate internal departmental experts of which one should at least be familiar
with the field of research. The vetted concept document is then discussed at a
Departmental Vetting committee meeting which consists of staff members who are
conform to the following criteria: senior staff members and/or may have NRF rating
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and/or are supervisors or co-supervisors of students and/or have examined research
proposals before and/or have been requested to do act as an external examiner for
other universities.
Assessment criteria for Research Concept Document for PhD in Environmental Sciences
Admission
Form2017.pdf
Final Research
Proposal Assessment criteria.doc
Mode of delivery of DFENV00
Mode of supervision for DFENV00
External supervision
New intake for 2016

Online delivery will be followed through means of study units on myUnisa,
discussion forums and the submission of two assignments on myUnisa
related to the research proposal.
 Contact sessions may be organised by the post graduate programme
coordinator for all masters and doctoral students in the Department of
Environmental Sciences.
 A seminar may also be organised for the presentation of completed research
proposals which may be delivered through video conferencing or on the
Florida campus.
Supervision may be delivered in different modes depending on the requirement of the
supervisor and study design. One-on-one contact sessions may be required which
can be delivered through video conferencing for students in remote areas or through
personal visits to the supervisor.
Should the need arise to include an external supervisor, the decision will be made
based on the expertise or assistance required from an external supervisor on a
particular part of the project. This will only be implemented if the internal capacity of
supervision cannot support the requirement of the research project.
Students undertaking research outside the borders of South Africa must be allocated
an external supervisor/ co-supervisor that is knowledgeable, or resides in the area in
which the research is undertaken. Students are welcome to identify possible external
supervisors, however, the selection and appointment of these external supervisors
remains the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Science.
Enrolment plan 2017
Two (2) new students can be accommodated in the PhD Environmental Sciences
program for 2017. The number of students will be accommodated in two of the
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Motivation for intake
Appeals for Doctoral degree admission
research themes indicated in the columns below. The Department is not obliged to
accept all applicants that apply. Applicants will be approved on the basis of the
submitted research concept document.
The Doctorate in Environmental Sciences programme will continue a selected intake
in each year. Currently there are two Environmental Scientists with doctoral degrees
who will continue with the bulk of D supervision.
Appeals will only be directed to the College if the enrolment target of the particular
qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.
MandD CAES
Appealsform2017.docx
Key Focus Areas for Doctoral Candidates in Environmental Science for 2017
PhD level capacity
Capacity for each
Possible supervisor
research project
Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology,
PhD
2
Prof M Tekere
and pollution remediation
Tel: 011 471 2270
E-mail:
[email protected]
Focus Areas
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