PhD Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University

Medical Virology

Specific admission requirements

A MSc degree in a relevant field of study with a minimum pass rate of 60%.

An MMed degree in a relevant field.

Application procedure and closing date

Students must liaise with possible supervisors for PhD studies in Medical Virology before attempting to register.

Once the supervisor and student agree on the topic, international students need to contact the International Office.

Details available at: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/international-office/Pages/default.aspx

The complete process and timelines for PhD Registration and Support can be found at: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/rdsd/doctoraloffice/Pages/PhD-Registration.aspx and http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/rdsd/doctoraloffice/Pages/PHD-Support.aspx

Duration of programme

The programme extends over a minimum of three years.

Programme description

The programme consists of a 100% research component. The initial research proposal must be approved by the Medical Virology Postgraduate Programme Committee, an appointed PhD Evaluation Committee, the relevant Research Ethics Committees, as well as the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Stellenbosch University Senate. Progress with experimental work is monitored continuously by the supervisor and presented at divisional research meetings.

Medical Microbiology

Specific admission requirements

A MSc degree in a relevant field of study with a minimum pass rate of 60%.

Application procedure and closing date

Students must liaise with possible supervisors for PhD studies in Medical Microbiology before attempting to register.

Once the supervisor and student agree on the topic, international students need to contact the International Office. Details available at: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/international-office/Pages/default.aspx

Duration of programme

The programme extends over a minimum of three years.

Programme description

The programme consists of an extensive research project, leading to the submission of a thesis. The subject of the project is determined in close liaison with your supervisor, preferably within the area of expertise of the Division of Medical Microbiology before you will be allowed to register for the programme. The initial research proposal is approved by the departmental research committee, a PhD Evaluation Committee, the relevant Research Ethics Committees, as well as the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Stellenbosch University Senate. Progress is monitored continuously by the supervisor and at divisional research meetings. If you are unable to demonstrate satisfactory progress, the Programme Committee may recommend that you discontinue your studies.

Molecular Biology and Human Genetics

Specific admission requirements

Prospective PhD candidates are required to complete the MBHG pre-application process and receive provisional acceptance from the project supervisor. http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/Molecular_Biology_Human_Genetics/Pages/pre-application-process.aspx

The specific admission requirements for a PhD programme include an average final mark of more than 60% in one of the following qualifications from a recognized tertiary training institution:

an MSc degree with Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, Veterinary Science, Biotechnology, Engineering or Mathematical Science for acceptance for PhD postgraduate studies
an MBChB or BChD degree; provided a minimum period of two years has passed since obtaining the degree; or you have obtained a relevant honours degree in Medical Sciences directly following an MBChB or BChD degree;
MPhil – acceptable in terms of Stellenbosch graduates. MPhil qualifications from other institutions are vetted to establish if they satisfy the university required standards – established upon review of academic transcripts.

Application procedure and closing date

Prospective MSc and PhD candidates are required to complete the MBHG pre-application process in addition to completing their official SU application. Prior to online application, candidates are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor and obtain permission to list them as their institutional hosts for postgraduate studies.

1st March: MBHG MSc and PhD pre-application process open
30th September: MBHG MSc and PhD pre-application process close (International AND National students)

Duration of programme

Duration: Three calendar years on a full-time basis

Programme content: Molecular Biology/Human Genetics Thesis 978(360)