UCT Physics
MSc and PhD degrees
19 February 2011
The MSc (Master of Science) degree in Physics, and the MSc in Theoretical Physics, are research degrees by thesis.
The MSc is regarded as a training in research methods. The degree usually requires 2 to 3 years of work.
A BSc(Honours) degree is the normal requirement
for entrance to the MSc. There are currently topics for
MSc thesis work in several
research fields.
The PhD (Doctorate) in Physics is a research degree by thesis.
The PhD must be an orginal contribution to knowledge.
Usually 3 to 4 years of study and research work are required.
The normal requirement for entrance to doctoral work is an MSc degree.
Currently PhD thesis work can be carried out in several
research fields.
You must find a way to
fund your studies at UCT.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE MSC OR PHD PROGRAMME
To apply for entry into the MSc or PhD programmes, you should
follow these steps, in order:
-
You decide in which field(s) of study you are interested. You should look at the
departmental website to see the sort of research carried out by various members of staff..
-
You contact a
UCT Physics staff member
(preferably by email)
and discuss whether they would be prepared to supervise your
research. The two of you will discuss what preparatory courses or reading you might need to do, and
possible sources of funding.
-
You send an email (remove the anti-spam *REMOVE* from the email address) to
Ms Margaret Maich,
in which
- you indicate the area of research you wish to pursue, and the name of the
supervisor who has agreed to supervise you
- you include your Curriculum Vitae
- you include your academic transcript and scanned copy of your
degree certificate.
If you have not yet finished your current degree
(ie BSc(Hons) or 4 year degree for MSc applicants, or MSc degree for PhD applicants),
we require a letter
testifying what progress you are making, from your Professor or
Head of Department
- you provide the name, address and email address of a current
or former professor or lecturer whom we may approach
for a letter of recommendation
- provide details of how you plan to
fund
your studies
-
You send an email, applying for postgraduate work to
UCT Science Faculty
in which
- you indicate the area of research you wish to pursue, and the name of the
supervisor who has agreed to supervise you
- you include your Curriculum Vitae
- you include your academic transcript and certified copy of
degree certificate.
If you have not yet finished your current degree
(ie BSc(Hons) or 4 year degree for MSc applicants, or MSc degree for PhD applicants),
we require a letter
testifying what progress you are making, from your Professor or
Head of Department
- you provide the name, address and email address of a current
or former professor or lecturer whom we may approach
for a letter of recommendation
- you provide details of how you plan to
fund
your studies
Only once you have been admitted by the University and the Faculty, should you then
apply for a visa, make travel arrangements etc. You must
notify your supervisor as to your dates of arrival in Cape Town.
On arrival here you will register in the UCT Science Faculty, and begin your research work.
For further information on the UCT Physics department please preferably email
the departmental secretary, or
phone (+27)(21) 6503326 (08h00 - 12h00 Monday - Thursday), or (as a last resort) fax (+27)(21) 6503343.
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RETURN TO:
UCT Physics Department