I have been wondering about the style, format and structure for dissertations in South Africa. I recently found an online database for the University of Pretoria which contains their student's thesis and dissertations. Could be a good style guide. Here it is: http://upetd.up.ac.za
The best source on the market for style, format and structure of SA dissertations can be purchased online directly from UNISA's bookstore. The quality of this book is excellent. It covers all the stages of the dissertation and thesis - from proposal to defense. How to succeed in your Master's & Doctoral Studies: A South African Guide and Resource Book - Prof. Johann Mouton (2001) Van Shaik Publishers
The Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria has provided me several useful "in-house" resources to aid me in the preparation of my PhD research proposal and thesis. Of course, it's great having access to the collection of electronic theses and dissertations to which Chris has referred; these serve as great examples to follow. At present, I am taking advantage of what is for me the best possible resource on the South African research process: I am in Princeton meeting with my professor, who is arguably the most celebrated South African in my academic discipline. Between Friday of last week and today (Monday), we have spent about 6 hours together on a one-to-one basis going over my research proposal. This has been a most fruitful and beneficial time.
since we're back on the subject Does anyone have any info or experience relating to the University of Stellenbosch? Do they allow post-graduate degrees to be done via distance? What is their academic reputation? Are they more responsive than say UNISA? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, brad
I was originally accepted into Stellenbosch and had planned to enroll there prior to my forging a relationship with Pretoria. The answer to your question of whether it is possible to do a postgrad degree at a distance will vary from faculty to faculty, as will the issue of how responsive they are. For example, while the research supervisor with whom I was going to work there was supremely responsive, it took their faculty administrator a full month to respond to a simply, yet rather important, email enquiry. This less than stellar responsiveness was part of what ultimately led me to pursue other options. One might have an entirely different experience with other departments of the university. Regardless of the program in which you enroll, I'd imagine that you would be expected to spend some time in Stellenbosch. As far as the university's reputation is concerned, it has long been regarded as the crowned jewel of the Afrikaaner academic system. Again, the extent of Stellenbosch's renown will vary from faculty to faculty; however, on an international scale, they certainly rank as one of the most widely respected universities of South Africa.
