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The MSc degree is conferred on grounds of a dissertation and such additional postgraduate coursework as may be prescribed. A student is required to demonstrate, by means of a dissertation, the ability to plan, institute and execute a scientific investigation.
A student works under the guidance of a supervisor and is expected to identify and complete a research project. The research results are to be fully reported in an MSc dissertation.

Also refer to G30-G41.

1. BScHons degree in Computer Science from the University of Pretoria (or equivalent)
2. Cumulative weighted average of at least 65% for the degree

Upgrading from a master's to a doctoral degree

1. This EBIT faculty regulation should be read in addition to G41.
2. Upgrading from a master’s to a doctoral degree can only be considered for exceptional students.
3. Application for upgrading can only be submitted after at  least one year of study for the master's degree, but no later than two years.
4. The application for the upgrading must include the following:

• A letter from the candidate requesting the upgrade which includes a brief motivation.
• A progress report prepared by the candidate and supported by the supervisor on the work completed to date for the master's degree. The report must provide proof that the results obtained thus far are of such standard and scientific importance that it justifies its converting to a doctoral degree. 
• All details regarding presentations during conferences and accepted publication(s) in internationally accredited and high impact journals must be provided in full.

5. A detailed explanation by the candidate of the intended doctoral project with an indication of the objectives of the project, methodology and the outcomes he or she intends to achieve with the project.
6. A recommendation of the supervisor with specific comment on the ability of the applicant as potential doctoral candidate as well as on the expediency and feasibility of the upgrading. 
7. A report from at least one external referent. The supervisor should forward 2 nominations to the head of the relevant department for recommendation to the DD Research and Postgraduate studies who will appoint one referent. 
8. A minimum of one journal article, where the candidate is the first author, in a high-impact accredited journal with an explanation by the supervisor with respect to the specific contribution made by the candidate.
9. A recommendation by the head of department.

The stipulations of the relevant Faculty regulations are applicable.

The Dean may, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, exempt a student from the examination on the dissertation.

The average mark awarded by all the examiners is the final mark, with the pass mark being at least 50%.

If the supervisor affirms that a candidate has progressed satisfactorily, registration may be renewed for the second year (full-time) or for the second to fourth year (part-time). Re-registration thereafter will only take place if a written motivation from the candidate, supported by the relevant head of department is submitted to the student administration offices.

Refer also to G39.

A student must by means of a dissertation prove that he or she is capable of planning, instituting and executing a scientific investigation. Unless the Senate, on the recommendation of the supervisor, decides otherwise, a student, before or on submission of a dissertation, must submit proof issued by a recognised academic journal that an article was submitted, to the Head: Student Administration. The draft article should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation and be approved by the supervisor if the supervisor is not a co-author. The supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the paper is taken through all the processes of revision and resubmission, as may be necessary. Conferment of the degree may be made subject to compliance with the stipulations of this regulation.

A dean may require, before or on submission of a dissertation, the submission of a draft article for publication to the supervisor. The draft article should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation and be approved by the supervisor concerned.

The supervisor should then have the opportunity to take the paper through all the processes of revision and resubmission as may be necessary and/or appropriate in order to achieve publication.

The number of article that has to be submitted to an accredited journal on submission of a research master’s dissertation should be one.  At the latest, just before the department submits the final mark of a dissertation, a student should submit proof of submission of an article issued by an accredited journal, to the head of the department, for his/her recommendation to the dean. The submitted article should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation and should have been approved by the supervisor.  The affiliations of both the student and supervisor should be listed as the University of Pretoria.  

Refer also to G40.

With the exception of an honorary degree, a degree will be conferred on a student only if the student has complied with all the requirements for the particular degree and has reached the level of competence prescribed for the degree, and on condition that no one is entitled to any privileges pertaining to a degree before the degree has been conferred on him or her at a graduation ceremony.

The MSc degree is conferred with distinction on candidates who obtain a final average mark of at least 75%.