Programme: PhD (International Relations) Leadership and Security Studies

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Code Faculty Department
01266003 Faculty of Humanities Department: Humanities
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

This programme is offered as a joint degree by the University of Pretoria and King’s College London.
Further information is available from the programme manager.

Admission requirements

  1. Master’s degree in Political Science or International Relations or Security Studies or relevant master’s degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 70% for the research component of the master’s degree
  3. An admissions essay may be required

       Note: Additional work/modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Additional requirements

Prospective students may be required to submit an admissions essay or to sit for an examination or to do additional work/modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study.
An acceptable level of proficiency in English is required.
An approved research proposal is required.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A research thesis, based on independent research done by the student on an approved topic in the broad field of political science and international relations, is written under the guidance of a supervisor. The essence of 
    the thesis is to provide proof of independent research and to contribute to the field of political science and international relations.

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Core modules


General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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