Programme: PhD (Biblical and Religious Studies) Theological Studies

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
06265038 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Theology and Religion Dean's Office
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

Also refer to General Academic Regulations G42-G55.

The outcome of a PhD is highly specialised, research-based knowledge and expertise.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant master’s degree
  2. At least 65% for the research component at master’s level
  3. English language proficiency as determined by a proficiency test
  4. An admissions examination may be required

Examinations and pass requirements

Examination regulations applicable to doctorates in the faculty
A doctorate is conferred on a student only if he or she has complied with all the requirements laid down in faculty regulations: An examined thesis and oral examination. The doctorate is not conferred with distinction.

Research information

  1. Prospective doctoral students register for Theology Doctoral Preparatory (Code 06290001) if so determined by the Admission Committee of the Postgraduate Committee.
  2. The registration period for Theology Doctoral Preparatory is maximum one year, and the student must prepare a substantial research proposal under supervision of the supervisor. If necessary, the supervisor may prescribe additional fundamental material (eg research methodology) which is essential for the preparation of the thesis, to be studied and assessed formally.
  3. Once the supervisor has completed the assessment to his or her satisfaction and the research proposal is recommended by the relevant head of department and approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Theology, the student will be allowed to register for the appropriate doctoral programme.

Also refer to General Academic Regulation G51.

Article for publication

  • Unless Senate, on the recommendation of the supervisor, decides otherwise, a student, before or on submission of a dissertation, must submit at least one draft article for publication in a recognised academic journal and in the case of a thesis, must submit proof of submission of an article issued by an accredited journal, to the Head: Student Administration.
  • The draft or submitted article, should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the thesis 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.

Core modules

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.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences