PhD in AAC
What is the objective of the course?
This course is multi-professional in nature and welcomes
students
from disciplines such as special education, speech-language therapy,
occupational therapy and psychology. The course is intended to provide
students with advanced and specialized knowledge in the field of
AAC, ECI and/or severe disabilities, with the
opportunity
to become quality researchers. The training approach is collaborative
as
students and lecturers engage in ongoing interaction on the Web as well
as during on-campus visits at the University of Pretoria.
Interactions
with local and international experts form an important part of the PhD
training in an attempt to expose students to a broad range of
methodologies and approaches to research within the respective fields.
What are the admission requirements?
A relevant Master's degree is required. It is preferable for prospective students to have engaged in independent research before. Candidates might be required to do an admission examination. Students are required to have full internet access.
How do the lecturers and students communicate?
This is a distance education course, therefore you do not have to be resident in Pretoria as no regular lectures or practical sessions have to be attended at the University. However, two onsite weeks per year are compulsory (usually February and September).Communication is via e-mail, on-line discussion groups, faxes and the telephone.
Periodic visits to the University are recommended to enable students to participate in teleconferencing events with overseas universities. These contacts allow students to benefit from interactions with international experts.
For whom is the course intended?
This course was developed for advanced students in AAC and related fields such as ECI and severe disabilities, who wish to build their expertise as researchers and facilitate the further development of the field of AAC.
What is the language of tuition?
The course will be conducted in English.
Course structure
Course Code: 01264613
The course consists of one preparatory year, during which
students finalise their research proposal. Once this has been accepted,
students register for the full PhD and have 3 years to complete their
degree. The degree entails an independent research project on an
approved topic, formulated and executed by the student, and the writing
up of a formal dissertation. The student will then also defend the
general approach and findings of the study before a panel.
How will the students be assessed?
External examiners will be appointed for each thesis and examination. Academic experts in the relevant field employed by South African and overseas universities will be appointed as external examiners.
Are there any bursaries or loans available?
Anybody interested in applying for loans and/or bursaries should direct
enquiries to:
Study Financing
University of Pretoria
Pretoria
0002
Tel: (012) 420-3111
Fax: (012) 362-5168 or 362-5190
For further information on the course, E-mail: juan.bornman@up.ac.za