Division for Postgraduate Studies

Introduction The Division for Postgraduate Studies (DPGS) was previously known as the Postgraduate Enrolment and Throughput (PET) Project. PET was launched in 2001 with the aim of supporting postgraduate students to successfully submit their thesis on time. PET assisted in creating a framework in which students could find support, which attended to common difficulties such as isolation and inadequate advising, and promoted academic collaboration and mentorship.

Vision The Vision of the DPGS is to create a “one stop shop” for postgraduate students that will serve as a first port of call. Central to this approach is the focus on strengthening the university’s research niche areas as important domains for postgraduate education.

Services Training (research software and skills, library and information services access, presentation skills and research fund application skills). Mentoring and Coaching (Peer coaching on writing and analysis skills, technical assistance) Referrals to other services available to postgraduate students. Assistance with bursaries to support designated groups of postgraduate students. Quarterly publication of ‘The Postgraduate’ newsletter to communicate useful information about services, bursary and postgraduate student successes. Academic and other support and advice for postgraduate and postdoctoral fellows.

Facilities The main facilities are: The Postgraduate Resource Centre (PRC) – Level 13, Main Library. The PRC provides support through consultation with writing and statistics coaches on duty. Operating times: Monday – Thursday 08H30 – 21H00; Friday 08H30 – 16H30 and certain Saturdays until 13:00. See website for updates. Common Rooms: 5 common rooms, each accommodating between 12 and 30 students provide reading space and computer access. Time tables are available on the web portal. Contact : Adrian Du Plooy Tel: ,

Facilities

Research Development Programmes Research Proposal Writing Research Design and methods Literature review The role of theory in research Qualitative Data Analysis Research Meets Policy Descriptive analysis using SPSS Synthesizing findings and developing conclusions Writing articles for publication

Research Development Programmes

Postgraduate Office Contacts Director: Prof Lorna Holtman Tel: /3920 Fax: Office Co-ordinator: Mr Brenton L. S. Kleynhans Tel: Fax: Academic Co-ordinator: Dr Nasiema Allie Tel: Fax: Workshop Co-ordinator: Mr Peter Johnson-Smith Tel: Fax: