PhD in Social Work

The PhD in Social Work is awarded upon completion of an independent research project.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS  

  • A Master’s degree in Social Work. Preference will be given to candidates with a final mark of 65% or higher.  
  • You obtain admission to doctoral studies on the grounds of an approved research proposal.  

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS  

Apply by 31 August of the preceding year.  

ENQUIRIES

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Prof L Engelbrecht
Programme Leader
021 808 2073

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE  

The programme consists primarily of self-study and consultation with the supervisor about your dissertation and the research you are undertaking. You also attend research-related workshops. Your research is done in a specific field of social work and must meet the requirements of the South African Council for Social Service Professions.  

DURATION OF PROGRAMME  

The programme extends over a minimum period of two academic years. The maximum time prospective students are normally allowed to complete their research proposal in order to register is one year, and after registration, students may take a maximum of three years to complete their study. Students' studies may be discontinued by the Department in the case of unsatisfactory progress.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Download the Departmental Postgraduate Screening form here.​
  2. Complete and submit the Departmental Postgraduate Screening Form to Prof. Engelbrecht ([email protected]​).
  3. Apply online at How to Apply | Postgraduate | Stellenbosch University
  4. If you our qualifications in Social Work were obtained at a tertiary institution outside South Africa, the Postgraduate Office will determine your eligibility to postgraduate studies by conducting a credential evaluation of your qualification(s) upon receipt of a formal application lodged to the University.​
  5. Applications open the beginning of March and close at the end of August.
  6. Feedback on the success of the application will be provided in October with further details on the postgraduate workshop to be attended.
  7. A supervisor will be allocated during the postgraduate workshop.
  8. The supervisor works with the student to prepare a research proposal.
  9. Once a supervisor and Departmental Committee are satisfied with a prospective candidate's research proposal, they nominate members of an interdisciplinary Admissions Committee who have to approve the proposal at a predetermined meeting, where the student is present.
  10. The recommendation of the Admissions Committee is submitted to the Faculty's Higher Degrees and Research Committee and if accepted, the proposal is recommended to the Faculty Board and the Senate.
  11. Once the research proposal has been approved by the Senate, the candidate may register.
  12. After the first registration, students must register every year before the end of March for the full period of study until the degree is awarded.

 

For more information, please consult the SU year book: 2026 Yearbook