PhD Deaf studies at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The PhD in Deaf studies is a maximum 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time degree. Deaf Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary field that intersects education, linguistics, disability studies, and human rights. Pursuing a PhD in this area at Wits positions you within one of the continent's leading centres for Deaf Studies research, at a moment when South Africa's formal recognition of South African Sign Language is creating new questions and opportunities for scholarly investigation that can shape national policy and practice.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Wits School of Education | Duration: 2-3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

This a Full thesis only (no coursework) programme specialising in Deaf Studies with the following specifications: Thesis codes: SPED9001A / SPED9002A Research conducted under a Senate-appointed supervisor Ethics clearance required

Career pathways

Graduates from this programme may pursue roles such as: Leading Deaf Education researcher University academic specialising in Deaf Studies Policy advisor for Deaf communities International Deaf Education consultant

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You must be meeting one of the following requirements to register for this programme: MEd from Wits OR BEd Hons (distinction) by special permission OR BEd + BA Hons (both with distinction) OR BEd Hons + Master’s (Arts/Commerce/Science) OR Master’s degree (any faculty) + 4 years relevant education experience A supervisor from the Faculty of Humanities must be identified and approached prior to application (PG Guide p67). Additional entry requirements may apply.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Research and PhD applicants must approach the relevant school or department to discuss the research topic and availability of a supervisor before applying.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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