Overview

About the programme

The PhD in Law at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is suitable for students who have an interest in conducting independent and highly specialised academic research which may not be available as postgraduate courses.

Our academics have expertise to supervise in an extensive range of legal topics which would enhance the professional expertise and standing of those who complete this degree.

The PhD is therefore suitable for law graduates and legal professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge of highly specialised areas and for those who wish to become legal academics.

Programme Structure

Structure:

A candidate for a PhD qualification must successfully defend a research proposal within six months of registration (in the case of full-time candidates) or twelve months of registration (in the case of part-time candidates).
A Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded on the successful submission of a doctoral thesis which should make a substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field of investigation. The length of the thesis should be between 70 000 and 100 000 words.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2024-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-05-31 00:00:00
Starting 2025-02-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-10-31 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2024-08-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Legal Studies View 4 other PhDs in Legal Studies in South Africa

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

A master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from Wits University or another university.
Your application should include a CV, an academic record (transcript) and a short proposal, also known as an expression of interest. The short proposal is a document of 7 – 10 pages that outlines the applicant’s proposed research and the research questions to be investigated. It should include a provisional title as well as a provisional bibliography.
Applications are considered on the basis of candidates’ academic record, the strength of their expression of interest and the availability of an appropriate supervisor in the School.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

27590 ZAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27590 ZAR per year during 24 months.
National

27590 ZAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27590 ZAR per year during 24 months.

R6,970 registration fee for international students

Living costs for Johannesburg

8434 - 12036 ZAR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About