Admission requirements
An M degree (or equivalent) with advanced training in research methodology.  A candidate with an M degree but who did not complete a research methodology course at Honours level must take a postgraduate course in social research methodology at the University of Stellenbosch.  Students are admitted on the basis of an approved research proposal.

Programme structure
The programme entails a research project that extends over a minimum of two years and leads to the dissertation.

Content
The programme focuses on contemporary issues in the different fields of Political Science and International Studies.  Particular emphasis is placed on issues that confront South and Southern Africa, and that are linked to the Department's research programmes.  The content of the dissertation is determined by the nature of the research problem that is being investigated, the content of the research aim and the procedures for gathering data.

Presentation
Students are required to undertake independent research under the supervision of a promoter and to submit a written report in the form of a dissertation.  This dissertation is evaluated internally as well as externally.  There will also be an oral examination on the thesis and on the candidate's knowledge of the discipline.
The dissertation may be written in any language that is accessible to the promoter and the examiners.

Formal provisions
Before sending in an application to the registrar, it is advisable to contact the Chairperson of the Department (Prof. Pierre du Toit) in order to disuss the proposed doctoral project, and the appointment of a promoter.  The candidate, in consultation with the promoter, then perpares a formal proposal, setting out the problem to be investigated, the main research hypotheses, the method of research and the project's expected constribution to the disciplined.  It is on the basis of this submission that the Faculty Council, Senate and Council decide to admit or refuse a candidate.

Prospective doctoral candidates are advised to consult Part One of the University Yearbook, as well as the Faculty of Arts' Guidelines for Doctoral Applications and Submissions (available on request).