Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Resources for staff

Higher Degrees and Research Committee

Overview of the HDRC

​We strive towards research that is locally relevant, internationally recognised and intellectually excellent. We wish to enable graduate research that is ethically mindful and makes an original contribution to the Arts and the Social Sciences.

In this vision, research has high prominence, together with the other strategic aims of the University. Research plays an important role in the institutional focus on four strategic areas, namely, (i) to broaden our knowledge base, (ii) to promote student success, (iii) to increase diversity, and (iv) to become systemically sustainable. ​

Document repository for higher degrees students and supervisors

MASTER’S (MA) STUDENTS

  1. Guidelines for MA Research (2026)
  2. Student/Supervisor Contract
  3. Important MA dates & deadlines (2026)​
  4. Intention to submit MA form (2026)
  5. Examination Declaration for the Use of AI Tools
  6. Provisional ethics exemption form
  7. Ethics exemption declaration
  8. Revisions schedule after MA exam

DOCTORAL (PhD) STUDENTS

  1. Guidelines for PhD Research (2026)​​​​
  2. Student/Supervisor Contract​
  3. Important PhD dates & deadlines (2026)
  4. Regulations and formats of PhD dissertations​
  5. Guidelines for PhD (by monograph) proposals
  6. Guidelines for PhD (by publication) proposals
  7. Guidelines for PhD (integrated arts) proposals
  8. Intention to submit PhD form (2026)​
  9. Examination Declaration for the Use of AI Tools
  10. Provisional ethics exemption form
  11. Ethics exemption declaration​
  12. Revisions schedule after PhD exam​
  13. Procedure for managing admission to PhD study without an approved proposal
  14. Admission to PhD study without an approved proposal form

SUPERVISORS

General matters

Masters matters

Doctoral matters

HDRC Members (2026)

Chairperson: Prof Kate Huddlestone
Vice Chair : Dr Stephanie Vos
HDRC administration: Ms Bernia Drake
Dean: Prof Vasti Roodt

Arts
Dr Mareli Pretorius
Dr Ernst van der Wal
Prof Stella Viljoen (Vice Dean)

Languages
Prof Taryn Bernard (Vice Dean)
Prof Ilse Feinauer
Prof Tilla Slabbert

Social Sciences
Prof Pieter Fourie 
Dr Suzanne Grenfell 
Dr Anna Hartford
Dr Lloyd Hill 
Prof Lou-Marie Kruger 
Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa 

Observers
Ms Thukela Bekwa (Postgraduate Examinations Office)
Ms Michaela de Lange (Registrar’s division)
Ms Abongile Mncadi (BASC representative)
Ms Cheryl Richardson (Registrar’s division)
Dr Candice Steele (Graduate School)