Substandard PhD programmes need ‘urgent’ action – Report

A number of South African universities offer substandard doctoral programmes that require “urgent and focused interventions”, a report has warned, writes Linda Nordling for Research Professional News.

The report, made public on 24 June, draws on a years-long investigation into the quality of PhD training offered by South African institutions carried out by the Council on Higher Education and the National Research Foundation.

The 100-page report does not name institutions with substandard training or say how many there are. It says most institutions’ PhD programmes meet the country’s quality standards, but “a number” do not. Of South Africa’s 26 universities, 23 offer doctoral training, as do another five private institutions.
Full report on the Research Professional News site