Faculty of Humanities
Research Excellence at University of Pretoria

Research at the University of Pretoria (UP) is at the apex of the University’s long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, which is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa. Equally important is the University’s international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and in the region. UP therefore deliberately balances its focus on research and innovation and the partnerships fostered by creating an environment that is conducive to scholarly pursuits. A wide range of research and professional areas underscores the strength of UP in research and postgraduate education, and also the areas in which UP is positioned as a research leader in Africa and internationally.

UP has been home to some of Africa’s most significant leaders in research. Each year the increasing number of National Research Foundation-rated researchers is evidence of the University’s commitment to attracting and retaining researchers of the highest distinction, as well as young researchers with the potential for research excellence.

It is through the sustained individual and collective actions of our researchers that UP continues to strengthen its identity as a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

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Academic Programmes

Available Postgraduate Programmes

The Faculty of Humanities is one of the oldest and most respected Humanities faculties in South Africa. Established more than 100 years ago, the Faculty of Humanities at UP has a long tradition of, and extensive experience in, providing high quality postgraduate programmes in a wide range of disciplines in the languages, arts, and the social sciences.

Read more about the Faculty of Humanities’ postgraduate programmes.

 

Research Areas and Supervisors

UP’s new Future Africa campus will be the place where Africa’s leading scientists and scholars from across the world, and from a broad range of disciplines, will come together to leverage the benefits of transdisciplinary research to address the grand challenges that face Africa and the world.

The Future Africa campus will provide a dynamic living, learning and research environment where a community of scholars and other societal role players will engage to advance excellence in scholarship, dialogue and impact.

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The Faculty of Humanities has several broad research focus areas (FRAs), in several instances linked to its various unites, centres and institutes. Amongst these FRAs are the following: developmental social work; peace and conflict in Africa; a focus on children’s literature; Southern modernities and tangible heritage conservation; and research programmes related to public intellectuals and decolonisation of the Humanities curriculum. Various departments host research projects, and further information is available on the individual departmental websites. Prospective students are encouraged to contact departments in order to gather information on particular research areas and opportunities.

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UP aims to create an enabling environment in which our postgraduate students and their supervisors can function optimally. Our supervisors provide academic guidance and mentorship to students and are key role players in the administrative efficiency of postgraduate study.

Research That Matters

SHOWCASING THE ART OF AFRICA: JAVETT-UP

Prof Maxi Schoeman
Deputy Dean of Humanities

Africa’s foremost art gallery, the Javett Art Centre (Javett-UP), is currently being developed on UP’s Hatfield and South campuses. Built by the University thanks to a substantial donation by the Javett Foundation, the Centre will be a showcase for the art of Africa.

The Javett-UP will champion South African and African art and culture, alongside international works, in an environment characterised by research, study and exploration. The Mapungubwe collection will be housed in a purpose-designed gallery, which will guarantee an African perspective.

UP and the Javett Foundation share a firm belief in the value of the arts for society in general, and for education in particular, which underlies the commitment to this project.

The Javett-UP has the dual aim of enhancing academic programmes presented at UP pertaining to the arts, culture and heritage studies, and academic departments and disciplines that make use of these collections in teaching and research, as well as promoting appreciation of the arts, not only within the University community, but also among the wider South African and African community.

The Javett-UP will also promote new developments in conservation and storage methods. With funding from the Andrew W Mellon Foundation, the University is the first in the country to develop a postgraduate Arts Conservation course, utilising the Javett-UP facilities.

Focusing on research, the Javett-UP will provide extensive and rich materials in a research-friendly environment, not only to staff and students of UP, but to the wider national and international arts community.

Institutes, Centres and Units

In line with its mission of pursuing recognition and excellence in its core functions of research, teaching and learning, as well as integrating engagement with society and communities, UP consolidates many of its research, teaching and engagement activities in 100 institutes, centres and units in the faculties.

A significant number of South African Research Chairs (funded by the South African Research Chairs Initiative), as well as research chairs funded by industry, are housed in these institutes, centres and units. Research themes spanning expertise across departments or faculties are also often based in these institutes, centres and units.

The Faculty of Humanities is home to five centres, namely the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC); the Centre for Japanese Studies (CJS); the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G); the Centre for Mediation in Africa (CMA); and the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation (Govinn). The latter two centres are attached to the Department of Political Sciences. The Faculty also has a Unit for Creative Writing within its Languages Cluster and the Department of Psychology is responsible for the Itsoseng Clinic on the University’s Mamelodi campus. More information on each of these research-focused institutions is available on the website of the Faculty of Humanities.

Read more about UP’s Institutes, Centres and Units

Read more about the nstitutes, centres and units aligned to the Faculty of Humanities

 

Your Postgraduate Journey

The University of Pretoria welcomes you to its comprehensive and exciting postgraduate degree programmes. Your postgraduate journey starts from the point of registration to graduation, with guidance from an academic supervisor allocated to you. As soon as a supervisor has been appointed to oversee your research project, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which stipulates responsibilities of the student and those of the supervisor, must be signed.

A plagiarism policy should also be signed together with the MOA. In order to support your efforts to graduate successfully and on time, there are critical milestones that should be achieved during the whole journey. Details of the milestones are given in an online system called the Graduate Research Management (GRM) system that has been developed to facilitate monitoring of progress of students in the postgraduate journey.

The GRM system will help you to monitor your progress in terms of achievement of all the pertinent milestones in your postgraduate journey. In addition, various structures of the university are there to provide you with a wide range of academic as well as administrative support. More information about the postgraduate journey and support programmes offered can be found in the postgraduate roadmap.

Funding Opportunities

As a postgraduate student or prospective student at UP, there are a number of research resources available to you to identify suitable research funding opportunities. Apart from the University, many companies and institutions offer scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate studies. The University manages a number of financial funds on behalf of institutions who provide such funding. Applications for financial assistance, bursaries or funding must be submitted concurrently while you apply for admittance to your postgraduate programme. Funding is subject to approval and availability.

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For more information about the postgraduate tuition fees structure:

Explore Our Campus

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The University of Pretoria's (UP) Hatfield Campus is situated in Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest, in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. The campus is one of the most picturesque in the country. It is spread over 24 hectares and also houses most of the University's residences. The lively Hatfield cosmopolitan shopping area is within walking distance of UP's residences.

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Postgraduate Accommodation

Welcome to TuksRes - "Your home away from home"

TuksRes Intro

If you are looking for that special place you can call your home away from home, then a residence at the University of Pretoria (UP) is just the place for you. With us, you will find an environment that is conducive to working and studying hard.

About Student Accommodation

Hatfield Accommodation

Jakaranda Residence

Jakaranda Residence

Protea Mbalenhle Residence

Protea Mbalenhle Residence

Tuksdorp

Tuksdorp

Xayata Residence

Xayata Residence

Other Postgraduate Interests

Entrepreneurship at UP

Entrepreneurship at UP

Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria is about working towards an entrepreneurial university by providing the whole entrepreneurial process under one roof, taking you from an idea to commercialisation.

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Student Support

Student Support

The Department of Student Affairs supports you on your journey to success by helping you to further develop your strengths, looking after your wellness and health, making education accessible for students with disabilities, and ensuring good student governance.

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THE UP WAY

THE UP WAY

THE UP WAY is our way of life at the University of Pretoria. It is our ethos, our vibe, our way of life and what we stand for as an institution.

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Sport

Sport

With more than 30 sport clubs and 10 sport academies, TuksSport offers a home for dedicated sport people.

TuksSport not only focuses on top performers, but also on club contestants and recreational sport participants. It provides a comprehensive high performance support programme for participants on national and international level, including scientific and medical support, sport testing, training, fitness, technical and tactical expertise, sport injuries and sport psychology.

TuksSport @ UP – message from TuksSport Director

TuksSport UP Your Game

Click on the links below to view Panoramas

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The Javett Art Centre

The Javett Art Centre

With one foot firmly rooted in academia, and the other embedded in the public, the Javett-UP makes the Pan-African Artistic practices accessible, relevant and engaging.The building is on the south campus of the University of Pretoria and connects the Hatfield campus to the South Campus via a bridge over Lynnwood Road. Underneath the building, the student gallery links UP’s Departments of Architecture and Visual Arts and a number of other exhibition spaces, housing various temporary exhibitions.

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Career Services

Career Services

Earning a degree is a great achievement. But what happens when you’ve completed your studies? How do you find a job and gain experience? UP's Career Services office helps you to prepare for the real world.

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Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Your academic success is important, but university life is also about having fun and exploring your talents to become a well-rounded graduate who is ready for the world beyond university. At the University of Pretoria we have a vibrant student life and there are many arts, cultural, sporting, and academic extramural activities that you can participate in.

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International Students

International Students

The University of Pretoria (UP) enhances its international standing through multifaceted internationalisation programmes. The programmes are facilitated and coordinated by the International Cooperation Division (ICD), who ensure that the doors of UP are always open to international students, academics, administrative staff, collaborative researchers, policymakers, funding organisations and other stakeholders. On average, UP has over 4,000 international students annually.

The internationalisation programmes spearheaded by the ICD include:

  • International students (including short-term exchange programmes, full academic programmes, joint degrees)
  • International programmes and agreements (including visiting professors, conference attendance, institutional agreements)
  • International mobility projects (students, academic staff and administrative staff covered)

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Library

Library

The University of Pretoria boasts some of the best university libraries in South Africa. They provide a comprehensive information service for the University's students and staff.

By keeping abreast of the latest technological and professional advances and providing up-to-date information services, the library’s staff members and 11 site libraries are able to provide a relevant and stimulating environment for our students and staff.

Have a look at our world-class libraries:

Library – Message from the Director

Library

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Future Africa

Future Africa

The University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus is the place where Africa’s leading scientists and scholars from across the world and from a broad range of disciplines come together to leverage the benefits of transdisciplinary research to address the grand challenges that face Africa and the world.

Issues of critical relevance to Africa are tackled: from sustainable development and good governance, citizen participation and human rights, to advancing innovation for the bioresource economy.

In a world where ideas and technologies evolve rapidly and the challenges we face are multifaceted and transnational, Africa needs a new generation of original thinkers with international perspectives, yet with a scholarly vision and voice that is rooted in Africa.

The Future Africa campus provides a dynamic living, learning and research environment where a community of scholars and other societal role players will engage to advance excellence in scholarship, dialogue and impact. Here the continent’s brightest young geneticists, chemists, economists, lawyers, engineers, social scientists and other specialists are able to work side by side in an environment that facilitates world-class creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

Video on Future AfricaVideo on Future Africa

Click on the links below to view Panoramas

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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

University of Pretoria understands that studying at a tertiary level comes with many expenses for you and your family. Sometimes students find it difficult to cover all of their university fees along with the related costs like paying for textbooks, food, and transport. We have financial aid available to all students regardless of their household income, study programme or year of study.

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What hybrid learning is like at UP

What hybrid learning is like at UP

Hybrid = Contact + Online. UP’s hybrid teaching and learning model makes transitioning to fully online learning so much easier. Let’s hear what some of our students have to say...

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Postgraduate Academic Support

Postgraduate Academic Support

The University of Pretoria (UP) values its people and strives to create an enabling environment to induct researchers into a productive research culture. It is crucially important that researchers obtain support and encouragement when completing postgraduate qualifications, applying for grants, becoming rated or receiving negative feedback on submitted papers or applications.

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Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities

The University of Pretoria has an institutional commitment to ensure an integrated and inclusive learning experience for students with disabilities. UP’s Disability Unit supports students with disabilities in partnership with departments and faculties.

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Hatfield

  • Cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street
    Hatfield
    Pretoria
    South Africa
  • www.up.ac.za
  • 012 420 5241 / 012 420 5039

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It has come to our attention that a website unknown to Universities South Africa as well as UP (saadmissions.com) is using our corporate identity to promote information on SA universities and also invite online applications into the SA public university system. Please note that UP/USAf has no knowledge of this entity and has no association with it whatsoever.

Anyone who transacts through this site does so at their own risk.

This website is for information purposes only. No representations or warranties are given by the University of Pretoria (hereafter referred to as the University) regarding the accuracy of the information this website contains, any material this website provides for or any part of this website. Any reliance by the user on any information this website contains, any material this website provides for or any part of this website, is at the user’s own risk and the University shall not be liable in any way whatsoever in respect of the user or any other person, directly or indirectly, arising from the utilisation of the information this website contains, any material this website provides for or any part of this website.

The user hereby agrees that in the event of any dispute arising from the utilisation of this website in any manner, form or substance whatsoever, the relevant South African law will apply and the appropriate courts of South Africa will have jurisdiction.

Terms of use

It has come to our attention that a website unknown to Universities South Africa as well as UP (saadmissions.com) is using our corporate identity to promote information on SA universities and also invite online applications into the SA public university system. Please note that UP/USAf has no knowledge of this entity and has no association with it whatsoever.

Anyone who transacts through this site does so at their own risk.

By accessing this website, the user hereby agrees to the following:

The use of this website is at the user’s sole risk. This website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. The University gives no warranty that (i) the information posted on this website will meet the user’s requirements; (ii) the information posted on this website will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, virus free or error free; and (iii) the information posted on this website will be accurate or reliable.

Any material downloaded from or otherwise obtained through this website is utilised at the user’s own risk, and the user will, therefore, be liable for any and all damages of any nature whatsoever arising from such utilisation of the website.

Limitation of liability

The user expressly understands and agrees that the University shall not be liable for any damages (subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act 68 of 2008) (even if the University has been advised of the possibility of such damages) resulting from: (i) the use or the inability to use the website; (ii) the cost of procurement of substitute goods and services resulting from any data, information or services obtained or messages received or transactions entered into through the website; (iii) unauthorised access to or alteration of the user’s transmissions or data; (iv) statements or conduct of any third party on the website; or (v) any other matter relating to the website.

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Programme

Programme Directors: Alex Caige and Jodell Kirsten Tantij

09:00About the University of Pretoria
09:05Introduction of the Executive and Deans
Prof Carolina Koornhof
Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives
09:09Introduction to the University of Pretoria
Prof Tawana Kupe
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of Pretoria
09:19TuksSport
09:22UP Culture
09:24Life in a TuksRes
09:28Student Representative Council
Ms Thuto Mashila
SRC President
09:30Teaching and Learning at the University of Pretoria
Prof Loretta Feris
Vice-Principal: Academic
09:33Bursary draw announcements
09:34Virtual Campus demonstration
09:38Hamper winners announcements
09:40Embrace THE UP WAY
Faculty Information Sessions
10:00Health Sciences | Law | Education
11:00Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Humanities | Theology and Religion
12:00Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology | Economic and Management Sciences | Veterinary Science
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