College Dean of Research Professor Pholoho Morojele commended the students for starting PhDs and grappling with the nature of research and all its complexities. ‘Your research contributes to the foundation of human knowledge. You are the next generation of scholars.’

Director of the Doctoral Academy, which is presenting the seminars, Professor Johannes John-Langba, encouraged students to involve themselves in improving their PhD thesis. ‘The PhD journey is a lonely one. Apply the knowledge and skills gained at the doctoral seminars to develop a good quality PhD.’

He advised students to read extensively on their subject of research and to demonstrate this in their thesis.

During the seminar, students were given the opportunity to present their doctoral research proposals in an academic environment for critical feedback.

PhD candidate in the School of Education, Mr Sphelele Ngubane said, ‘This seminar series has been extremely helpful especially the opportunity to present a thesis proposal to established academics and hearing their feedback. It has given me food for thought on how I can improve on my research topic. I chose to do my PhD as I would like to enter academia. It is my passion.’

The seminar also covered Professional and Scholarly Ethics in Doctoral Studies (including Research Integrity); Ethical Considerations in Doctoral Research Studies; Research Population and Sampling in the Humanities; Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Review, Assessment and Feedback processes.

Professor Johannes Smit, Professor Dipane Hlalele, Professor Fikile Mazibuko, Dr Ehiane Stanley and John-Langba facilitated the sessions.