Manual for Higher Degrees Studies

Accountable executive Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation

manager

Director: Research Support

Owner

Responsible division Research Support Department

Status Approved

Approved by Senate

Date of approval 1 September 2020

Web address of this manual

1
Preface
The Senate of the North-West University (NWU) approved this Manual for Higher Degree
Studies on 1 September 2020 for use by master’s and doctoral students of the University.
The manual is a binding policy document, and provides guidelines regarding the policies, rules
and processes involved in master’s and doctoral studies at the NWU.
All prospective and registered students should acquaint themselves with the different policies,
rules and processes outlined in this document.

The following policies, rules and guidelines must be read in conjunction with this
manual:

• General Academic Rules of the NWU (“The A Rules”)

• Admissions Policy

• The rules and regulations of NWU faculties (Faculty Rules)

• Rules for the Classification of Theses and Dissertations

• Rules for the Research Ethics Regulatory Committee (RERC) of the NWU

• NWU Financial Rules

• Research Ethics Policy

• Higher Degrees Policy

• Language Policy of the NWU

• Library guidelines for writing master’s dissertations and PhD theses (including the NWU
Referencing Guide)

• Institutional M and D template for the manuscript of the dissertation/thesis

• Policy on Academic Integrity

• Library and Information Services Policy

2
Table of Contents
Preface
Table of Contents
1. Definitions
2. Introduction
3. Higher Degrees Academic Life Cycle
3.1 Application
3.2 Admission and Registration
3.2.1 Admission
3.2.2 Orientation/Induction
3.2.3 Registration
3.3 Supervision Assignment
3.3.1 Appointment of Supervisor(s)/Functionaries
3.3.2 Signing of Supervision Agreement
3.4 Supervision
3.4.1 The protocol for study guidance
3.4.2 Functions of the co-supervisor/promoter or assistant supervisor/promoter
3.5 Proposal Approval and Title Registration
3.5.1 Evaluating the Integrity of the proposal
3.5.2 Proposal Evaluation and Approval
3.5.3 Ethics Clearance/Approval
3.5.4 Title Registration
3.6 Thesis Work
3.6.1 Field work
3.6.2 Thesis/Dissertation Compilation
3.7 Examination
3.7.1 Notice of Submission
3.7.2 Integrity Check on the Research Product
3.7.3 Submission of the research product
3.7.4 Examination of the Research Product
3.7.5 Examination Reports
4. Monitoring and Reporting
Appendix
A. Supervision Agreement
B. Supervisory Meeting Record for Doctoral Studies
C. Progress Report for Doctoral/Master’s Studies
D. Higher Degrees Support Directory

3
1. Definitions

In this manual, the term “higher degree studies” refers only to studies towards a master’s and doctoral
degree. The master’s degree usually follows on an honours degree (or a four-year professional
bachelor’s degree), while the doctorate follows on the master’s degree.

This manual uses the following terms:

“assistant promoter” means any person who is normally but not necessarily on the staff of the
University and who, in consultation with the promoter, renders assistance and guidance to
a student studying for a doctorate in respect of some particular part or parts of the study
undertaken by the student; approved by the faculty committee, listed on the title registration
document and afterwards appointed in writing by the Higher Degrees Administration
Department.

“assistant supervisor” means any person who is normally but not necessarily on the staff of the
University and who, in consultation with the supervisor, affords assistance and guidance to
a student studying for a master’s degree in respect of some particular part or parts of the
study undertaken by the student; approved by the faculty committee, listed on the title
registration document and afterwards appointed in writing by the Higher Degrees
Administration Department.

“co-promoter” means a person who is normally but not necessarily on the staff of the University and
who, in consultation with the promoter, affords assistance and guidance to a student for a
doctorate with regard to the study undertaken by such student; approved by the faculty
committee, listed on the title registration document and afterwards appointed in writing by
the Higher Degrees Administration Department.

“co-supervisor” means a person who is normally but not necessarily on the staff of the University
and who, in consultation with the supervisor, affords assistance and guidance to a student
for the master’s degree with regard to the study undertaken by such student; approved by
the faculty committee, listed on the title registration document and afterwards appointed in
writing by the Higher Degrees Administration Department.

“dissertation” means a manuscript prepared for examination purposes, or a single published research
article or set of published research articles or unpublished manuscript(s) in article format, in
accordance with the prescripts of documentation, argumentation, language and style in
which the student must provide proof that he/she is conversant with the method of research,
and which is presented in partial or full compliance with the requirements for the prescribed
outcomes for the specific master’s degree from the University.

“examiner” refers to the person identified by the supervisor/promoter, approved by the faculty
committee, listed on official documentation and appointed in writing by the Higher Degrees
Administration Department. The Glossary of the A Rules should be consulted for a detailed
description, which includes references to internal and external examiners.

“functionary/-ies” is an umbrella term used in higher degree documents to describe supervisors,

promoters, assistant and/or co-supervisors or promoters.

‘life cycle of an M and D student” refers to the processes that include aspects such as application,
registration, title registration, study guidance, examination and graduation of a student.

“mini-dissertation” means a manuscript prepared for examination purposes, or a written report or a

single published research article or set of published research articles or unpublished
manuscripts in article format, more limited in scope than a dissertation, and in accordance with
the prescripts of documentation, argumentation, language and style and which, in addition to
the writing of a number of prescribed examination papers, will be evaluated with a view to

4
 determining whether the student is conversant with the method of research, and is presented
in partial compliance with the requirements for obtaining a structured master’s degree or
honours bachelor degree or another professional degree from the University in terms of the
prescribed rules.

“ORCID” means an Open Research Identification number for which every master’s and doctoral
student is required to register (an NRF and Department of Education directive). The ORCID
number is required on the title registration document presented at the faculty.

“promoter” means a person who is normally on the staff of the University (but who can also be
contracted in) and who has been appointed to give guidance to a student registered for a
doctorate and to supervise the work which the student is required to do in this regard; approved
by the faculty committee, listed on the title registration document and appointed in writing by
the Higher Degrees Administration Department; the promoter is primarily responsible for
overseeing the academic life cycle of the PhD student, and keeps record of supervision
provided to the student.

“research product” refers to the outcome of the research process, as specified in sections 4.4 and
5.4 of the A Rules.
“student” (see A Rule 1.4) refers to a student who is registered with the NWU for the current year
and is enrolled and active for subsidy purposes during a specific academic year. A
registered student is required to participate actively in the prescribed teaching, learning,
research and assessment activities of every programme module for which he/she is
registered during that academic year, so that the responsible academic unit can provide
proof of such participation. Such proof must be provided by the applicable census dates of
the academic year concerned.
”supervisor” means a person who is normally on the staff of the University (but who can be contracted
in) who has been appointed to give guidance to a student who has registered for a master’s
degree, and to supervise the work which the latter is required to do with regard to a dissertation
or mini-dissertation; approved by the faculty committee, listed on the title registration
document and appointed by the Higher Degrees Administration Department; the supervisor is
primarily responsible for overseeing the completion of the academic life cycle of the master’s
student and keeps record of supervision provided to the student.

“thesis” means a manuscript prepared for examination purposes, or a set of research articles or
unpublished manuscripts in article format, and/or an internationally examined patent, which
represents a distinct contribution to the knowledge of, and insight into, a subject and provides
proof of originality, either by the presentation of new facts or by the exercise of an independent
and critical faculty, in accordance with the prescripts of language, style, documentation and
argumentation, and which is presented by the student in partial or full compliance with the
requirements for the particular doctorate from the University in terms of the prescribed rules.

5
2. Introduction

The North-West University strives to discover, develop, apply and communicate knowledge
by means of its research activities. Therefore, all higher degree studies (including structured
master’s degrees) involve some element of research.
At the NWU, research is mainly conducted in a number of approved research entities. Each
of the research entities functions under the guidance of a research director. The research
director guides the staff and postgraduate students who participate in the research work of the
research entity, and is also responsible for managing the entity. In this regard, research
directors act in close consultation with school directors and deans. The research entities are
tasked with promoting quality research and the ability to compete on an international level.
Details on the research entities and different directors are available on the website of the
University and at the Department of Research Support.
Higher degree studies are also conducted outside the ambit of a research entity. In these
cases, where the higher degree qualification is not hosted in a research entity, the relevant
school director takes responsibility for the management of the student’s academic life cycle.
It is important for the University (as well as the country and its citizenry) that these studies
should be of outstanding quality and maintain research integrity. Research integrity includes
the genuineness and credibility of research findings reported by researchers. To ensure that
there are no aspects of the study that can compromise research integrity, the Faculty should
ensure that a “complete” integrity assessment is conducted. The main indicators of research
integrity in the higher degree environment include copyright, plagiarism, fabrication and
falsification of data, ethical clearance, and intellectual property rights and patents (where
applicable). Therefore, at least two main integrity checks should be completed within the
higher degree academic life cycle, one during/prior to proposal approval, and another just
before examination of the research product. The other integrity-related matters that may need
to be considered, depending on type of proposed research study, include classification of the
research product, and research data gatekeeping.
Each faculty has at least one research ethics committee responsible for ethical clearance of
study projects. Some projects may not require ethical approval. In most cases, however, the
research ethics committee reviews projects involving human participants, animals or those
that might have an impact on the environment. The committee considers and provides ethical
clearance in such cases.
The guidance provided to students registered for a higher degree determines the quality of
the study to a great extent. The University employs a variety of rules and procedures to
guarantee this quality. This manual aims to give a brief overview of these rules and processes.
This manual provides information on the following aspects:

• The student academic life cycle: The administrative and academic milestones
that must be reached before a higher degree can be conferred.

• Before commencement of the study: Vital information that the student must be
aware of before the study can commence.

• Early stages of the study: Aspects like registration of a topic, compiling a

research proposal, seeking ethics approval, etc.

6
 • Guidance during the study: What the student can expect from the supervisor, and
vice versa.

• Producing the research product.

• The examination process.

3. Higher Degrees Academic Life Cycle

The academic life cycle is summarised in the Table below, also showing responsible functions
including Higher Degrees Administration (HDA), Higher Degrees Academic Support (HDAS)
and Research Ethics and Integrity (RE&I). All these processes require some administrative
action from the student and the faculty/supervisors/promoters. Note that the processes do not
necessarily proceed in a linear fashion. For instance, the application process must be
completed before the student may register. The registration process has to be repeated
annually, and hence the study guidance process and the registration process may run
concurrently.

Process Description/ Time lines (Months) Responsible Function(s)

and/or Activities
stage
Student HDA Faculty HDAS RE&I
HDA receives 0-1 X X X
application, checks
for supporting
documentation and
forwards to the
1 Application
Faculty
Pre-screening & 0-6 X X
Establishment of
Resources and
Support
Admission 0-1 X X X
Admission
Orientation/Induction February & July X X X X X
2 and
Registration Registration February - March X X X
July - August
Appointment of Part of screening X
Supervisor(s)
Supervision
3 Signing of At the end of orientation X X
Assignment
Supervision
Agreement
4 Supervision Immediately after registration X X

Proposal 1-6 X X
compilation and
Proposal
submission
5 Approval &
(proposal submitted
Title
together with online
Registration
ethics clearance
application)

7
 Integrity Check X X

Proposal Evaluation X
and Approval
Ethics X X
Clearance/Approval
Title Registration X X X X
(may include
appointment of
examiners)

6 Thesis Field work, X X

Work Experimental work,
etc.
Thesis Chapters
Compilation
Notice of X X X
Submission
(including
appointment of
examiners if it was
not done at Title
Registration)
Confirmation of X X
7 Examiners (if they
Examination were appointed
during title
registration)
Integrity Check X X

Submission to HDA X X X

Examination X X
Reports
8 Graduation Confirmation of Month 24 or 36 X X
Graduation
(including results
and loading of the
degree)
Ceremony and X X
Archiving of
documents

Process Description/Activities Timelines Responsible Function(s)

HDA Faculty HDAS RE&I
Monitoring & NB: This is a continuous process, which Online reporting at X X
Reporting may coincide with any of the eight stages the end of each
in the student life cycle Semester (June &
December)

8
3.1 Application
Rules/policies/guidelines: Admissions Policy, Global Engagement Policy, General
Academic Rules of the NWU (“The A Rules”)
Responsibilities: Student, Higher Degrees Administration, Faculty Administration

Any prospective higher degree student should have a very clear idea of the study programme
or field he/she wishes to pursue. In many cases, this will be a continuation of work done for a
previous degree; this is especially true for students who have completed their previous study
at the NWU. Students who have completed their previous study at another university are
advised to consult the NWU website ([Link]) before attempting to gain access to a
higher degree. In particular, these students should visit the websites of the various research
entities and familiarise themselves with the research programmes of the relevant entity and
admission requirements of each programme. To access this information, select Research on
the NWU homepage, and click on Research Entities.

A student who wishes to proceed with a study at higher degree level at the NWU will be subject
to an application process. This is done to establish:
1. Whether the candidate satisfies the entrance/minimum requirements for the
programme.
2. Whether the NWU has the capacity to accept the student.
3. Whether the student submitted the required documentation to allow an evaluation
of the application.
The specific nature of this process will depend on the faculty/school or entity involved. In some
faculties, an applicant must identify a supervisor/promoter as part of the application process,
and the application can only be processed once this requirement has been complied with and
the supervisor has the capacity to take the student in his/her programme.
Before proceeding with the application process, students from abroad (i.e. prospective
students who are NOT South African citizens) should visit the Global Engagement office on
campus or if not on campus should visit webpage for international students at
[Link] for specific information and guidelines for
applying at the NWU.
In some cases, point 1 above is straightforwardly determined. For instance, if a student has
completed all previous studies at the NWU, his/her academic record will be available for
evaluation. In other cases, admission may be more complex than simply assessing a student’s
previous learning or recognition of prior learning (RPL). For example, the specific programme
may have specialised entrance requirements. Programmes may also require all applicants to
undergo some assessment process.
Point number 2 can only be answered by the director of the relevant research entity (and/or
relevant school). Admission may, for instance, depend on whether a suitable supervisor or
promoter for the chosen subject field is available, and then assessing whether the workload
of that staff member is such that he/she will have the capacity to supervise the student.

9
A prospective student wishing to apply for entrance into any specific programme must first
ensure that he/she has all the relevant information on the specific programme. Such
information is available on the NWU webpage for the entity or school presenting the specific
programme. The relevant entity and/or school director may also be consulted. The applicant
must also consult the information on higher degree studies, available at
[Link]
The applicant may apply online by following this link: [Link]
studies/higher-degree-admissions.
Applications must be submitted before the published closing date for applications of each
programme. All items of supporting documentation as requested in the specific guidelines
must be submitted.
Once an application with the relevant supporting documentation has been received, a student
number will be issued, a profile created, and the relevant faculty notified. Applications are
evaluated by the relevant faculty structures, with a report to the admissions office with which
to notify the applicant of the outcome of the application (Approved, Conditionally Approved,
Unsuccessful or Unsuccessful due to the capacity of the faculty). Successful candidates will
receive registration documents once the application process is concluded.
Applicants will appreciate that this process may take some time as selection processes differ
from faculty to faculty, and some programmes may have extensive selection procedures. The
NWU will adhere to the dates advertised, i.e. the closing date for admissions applications, as
well as the closing date for formal notices to the applicant.
The student may consult the academic staff member under whose supervision he/she would
like to conduct the research at any time during this application process. The student may also
consult the relevant research or school director. The research or school director could request
a potential promoter or supervisor to assist with the conceptualisation of a research project
until a formal allocation is made. The possible supervisor or promoter will then consult the
research director about a possible research topic that slots in with the focus of the research
entity, and also about the availability of funds. This is followed by consultations with the
appropriate director (and, where applicable, subject chairperson) to determine whether the
supervisor’s or promoter’s workload allows him/her to accept the student.

3.2 Admission and Registration

Rules/policies/guidelines: Admissions Policy, Faculty Rules, A Rules (1.18.1, 4.14 & 5.13)
Responsibilities: Student, Higher Degrees Administration, Faculty Higher Degrees
Administration

3.2.1 Admission
A student will receive a letter stating the outcomes of the selection process. If the application
for admission was successful, the student will receive the registration documentation or
confirmation to register online from Higher Degrees Administration.

10
3.2.2 Orientation/Induction
It is mandatory for all first-time higher degree candidates to complete the orientation
programme before registration. The orientation programme will include introduction to faculty
higher degree processes and research entities/programmes/projects, available resources
including funding, research equipment and facilities, and other support functions including the
library and writing centre.
The programme should conclude with signing of supervision agreements and code of conduct.

3.2.3 Registration
The nature of this process will largely depend on the conventions of the faculty/school or entity.
First time registration
If the application for admission was successful, the student will receive the registration
documentation or confirmation to register online from Higher Degrees Administration. To
complete the registration process, the student must complete the online web registration or
submit the signed documents together with proof of payment to the administration office. A
web registration is provisional and not valid if the needed funding is not available on the
account of the student. Thus, the student must already have secured the necessary funds to
continue with the study. Information on funding schemes and bursaries, as well as assistance
with how to apply for funding, may be requested from the relevant faculty, entity or school.
Proof of registration will be sent from the system upon web registration, or sent to the student
by the relevant higher degrees administrator. Failure by the applicant to submit the required
forms will mean that he/she will not be registered on the NWU system for that specific year,
even if the application form has been received and approved and a payment has been made.
Payment of registration fees, study fees, etc. does not mean that the registration has
automatically been completed. Students must ensure that they follow the full registration
procedure as directed by the Faculty and Higher Degrees Administration (HDA).
All international students submit additional documents upon registration and should consult
the Global Engagement officials on campus before registering. A web registration should not
be completed by international students.
If an unregistered prospective master’s or doctoral student wishes to use the library, the
applicant must register with the library as a prospective student and pay the prescribed fees.
Access to facilities and learning platforms (e.g. eFundi) used by faculties are not accessible
without registration.
Maximum period of registration/study

There are prescriptions for the maximum duration of study in the University’s A Rules.
For full-time contact students, the maximum duration of study is as follows:
Master’s degrees: 3 years
Doctoral degrees: 4 years
For part-time contact and distance students, the maximum duration of study is as follows:
Master’s degrees: 4 years

11
 Doctoral degrees: 5 years
It should be noted that the required registration period does not include any period of
suspension of registration.
These terms also inform the period for which study permits to foreign students are issued.
Refer to the relevant faculty rules for details.

Annual re-registration
Higher degree students must re-register on an annual basis for each consecutive year of study
at the specified cut-off date. Failure to register may result in the termination of a study. Refer
to the different rules and policies with regard to the annual re-registration as well as the cut-
off dates, available on the NWU website.
The re-registration process may also entail the approval of a special request submitted by the
student. Students may be prohibited from registration for a particular year due to academic
reasons. The removal of such a block on the system by the HDA Office requires a faculty
decision which is displayed on an approved student request. The student request form is
available at the faculty or at HDA. The student must submit proof of registration to the
supervisor/promoter annually to ensure continuation of study guidance.
Students who fail to re-register will not qualify for study guidance. Any student who has failed
to re-register for one complete academic year should apply to the relevant dean for re-
admission to the programme. The student request form for re-admission is available at the
faculty or at HDA.
If a student wishes to use the University’s facilities (e.g. the library) he/she must first register
for the new academic year to ensure continuation of access to the facilities.

Termination or extension of study term

See the A Rules regarding the possible termination and the possible extension (1.18.1, 4.14
& 5.13) of the study term.
Note that the extension of studies may have financial implications, as stipulated in the A Rules.
Students are advised to discuss these implications with the research director or school director
before making a final decision on the matter.

3.3 Supervision Assignment

Principle(s): (1) Higher degree students and their supervisors or promoters are treated in a
fair and transparent manner. (2) Mutual relationship and accountability between supervisor
and student.
Rules/policies/guidelines: Higher Degrees Policy, A Rules
Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor, Faculty Higher Degrees Management

12
3.3.1 Appointment of Supervisor(s)/Functionaries
Once the student has registered for the first time, the faculty will go through a formal process
to appoint a supervisor/promoter and other relevant functionaries for the student. In many
cases, the student will already have started negotiations with a potential supervisor/promoter,
and this person can then be recommended. However, it is still the prerogative of the research
or school director to recommend one or more suitable supervisor or promoter. The faculty will
then consider this recommendation, and if found acceptable, will make the necessary
appointment(s). This will be communicated to the student. If no such communication is
forthcoming within a reasonable period after registration, the student must approach the
relevant director to seek clarity on the matter.
In some faculties a preliminary supervisor/promoter is appointed to a student as part of the
admissions process. Documents to support the process are provided to students from the
HDA Office. Once a study field has been selected, the prospective student can start with the
application and registration process.
Students are encouraged to engage with a prospective supervisor/promoter as soon as
possible. They may also wait for the faculty management to appoint a supervisor/promoter.
This is often not the best strategy, since it could lead to incompatibilities between the student
and this functionary. A better strategy is to contact a suitable supervisor/promoter or consult
with potential ones. The names and contact details of potential functionaries are listed in the
research entity details, together with their research interests. The student should start a
discussion with a possible supervisor/promoter in order to gain some insight into the suitability
of the person as a study mentor.
Once a suitable supervisor/promoter has been agreed upon, other functionaries could be
appointed if necessary. In some cases, the supervisor/promoter (or student) will request the
appointment of a co-supervisor or co-promoter. This person will also be involved in guiding
the entire project. The study may touch on some aspects of a research field with which the
supervisor/promoter is not entirely familiar. In such cases, an assistant supervisor/promoter
can be appointed, who will provide input into that part of the study.
The relationship between student and functionaries
The final responsibility for the appointment of functionaries lies with the faculty, and is usually
based on the recommendations from the relevant director or scientific committee. This
decision is based on aspects such as the knowledge of the academic relative to the proposed
study, the workload of the person, and other relevant factors.
The student should consider the fact that there is always a human element involved in study
guidance at this level. The student and supervisor/promoter will work in close collaboration for
the entire period of the study. Therefore, students are advised to gauge the level of
compatibility with potential functionaries before committing to the study. The student should
also respect the decision of a potential functionary who declines to work with the student. A
forced relationship between student and functionaries, with no mutual trust and respect, is not
feasible. For the agreement document between the student and his/her supervisor/promoter,
see the addendum attached below.

3.3.2 Signing of Supervision Agreement

A key factor to success in supervision of student research is the relationship between the
student and the supervisor. Thus, supervision agreement sets out guidelines for the student–

13
supervisor relationship. Both parties should sign an agreement clarifying the roles,
responsibilities and expectations for the relationship. Other matters to be discussed and
documented before signing the agreement include supervisor accessibility, frequency and
records of supervisory meetings, feedback, grievance procedures and continuous monitoring
and reporting of student progress. (ref: Appendix A, B and C)
Supervision is an academic process and is administered within the faculty. The student and
his/her supervisor(s)/promoter(s) will enter into a formal agreement on the conduct of the study
(Appendix A). If this is not done soon after the appointment of these functionaries, the student
is advised to seek guidance from the director. This agreement will, amongst other things, set
out the various academic milestones for the study.
As soon as possible after the appointment of a supervisor/promoter, the parties must agree
on the course of the study, volume of work to be submitted, time schedule, appointments and
reporting on progress made.
Course of the study
It is essential that an agreement be reached in terms of when and with what the student should
commence. The study may be of such a nature that the empirical or experimental part may
start immediately. In other cases, the theoretical basis of the investigation must be completed
first. It is therefore essential that the student receive very clear guidance on the course of the
study, always bearing in mind the maximum period allowed.
Volume of work to be submitted
An agreed-on volume of work should be submitted to the supervisor/promoter at regular
intervals. It is preferable that the work be submitted chapter by chapter (or even chapter
section by chapter section). This has the benefit that any amendments and changes in
direction are effected early on, without wasting time on redundant work.
The supervisor/promoter, in consultation with the student, must decide on the format in which
the student’s work must be submitted for comment and guidance. Normally this will be in
electronic format, and the comments will be done by means of track changes. eFundi is an
effective platform on which to submit the manuscript.
Time schedule
It is in the interest of both the supervisor/promoter and the student that a time schedule for the
study and/or the research product be set. If both parties act in a responsible manner, provision
may be made, within limits, for deviations from this schedule. The student must undertake to
provide the supervisor/promoter with a certain portion of the work within an agreed-upon
period (not less than two weeks), and the supervisor/promoter must undertake to work through
the submission within a certain time and provide the student with the appropriate feedback.
The feedback may occur in the form of written comments and suggestions, and/or a personal
interview. If the student cannot meet the deadline, he or she must inform the
supervisor/promoter in time and an alternative date may be agreed upon. If the student is of
the opinion that the study is being delayed by the supervisor/promoter not adhering to the
agreed-upon time schedule, and the student cannot obtain any response from the
supervisor/promoter through a diplomatic approach, he/she must bring the matter to the
attention of the appropriate director (or applicable dean if the director is the
supervisor/promoter) concerned.

14
Appointments
Appointments are made in writing (preferably using the diary functionality of GroupWise) or
verbally, and the supervisor/promoter must ensure that enough time is allowed for in-depth
discussions of all relevant aspects of the student’s work. Any text the student would like to
discuss with the supervisor/promoter must, as a rule, be submitted to the supervisor/promoter
at least two weeks prior to the appointment. Obviously, appointments must be strictly kept. If
either of the parties cannot keep an appointment, the other party must be informed timeously.
Contact between student and supervisor/promoter should occur regularly, preferably at least
six times a year.
Reporting on progress
The supervisor/promoter must report on progress on a six-monthly basis as required by faculty
specifications. At the same time, the faculty will ask the student to evaluate the study guidance
received.

3.4 Supervision
Principle(s): ‘Supervision should be guided by the principles of intellectual and interpersonal
integrity, fairness, respect, clarity about roles and responsibilities, student autonomy and
working in the best interest of the student.’ (UEA, 2007: 3)
Rules/policies/guidelines: A Rule 4.8.6 and 5.8.5, Higher Degrees Policy
Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor(s), Faculty Higher Degrees Management

Study guidance entails the provision of assistance, advice and support to a student towards
the submission of a research product. It implies a relationship of trust in which all parties should
have the confidence to take a stand openly and freely on a professional as well as a personal
level and communicate in a responsible and mature manner. However, the
supervisor/promoter remains the senior partner, which means that he/she is accountable for
all decisions and guidance. This necessarily means that the supervisor/promoter, like the
student, must remain up to date on the topic concerned.
If the supervisor/promoter finds that the study is running the risk of deviating from the original
scheme, he/she may – in the case of smaller changes – allow such deviation. In the case of a
more drastic deviation from the original study, the supervisor/promoter and the student must
inform the relevant research director. An assistant supervisor/promoter may be appointed if
required. In such a case, the student may also apply for a change of title. In the case of a
drastic change in the contents of the research product, an amended research proposal must
be submitted.
If a student experiences any difficulties in the supervision process, he/she should immediately
raise these with the relevant director. If the director is the supervisor, the students should raise
the issue with the relevant deputy dean or executive dean of the faculty prior to submission
for examination. (A Rule 4.8.6 and 5.8.5)

15
3.4.1 The protocol for study guidance

• The supervisor/promoter should make sure that the student is thoroughly aware of the
applicable rules, as well as the nature and format of and requirements for mini-
dissertations/dissertations and theses. The supervisor/promoter must bring this Manual to
the attention of the student. In accordance with the general prescriptions, it must be
assumed that what the student eventually submits is his/her own work, and he/she should
therefore be given the opportunity to optimally utilise his/her own style, points of view and
personality in the document.

• The identification of sources is the duty of the student and not of the supervisor/promoter.

• The supervisor/promoter must ensure that the sources and their correct use are checked;
tools such as Turnitin may be used.

• The supervisor/promoter should draw the student’s attention to poorly substantiated or

formulated statements and arguments, but the student must make the improvements him-
/herself.

• It is not the responsibility of the supervisor/promoter to correct language errors, but to

guide the student towards using the correct scientific language and a scientifically
acceptable technical finish. The supervisor/promoter should also ensure that the technical
language satisfies the required standard.

• It is not the responsibility of the supervisor/promoter to rewrite portions of the work, but to
indicate shortcomings to the student and provide guidance for correcting these.

• The supervisor/promoter should provide only general criticism and comments on the
technical finish and methods and allow the student to correct these him-/herself.

• Before the research product is submitted for examination, the supervisor/promoter must
review it thoroughly. He/she will likely work through the document several times and
provide the student with comments and suggestions. Only when the supervisor/promoter
is satisfied with the structure and standard of the work, will permission be granted for the
product to be finalised as a manuscript for submission. A text-similarities report (e.g.
Turnitin) is required to ensure that all parallel texts are checked for plagiarism. To prevent
bottlenecks during the period of submission for examination, the Turnitin could be done
earlier in the process, i.e. regularly after each chapter is completed, and should not only
be conducted at the end of the study.

• The supervisor/promoter must ensure that the student has had the research product
properly language edited. An official letter or document must be made available to
substantiate this editing.

• The supervisor/promoter and student should set a date on which the final revised or
corrected version of the document should be submitted to the supervisor/promoter to
ensure that the final manuscript is print-ready well ahead of the final deadline. The official
timetable is the decisive factor.

• The supervisor/promoter must undertake to adhere to the code of conduct for promoters
and supervisors provided in the Addendum of this manual.

• Master’s and doctoral students must undertake to adhere to the code of conduct for
master’s and doctoral students provided in the Addendum of this manual.

16
3.4.2 Functions of the co-supervisor/promoter or assistant supervisor/promoter
As mentioned, the supervisor/promoter may request that a co-supervisor/promoter or an
assistant supervisor/promoter be appointed for the study. A co-supervisor/promoter is usually
involved in the full course of the study in consultation with the supervisor/promoter. If
discussions are held about the study, the co-supervisor/promoter must be involved at all times.
The assistant supervisor/promoter is often involved in providing guidance with regard to
aspects or sections of a specific study. When a study has a clearly interdisciplinary character,
an assistant supervisor/promoter from another discipline is appointed for practical and
technical reasons. A postgraduate student may request the supervisor/promoter to appoint a
co-supervisor/promoter or an assistant supervisor/promoter for the study.
The supervisor/promoter remains primarily responsible for the study.

3.5 Proposal Approval and Title Registration

Rules/policies/guidelines: Policy on Academic Integrity, Protection of Personal Information
Act (No. 4/2013), A Rules (4.9.1 and 5.9.1), Rules for the Research Ethics Regulatory
Committee (RERC) of the NWU, Research Ethics Policy, Rules for the Classification of Theses
and Dissertations
Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor(s), Faculty Scientific Committee, Research Ethics
Committee

The early stages of the study consist of developing a research proposal, and obtaining the
necessary approvals before proceeding with the actual study. At this stage, the
supervisor/promoter (the functionary) will guide the student in completing the necessary
documentation.
The student, under the guidance of the appointed functionary/functionaries, will develop a
research proposal and title for the study, which will be submitted together with an online ethics
clearance application to the relevant faculty structures for final approval.
The research proposal
All faculties expect the student to provide a research proposal before commencing with the
actual research. This proposal can take many forms, and is prescribed by research entities.
The functionaries will guide the student in the process. The proposal will usually consist of
background material in the form of a literature study, a problem statement and a research
question (perhaps broken up into sub-questions), and a description of the proposed method
of research and some predicted outcomes.
The student is advised that the most important part of this aspect of the study is the formulation
of the research problem and questions. This critical formulation will guide him/her in the entire
study, and must therefore contain the essence of the entire research programme. In some
cases, it will only be possible to formulate this after an exhaustive literature review.
Sometimes, it can arise from work done in a previous degree (i.e. a doctoral study can build
on the outcome of a master’s degree).
The process for ethical clearance or approval of the proposed study runs concurrently with the
research proposal process.

17
Formulating the title
In all cases a title (which may be amended later if required) must be formulated for the study.
The title should have a clear link with the aims of the study. Supervisors/promoters guide the
student so that the proposed title covers the topic meaningfully and optimally refers to the
main aspects of the study. (Example: The relationship between A and B; The implications of
A for B; The effect of A on B; The impact of A on B; An analysis of A.) The title must have the
necessary impact and should preferably not be longer than 12 words. Supervisors/promoters
should guard against efforts to include all aspects of the study in the title, as such titles become
unwieldy. The title should be brief and to the point for two reasons: the various aspects of the
study are set out in the course of the study and need not all be reflected in the title, and the
title has to appear on the title page and spine of the research product.
A title must conform to the standards of academic language used by NWU. Its wording must
be accurate and correct.

3.5.1 Evaluating the Integrity of the proposal

The main indicators of research integrity in the higher degree environment include copyright,
plagiarism, fabrication and falsification of data, ethical clearance, and intellectual property
rights and patents (where applicable). However, at this stage, the study has not developed to
a point of assessing all indicators. Thus the proposal is only assessed for signs of plagiarism
and ethical clearance. Supervisors confirm by completing and signing an integrity
checklist/form that the title of the proposed study is not duplication of other studies within the
relevant scientific community. The supervisor should also submit a Turnitin (similarity) report
of the proposal to the Faculty Scientific Committee.

Also, if the content of the study needs to be classified, the supervisor should complete the
application form for classification available from Higher Degrees Administration.

Classification and declassification of the research product

As prescribed by the A Rules, it is sometimes necessary to classify the study as confidential.
This could be determined early in the study, for instance when the study makes use of
proprietary data obtained from an outside source, which should be kept confidential. In other
cases, it may be discovered at some later stage that the results have the potential to be
commercialised or that the intellectual property right of the NWU must be protected. In such
cases, the study should be classified before the research product is published.
Consult the Rules for the Classification of Theses and Dissertations containing information on
the classification process. The application form for classification is available from Higher
Degrees Administration. The application must be motivated by the supervisor/promoter, and
recommended by both the relevant director and dean. In cases where the intellectual property
rights of the NWU must be protected, the Director: Technology Transfer and Innovation
Support must also make a recommendation.
The generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge through research at higher degree
level form an integral part of the University’s core business. The University is a public
institution and the knowledge generated by it should in the first instance be available for the
benefit of the general public. The classification of research products through which some or
other restriction is imposed on the disclosure or dissemination of such knowledge should thus
be regarded as an exception. It is usually only permitted in exceptional cases and after due
consideration at a suitable level and in accordance with accountable norms and fixed

18
procedures. All applications for classification and associated processes should therefore be
tested against this principal point of departure.
Research Data Gatekeeping
Research data gatekeeping is a procedure developed to evaluate all research data requests
that require access to NWU data and NWU staff and students against the edicts of the
Protection of Personal Information Act (No. 4/2013). Proposals for research that is planned to
engage NWU staff and/or students as research subjects or use NWU information should be
submitted to the Research Data Gatekeeper Committee (RDGC). The RDGC will assess the
application to ensure that the subjects are recruited in an open and voluntary way; and a
transparent and objective process is followed in obtaining data from such individuals. The
Committee also requires that any identifiable personal information be obtained with full
informed consent from such subjects and not from any other sources or databases.

3.5.2 Proposal Evaluation and Approval

Refer to the applicable A Rules and Faculty/School/Entity rules concerning the approval of the
research proposal and the title of the research product.
A considerable amount of prior study is required before one will be ready to apply for approval
of the research proposal and title registration. According to the A Rules (4.9.1, 4.9.2, 4.9.3,
5.9.1, 5.9.2 and 5.9.3), a student must submit a research proposal within six months after the
final date for the annual registration for the relevant degree, or (in the case of structured
master’s degree) six months after completion of the last required module assessment of the
degree. There may, however, be specific faculty rules on this matter. The research proposal
must be approved by a Scientific Committee (SC).

3.5.3 Ethics Clearance/Approval

All research projects need to go through a process of ethics clearance or approval. The
Scientific Committee (SC) will refer the study to an appropriate Research Ethics Committee
(REC). If a study does not involve human participants or animals, or will not impact negatively
on the environment, the SC recommends to the Research Ethics Committee (REC) that the
research project does not require ethical approval, and ethical clearance is provided by the
REC. Should a research project, however, involve human participants or animals or could
have a possible negative impact on the environment, the research project must be reviewed
by an REC and ethical approval must be obtained before the empirical or experimental study
can commence. Whether an expedited or a full review is required will depend on the decision
of the REC.
In order to ensure the protection of humans and animals involved in research or the prevention
of negative environmental impact, all students registering for a higher degree must apply for
research ethics approval. Applications must be directed to a specific faculty REC. In some
faculties, securing ethics can be a time-consuming process, and students are therefore
advised to start this process as soon as possible.
Besides the code of conduct, guidelines, policies and compulsory registration with the
applicable national professional bodies, research is also controlled by ethics principles
underlying empirical or experimental work. The NWU Research Ethics Regulatory Committee
(RERC) has formulated general rules and guidelines for the functioning of Research Ethics
Committees. Functionaries will inform students of faculty-specific ethics rules.

19
As mentioned above, the general principle is that all higher degree studies are subjected to a
research ethics clearance process and should receive an ethics clearance number despite the
risk level with regard to ethics codes. The process involves independent review and approval
by an REC as to whether the research activities of a study satisfy specific ethical principles.
These are based on generally accepted ethical norms and standards. The guiding question is
whether the study poses any potential harm to human participants or animals involved in the
study, or might have any negative impact on the environment. The answer to this question will
also determine the level of possible harm, and will therefore determine possible restrictions
placed on the limits of the study.
Each faculty has a Research Ethics Committee (REC), which will consider applications for
ethics clearance. Students are advised to ensure that they pursue this matter as soon as
possible after registering.
The Research Ethics Regulatory Committee (RERC) of the NWU is responsible for the
formulation of ethics guidelines for the institution. Applications for research ethics approval is
considered by the relevant Research Ethics Committee (REC), as organised by the Faculty.
All research involving human beings (including human material such as blood, cells, urine,
etc.), animals or that may have an environmental impact must be cleared by an REC before
the empirical or experimental study may commence. Supervisors/promoters of a higher
degree student often apply to the REC for clearance of the relevant research project in which
he/she is the chief investigator. Higher degree students are then allocated to projects which
resort under a broad research programme. Each student’s study project should, however,
obtain its own ethical approval to safeguard participants, researchers and the University
against any unethical conduct linked to changed methods and additions of new researchers
to a project. An application has to be submitted to the REC by a permanent staff member of
the University, as, in this context, students may not act as primary researchers.
The process for obtaining research ethics clearance is described in the Rules of the RERC
and the relevant REC.

3.5.4 Title Registration

The registration of a title takes place during the study guidance process, and as stipulated by
the rules of the relevant faculty. Students are reminded that they must acquaint themselves
with faculty rules related to title registration and the period that must follow before submission
of the research product for examination. Examiners may be appointed at any time after the
title has been registered but no later than six months prior to submission for examination.
Whatever the process may be, the faculty will formally approve the title of the study. Any
changes to the topic of study or the formally registered title must be reported to the faculty for
approval.
In some cases, the student may only finalise the registration of a title after approval of the
research proposal. Students must ensure that they are familiar with the procedure of the
faculty on this point; the supervisors/promoters will be able to advise on this matter.
The title registration process should include registration of a persistent digital identifier (ORCID
iD). The ORCID iD enables a researcher to own and control their work, and distinguishes one
researcher from every other researcher. Every student is expected to register and obtain their
ORCID iD through the NWU Library website.

20
3.6 Thesis Work
Rules/policies/guidelines: Policy on Academic Integrity, Library and Information Services
Policy, Library guidelines for writing master’s dissertations and PhD theses (including the
NWU Referencing Guide)
Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor, Faculty Higher Degrees Management

3.6.1 Field work

Planning is essential for the success of any type of fieldwork including (but not limited to) site
visits for data collection, in situ field measurements, laboratory work and industrial plant visits.
Supervisors should guide and support the students during the planning and implementation of
the actual fieldwork. Both the student and supervisor should protect institutional reputation
and maintain academic integrity. The Supervisor must ensure compliance with ethics, health,
safety and environment, and legal and statutory requirements.

3.6.2 Thesis/Dissertation Compilation

Producing the research product is a major activity of any advanced study. The student will
probably have no experience of compiling a document or work of this magnitude, and may
find it a daunting task. Students often underestimate the complexity of this task. The supervisor
should guide the student in this process.
Students should be especially aware of the dangers of plagiarism and should always ensure
that their work complies with the requirements in this regard. Discuss this with your
supervisor/promoter to obtain clarity on this crucially important issue.
Language use
It is a basic requirement that the language and style of the research product must be correct.
While there are comprehensive guidelines for the accurate use of academic language, it is not
possible to provide fixed rules for the most suitable writing style for a (mini-)dissertation/thesis.
However, the writer must meet two requirements: the information must be structured in a clear,
careful, logical and unambiguous manner, and it should be conveyed to the reader in correct,
elegant language.
The selection of the right words, the formulation of well-constructed sentences and the layout
of sentences in systematic and logical paragraphs are essential to retain the reader’s active
and engaged attention. In short, this means that the writer must arrange the information in
such a way that the reader receives it in units that are not so brief that they interrupt the flow
of the presentation, but are also not so long or complicated that they are confusing or allow
the reader’s attention to wander. The writer should always take the reader into consideration.
Most of the obvious errors in sentence construction arise when the writer tries to write too
concisely and omits words that are essential for a good understanding of the information being
presented. This links up with inadequate use of a good explanatory dictionary.
Errors that occur in (mini-)dissertations/theses are in many cases the result of incorrect use of
language. These include grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, -isms and incorrect word
choice. Because the premise is that not all students necessarily possess an adequate

21
knowledge of language usage, it is a requirement that the language of the research product
must be edited by a competent language editor.
Language editing primarily remains the responsibility of the student. However, the
supervisor/promoter should ensure that the student has the research product edited.
Language of (mini-)dissertations and theses
The choice of language should be in accordance with the language policy of the University
and language use should follow its style guide.
Word processing functionality
It is essential that students should use word processing. This facilitates correction and final
completion of (mini-)dissertations/theses. It is also essential that the full functionality of the
word processor must be used to assist in the formatting of the document, automating cross-
referencing, numbering of sections and subsections, creation of the bibliography, inserting
references in the correct style, etc.
Format and length
The format of the page layout of the research product must be determined beforehand. Two
possible formats are acceptable:
A4 format is 210 x 297 mm and must make provision for margins: approximately 2,5 cm on
the left and approximately 2 cm on the three other sides, i.e. the page number must be
included. A5 format is approximately 147 x 210 mm and may be printed on both sides of the
paper, with about 2,0 cm for margins.
Printing in double line spacing is acceptable if one-and-a-half spacing is not possible. A font
size 11 may be used. The fonts Arial or Times New Roman are recommended because of
their legibility.
There are no universal rules about the length (minimum and maximum number of
pages/words) for a (mini-)dissertation or thesis; each faculty has its own rules for each type of
research that is done.
Page numbers may appear at the top or bottom of a page, and placing them in the middle of
the page eliminates confusion.
A Word template customised for (mini-)dissertations/theses at the NWU is available at the
following link [Link] Students are
encouraged to use all of the features of this template, such as the automatic creation of the
table of contents, list of figures/tables and page numbering, headers and footers, section
numbering, cross-referencing and automatic creation of references and bibliographies.
[Link] Example of thesis/dissertation layout/components
Any (mini-)dissertation or thesis should be compiled according to a clear plan and in such a
way that the layout is clear to the reader. The following is an example of the various elements
that may typically be found in the research product:

• Title page

• Proof of ethics approval or that no ethics approval was required

• Proof of the Turnitin process

22
 • Abstract in the language used in the study

• Preface

• Table of contents

• Introduction

• Sections of the text

• Concluding chapter

• Annexures

• Illustrations (if any; may also be distributed in the text)

• Bibliography
a) Title page
On the title page of the (mini-)dissertation or thesis the following must appear in this sequence:
Title as approved by the Faculty
Full initials and surname of the student
ORCiD of the student
Wording of the degree qualification: This wording does not refer to the Faculty or Entity/School,
but only to the subject (e.g. for a thesis in Biochemistry only “Biochemistry” and the University
is used, not the Faculty of Natural Sciences or School of Chemistry and Biochemistry). In all
cases, the registered name of the University must be used, namely “NWU”. Exceptions: In the
case of (mini-)dissertations for degrees like Magister Musicae, Magister Bibliothecologiae and
Magister Artium et Scientiae [Planning] – which must be indicated as such in the wording –
the subject may be omitted. In all cases the correct name of the qualification, as indicated in
the NWU Calendar, must be used.
All supervisors (including co-supervisors and assistant supervisors) and all promoters
(assistant and co-promoters) must be mentioned by Title, Initials and Surname. Note the
following Afrikaans and English terms:

ENGLISH AFRIKAANS
Supervisor Studieleier
Co-supervisor Medestudieleier
Assistant Supervisor Hulpstudieleier
Promoter Promotor
Co-promoter Medepromotor
Assistant promoter Hulppromotor
Mini-dissertation Skripsie
Dissertation Verhandeling
Thesis Proefskrif

23
The student number of the student
The month and year of submission for examination: Provide the month and year of the
submission for examination.
Or after final marks have been awarded:
The month and year of the graduation ceremony for which the student qualifies to
attend. Provide the month and year of the submission for the graduation ceremony.
b) Preface and acknowledgements
The preface, which does not form part of the content of the research product, should not be
confused with the introduction. In contrast to the introduction, the preface – which is brief – is
used for personal comments about the conditions under which the research was conducted
and about persons and institutions that provided assistance (including financial assistance).
The acknowledgements, if any, are therefore given in the preface. If only acknowledgements
are given, they may be placed at the front or back of the document under the heading
“Acknowledgements”. The style and nature should be sober.
Required mentioning of a donor/funder may be indicated under acknowledgements, and is
not mentioned on the Title page of the research product.
c) Summary and keywords
A dissertation/mini-dissertation/thesis must contain a summary of no more than 500
words and five to ten descriptive key terms in the language in which the document is
written.
The summary should contain a brief and relatively complete version of the line of argument of
the research product. The aim, method and core of the findings must be set out in the
summary. The summary is intended for publication in an abstract journal. It does not form part
of the text and may be placed either between the title page and the table of contents, or
between the final chapter and the bibliography.
d) Table of contents
The main heading is “Table of contents” or just “Contents”. If the table consists of more than
one page, the pages must be numbered in lower case Roman numerals and each must bear
the heading “Contents (continued)”. The decimal system must be used as it has an inherent
logical sequence. The page indication in the table of contents must appear on the right-hand
side of the page.
If the document contains many photos, maps, illustrations and/or tables and figures, a list of
these features must be included after the Table of Contents. The headings “Illustrations” or
“Tables” or “Figures” or whatever the case may be must be used for this purpose. If the
captions are too long to be contained comfortably in such a list, summaries may be used,
provided the heading is then changed to “Illustrations (short list)” or something similar. Each
caption relating to a figure or table in the text must refer to the relevant page number in the
text.
e) Introduction
The function of an introduction to a research product is to introduce the reader to the topic of
the research product, to indicate what previous work has already been done, what the
problems are, and why they have been investigated, so that the reader may be prepared to

24
read the text and evaluate the results and findings. The following matters are usually
discussed in the introduction – not necessarily in this sequence:

• Problem statement, i.e. an explanation and substantiation of the choice and relevancy
of the topic, the aim of the investigation, etc.

• A literature review of previous research in this field and of shortcomings that still exist.

• A demarcation of the field of study.

• A breakdown of sources, methods and procedures regarding the investigation.

• Definition of terms.

• Explanation of a certain viewpoint or approach.

• A statement with regard to the further breakdown of the topic and/or the structure of
the (mini-)dissertation/thesis.

• Problem questions to be addressed.

f) Sections of the text
The text of the research product must be divided into specific sections, with each section
subdivided into subsections. As no set, universally applicable prescript for this division can be
provided, the general term used here is “sections”. The division of the research product will
primarily be determined by factors such as the nature and method of the subject and/or
subject group involved, the nature of the topic, and the data obtained by way of research on
the topic. The most common division is that of chapters, which have to be duly numbered
and provided with headings. A document may also be divided into parts and sections
(indicated as Part I, Section II, etc.), and each section is then divided into chapters. Each
chapter may also be divided into subsections, etc., depending on what is required. In this
regard the student will find the advice of the supervisor/promoter indispensable.
The division of a text into sections (or chapters) is extremely important, as it largely determines
the shape of the research product and the line of argumentation. For this reason, the student
should pay particular attention to this aspect. There is one rule that applies to all writers of
scholarly documents: the division should be simple, clear and effective, so that it gives a
clear indication at first glance of what each individual section and, eventually, the whole
document entails. The division should be done in such a way that each section contains only
the information relevant to it, and all the sections must be arranged so that the required unity
is accomplished and emphasised. Because the supervisor/promoter has to assist the student
with this process, it is essential that the supervisor/promoter is always up to date on the
progress of the research.
On the other hand, the student should guard against using too many and small divisions, as
these may confuse the reader rather than help him/her, and they needlessly complicate the
document. Too many sections and subsections also hamper the flow of the text. As the
ranking of sections and headings is usually adequate, the headings in the text should, as far
as possible, be limited to the following:

• Primary headings, usually written in upper case (e.g. chapter headings)

• Secondary headings

• Tertiary headings

25
The decimal numbering system is excellent for reflecting the relationship between these three
types of headings. Normally it is meaningful to use no more than four, and in exceptional
cases five, decimals; for example, [Link] or [Link].1, but not [Link].1.7.
In addition to sections, the text should also contain a logical system of paragraphs. These are
indicated by leaving some blank space between consecutive paragraphs. The fact that a text
is divided into paragraphs is an indication that the author has analysed the material for the
reader and has set it out in units that the reader can understand. Paragraphs are a necessary
concession to the natural limitations of the human attention span; consequently, the length of
paragraphs is determined by careful and sympathetic consideration of the complexity of the
topic and the knowledge and experience of the person who has to read the document.
A paragraph is not an isolated, unrelated breakdown of a single thought or idea, but usually
fits in with a relatively complex structure (or argument) of which it is only a component part.
The author should therefore be able not only to use the paragraph throughout as a cohesive,
united discussion of a single aspect or view, but also to indicate carefully and clearly the link
between the paragraph and the paragraph system in the text.
Guard against presenting the same information in tables as well as in figures. Tables should
be fully comprehensible as separate units.
g) Concluding chapter
A closing chapter is essential for any research product. In the first place, it must provide a
summary of the deductions, conclusions, viewpoints, etc. that arose from the argument. Since
each chapter could also end with a summary or conclusion, the summary in the closing
chapter should be at a more advanced level. However, this chapter should be more than a
mere summary. It should be used to draw a final conclusion on the essence of the
investigation and/or argument. The student’s own view on the matter should be stated as
clearly as possible in the conclusion. The insights and viewpoints of the student that emerge
at different points in the text should be brought to a final synthesis here. The closing chapter
should clearly indicate whether the gaps in the literature have been filled, and whether the
research aims have been achieved. This chapter is the final proof of the student’s mastery of
the topic. Recommendations on further research should also be made.
h) Annexures
Annexures are particularly valuable for presenting data that are not suitable for inclusion in
the text or in footnotes, but are essential for a full understanding of the text. This applies
particularly to extensive descriptions, the contents of sources (documents) not published
elsewhere and/or not easy to obtain, tables, mathematical arguments which conclusions are
based upon, different kinds of maps, questionnaires, tests, etc. Such annexures are usually
indicated only as “Annexure”, and if there is more than one, as “Annexure A”, “Annexure B”,
etc. Annexures should be used extremely judiciously and students should consult their
supervisors/promoters in this regard. The student should also ascertain if any of the material
requires permission from the publishers before it is included in an annexure.
i) The bibliography
The NWU Referencing Guide is available to all registered students on the library’s website.
All literature references in the text must be supported by a bibliography containing full
bibliographical details of the sources referred to in the text. This list of sources is placed right
at the end under the heading “Bibliography”. However, the bibliographical style used for this
purpose is no random matter and must conform to the Referencing Guide.

26
In some cases, it may be necessary and/or desirable to provide a full bibliography on the
topic, even if all the sources are not directly referred to in the text. This should be explained
in a footnote.
[Link] Guidelines for submitting a dissertation/thesis in article format
In some cases, a student may choose to submit the research product in the so-called article
format. In this case, the document will consist of a number of scholarly articles (published or
unpublished, but submitted for publication) and other documentation. In particular, it will
contain the following elements:

• A title page as prescribed above

• Acknowledgements

• A table of contents of the dissertation/thesis

• An abstract with 5-10 keywords

• A preface comprising the following:

• A statement that the article format has been selected.

• An indication of the student’s share in the research if there are co-authors for the
article(s)/manuscript(s).

• An indication of the journal the article(s)/manuscript(s) was/were submitted to if not

yet published.

• Permission from co-authors that the article(s)/manuscript(s) may be submitted for

degree purposes.

• Permission from the editor of the technical journal if any copyright is involved.

• If more than one article/manuscript is used, the dissertation/thesis must be presented in a

scholarly unitary format.

• Depending on the field of study, the supervisor/promoter may also require that a literature
review be included.

• Each article must be preceded by a copy of the guidelines for authors for the journal
concerned (or included as an appendix).

• When a dissertation or mini-dissertation or a part or summary or the student’s adaptation

thereof is published, mention must be made of the fact that it results from a master’s
degree study at the University and, where applicable, the name of the supervisor(s) must
also be mentioned as co-author(s).

3.7 Examination
Rules/policies/guidelines: Policy on Academic Integrity, A Rules (4.10 & 5.10 4.11.5 &
5.11.5; 4.13), Faculty Rules
Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor, Higher Degrees Administration, Faculty Higher
Degrees Administration, Faculty Higher Degrees Committee/Scientific Committee

27
All research products produced as an outcome of a higher degree study are subjected to an
examination process. The student and supervisor/promoter are not involved in this process,
and the identities of the examiners are kept confidential and not made available to the student.

3.7.1 Notice of Submission

The notice of submission might include the appointment of examiners if it was not done at Title
Registration stage.
Before a student can submit the research product for examination, the prescribed number of
examiners must be appointed by the relevant executive dean or faculty structure, and
submitted for ratification by the faculty board. In some faculties, this appointment process is
triggered by the title registration process, i.e. examiners are appointed as soon as a title is
registered. In other faculties, examiners are appointed later in the study process. In the case
of PhD studies examiners may rather be appointed early in the final year of the study of the
student due to the time lapse between the title registration and the examination process.
It is the responsibility of the student, in collaboration with the supervisor/promoter, to ensure
that all relevant parties are informed of the possible submission date well in advance.
A student has to submit a form for notification of their intentions to submit for examination
three months before the actual submission (or as otherwise stipulated in the Faculty Rules).
This is to ensure that Higher Degrees Administration has sufficient time to prepare and
conclude all the required administrative matters. The form and process is referred to as the
Notice of Submission. The student may complete this action online via the DIY platform at
[Link] by submitting the form to his/her
supervisor. The process can be accessed via this link; [Link]
studies/higher-degree-academic-lifecycle-forms-m-d.
A student who has not registered may not give notice to submit.
After approval by the supervisor/promoter, the notice of submission must be submitted to
Higher Degrees Administration and marked for the attention of the specific faculty
administrator.
A student who wants to give notice on DIY, needs complete research data to be displayed on
VSS;
• ORCID
• Ethics number
• Registered title
• Name of supervisor
• Keywords
If these or not on the profile of the student on VSS, it will not be possible to submit a Notice of
Submission through the DIY platform.
Authorisation for submission
See A Rules (4.10 & 5.10) for specific details.

28
Faculty rules may require that any dissertation or mini-dissertation not submitted in the form
of a series of manuscripts in article format be accompanied by proof that the candidate has
submitted a research article to an accredited journal. In the case of a thesis, such proof must
be provided in the form of a letter from the editor, or, if the article has already been accepted
or published, this may be provided as proof.
The supervisor/promoter must sign a declaration, consenting to the student’s submission of
the research product. This does not guarantee the student’s success. Conflict may arise
between student and supervisor/promoter if this consent is refused, in which case the relevant
director or dean will decide the issue after consultation with all parties involved.

3.7.2 Integrity Check on the Research Product

Supervisors should confirm by completing and signing an integrity checklist/form that the
research product was assessed for signs of plagiarism, fabrication and falsification of data and
ethical clearance. The supervisor should also attach a Turnitin (similarity) report of the thesis
and an ethics approval letter from the relevant Research Ethics Committee (REC).

Turnitin process and correct methods of referencing in text

Testing for similarities is part of the study guidance process. It is the responsibility of the
supervisor to ensure that the research product is subjected to similarity testing. The supervisor
should contact the eFundi staff with regard to the availability of licences for this process.
The faculty creates a space on eFundi where students may submit their work for testing on
similarities using the Turnitin platform. The supervisor should view and interpret these reports
and advise their students on problems that may be identified. The supervisor should guide the
student through the necessary amendments before submission for examination. If an
examiner reports on perceived plagiarism on a research product, the matter is no longer
between the student and the supervisor/promoter but needs to be dealt with according to the
policies on academic integrity.
The supervisor should also guide the student with regard to academic writing and referencing
in such a manner that plagiarising someone’s work is not an unintended consequence of bad
academic writing or lack of proper referencing in the text of the research product. Also refer to
the Referencing guide of the NWU available on the website of the NWU Library.

3.7.3 Submission of the research product

A student submits the research product for examination to the Higher Degrees Administration.
Refer to the A Rules (4.10 & 5.10) and Faculty/Entity rules with regard to the submission of
the (mini-dissertation/dissertation/thesis.
[Link] Submission date
There are submission dates published on the NWU calendar for every examination opportunity
available to master’s and doctoral studies. Also, see the A Rules (4.10 & 5.10) and
Faculty/Entity rules as well as specific dates for submission. It is in the student’s best interest
to adhere to submission dates, as late submission may result in a delayed examination
process and postponement of graduation. This may imply that the student will have to
register again for an additional year.

29
[Link] Format and number of copies for examination
A student may submit the thesis or (mini-)dissertation in any one of the following formats:

• Electronically

• Electronically, plus a printed copy (or copies) if it is requested by the examiners when they
complete the acceptance of their appointment letters to HDA.
Printed copies may be bound with a spiral or ring binding at this stage. One-sided printing is
required. Printing in full colour is not required, unless colour coding is essential. No printed
inspection copy for the library is required at present, since the electronic version is made
available. In future the submission will be done online; full information will be made available
at a later stage.
In cases where an examiner(s) requested a printed copy a student must establish beforehand
from the relevant university official the number of copies to be submitted for examination.
Examples of title pages are available from the relevant faculty/entity.
[Link] The printing process
It is advisable to liaise with printing and copying firms beforehand to ensure that all their
technical requirements are met.
If the student arranges the binding him-/herself and it is not done by the Library printer, he/she
should ascertain beforehand how many copies have to be submitted and what requirements
apply. An abbreviated title should, for example, appear on the spine of the hardcover copies.
In cases where the approved title is too long for the spine of the hard copy, exceptions may
be made.

3.7.4 Examination of the Research Product

The entire examination process is administered by the Higher Degrees Administration (HDA)
in consultation with the faculty. The student and the supervisor/promoter are not involved in
this process. The student will be notified of the outcome of the examination process once all
procedures have been concluded. The Higher Degrees Administration office receives the
copies for examination from the students, with the declaration and permission to submit signed
by their supervisors/promoters. HDA sends the examination copies to examiners after
ensuring their contact details are correct and that they are still available.
The names of the examiners of the research product are not be revealed to the student. Once
the examination copies of the mini-dissertation/dissertation/ thesis have been submitted, no
supervisor/promoter or co-supervisor/promoter or assistant supervisor/promoter may contact
or attempt to negotiate with the examiners whatsoever, as this may put the examination
process at risk.
The examination copy may also not be withdrawn or re-submitted. It is therefore important that
a research product is not submitted to HDA without making sure that the document is complete
and correct, with regard to content and addendums.

30
Guidelines for the examination of the research product
Examiners normally assess the research product by evaluating the following aspects:
a) The topic:

• Is the topic demarcated meaningfully, is it appropriate and worthy of research?

• Is the research design scientifically based?

b) Problem statement, aims, hypotheses or central theoretical statement:

• Have the above-mentioned been formulated clearly and unambiguously, and are they
related and relevant to one another?

• Is the problem statement scientifically relevant and are the aims clear?
c) The research method:

• Does the study show that the student adequately controls the theoretical basis?

• Is the research method suitable, selected in a critical and accountable manner, and
described clearly?

• Is there evidence that the student has properly mastered the methods and/or techniques?

• Is the student’s own contribution clear in the case of a multidisciplinary study or project, as
well as in the scientific processing, content and contribution of the work?

• Is the work systematic, logically developed, well-structured, and balanced?

• Do the chapters form meaningful units?

• Does the content reveal in-depth knowledge of the research field?

• Is there evidence that the student can interpret and argue in a scholarly manner, discuss
different views and theories critically, and motivate his/her own views where necessary?

• Is the final summary meaningful and does it clearly reflect the character of the study?

• Is the relative meaning of the study presented briefly?

• Do the conclusions follow logically on the problem statement and aims of the study?

• Does the student make meaningful recommendations that may be followed up by other
studies?

• Does the student provide meaningful and convincing solutions to problems?

• Are the aims of the study achieved satisfactorily?

• Is adequate attention given to the internal as well as external validity of the findings and
interpretation?

• Does the work display originality (in the case of doctoral study) with regard to the retrieval
and/or development of knowledge?

• Can the work or parts of it be published?

31
• Is the work subject-philosophically and scientific-theoretically accountable (where
applicable)?

• In the case of theses – does the work contribute to knowledge of and insight into the
subject, and does it illustrate the abilities of the student in terms of independent thought,
effort, and research?
d) Use of sources:

• Does the student illustrate assimilated knowledge of the relevant literature by handling it
in a suitably critical and integrated manner, or is the literature merely used as tool for
supporting the student’s own views?

• In the case of qualitative studies, has an adequate literature review been conducted?
e) Language and style, technical composition, care and finish:

• Is the student’s writing up to standard in terms of style and ease of expression? Is the text
easy to read (with respect to font size, typing format and spacing) and was it language
edited?

• Does the research product comply with the requirements as far as technical care is
concerned (title page, table of contents, footnotes, reference technique, graphs, figures
and tables, list of sources)?

• Does the document contain a summary in the language it was written in, as well as
annexures of relevant research documents?

• Is the quality of the printing and binding acceptable?

3.7.5 Examination Reports

Every examiner is supplied by the HDA Office with faculty-specific examination guidelines and
mark sheets on which their examination report is completed.
Each examiner must make a clear recommendation on the basis of the evaluation guided by
the mark sheet provided by the faculty (cf. A Rules 4.11.5 & 5.11.5).
In the case of a (mini-)dissertation a specific mark and result (option) is awarded. The student
must obtain at least 50% in the (mini-)dissertation to pass. If examination papers are required
together with a dissertation for a master’s degree, at least have 50% is required for each
examination paper (or as indicated in faculty rules), while 50% for the dissertation and an
average examination mark of at least 50% is required to pass. A master’s degree may be
awarded with distinction.
In the case of a thesis, only a result and option is awarded. A thesis may not be awarded with
distinction.
Reports by the various examiners must be submitted individually to Higher Degrees
Administration.
As soon as evaluation reports from examiners are available, Higher Degrees Administration
informs or submits them to the applicable administrator in the faculty for processing and
approval.

32
Students are not informed of their result before it is officially confirmed and signed off by the
executive/deputy dean and the signed form is formally submitted to Higher Degrees
Administration.
A formal result letter will be issued to the student once all processes have been concluded in
the faculty. The result may require the student to make certain corrections or to revise and
resubmit it. The product may also be rejected entirely.
After the examination results have been released, the final manuscript must be submitted to
Higher Degrees Administration in the form of hard copies, CDs (where applicable), or online
(as specified at that stage). The required number of copies should be confirmed with Higher
Degrees Administration beforehand.
If a student fails to submit these additional copies in hard, electronic, or CD format (where
applicable), the degree certificate will be held back until this requirement is met.
Upgrading of a dissertation to a thesis
A master’s dissertation may, in exceptional cases, be upgraded to a doctoral thesis. In such a
case the A Rules (4.13) as well as applicable faculty specifications must be followed.
Request for upgrading of a dissertation to a thesis should be documented on a student request
form signed and approved by the relevant faculty structures, and submitted to HDA. The
decision could be implemented on VSS and displayed on the student’s record.
Publication of research

Higher degrees students are reminded that it is in their best interest and that of the University
that their research be optimally accessible. Permission to publish the entire (mini-)dissertation
or thesis in book form must be obtained from the relevant deputy vice-chancellor in writing.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

Rules/policies/guidelines: Policy on Academic Integrity, Higher Degrees Policy

Responsibilities: Student, Supervisor, Faculty Higher Degrees Management

Monitoring and reporting is a tool for the University to support and promote the progress and
timeous completion of master’s and doctoral studies. This is a continuous process, which
should be implemented in all stages/processes of the academic higher degree life cycle. The
student-supervisor meetings record (Appendix B) and the progress reporting form (Appendix
C) should be used for continuous reporting and support. Full-time students are required to
complete six supervision meetings records per year (one every two months); part-time
students are required to complete four records per year (one every three months). Supervisor
should complete the form, discuss and sign with the student. The Supervisor (or Co-
supervisor) should submit the progress reporting form to the Deputy Dean R&I or Designate
in the last week of the semester.

33
Appendix

A. SUPERVISION AGREEMENT
The purpose of this agreement is to ensure mutual working relationship between the
supervisor(s) and the student. The agreement also provides clarity of roles and responsibilities
and ensures commitment and accountability of all parties involved.

Programme: _________________ Research Entity/School: __________________________

Faculty: _________________________________

THE SUPERVISOR AND THE STUDENT WILL:

1. Establish agreed roles and clear processes to be maintained by both parties. In the case of
joint supervision, all participants’ roles need to be clarified.
2. Communicate regularly and as frequently as is reasonable to ensure steady progress
towards the completion of the proposal and research product (dissertation or thesis).
3. Keep appointments, be punctual and respond timeously to messages.
4. Inform one another of any planned leave of absences as well as changes in personal
circumstances that might have a negative impact on the research schedule.
5. Ensure that the research is conducted according to the procedures and the requirements
of the relevant ethics committee.
6. Complete progress reports as requested by relevant faculty higher degrees committee.

THE SUPERVISOR WILL:

1. Undertake to provide guidance for the student’s research project in relation to the design
and scope of the project, the relevant literature and information sources, research methods
and techniques and methods of data analysis.
2. Have a responsibility to be accessible to the student.
3. Be prepared for the meeting with the student. This includes being up-to-date on the latest
work in his/her area of expertise.
4. Assess written work and provide feedback within a timeframe jointly agreed at the beginning
of the research.
5. Give advice that can help the student to improve his/her writing. This may include referrals
to research support programmes including language training and academic writing. The
supervisor will provide guidance on technical aspects and discipline-specific requirements.
6. Support the student in the production of a research report, dissertation or thesis. Provision
should be allowed for adequate, mutually respectful, discussion around recommendations
made.
7. Assist with the compilation of a written time schedule which outlines the expected
completion dates of successive stages of the work.
8. Discuss the ownership of research conducted by the student in accordance with the
University guidelines and rules on intellectual property, co-authorship and copyright.
9. Ensure that the research product is not plagiarised.
10. Ensure that the student is made aware in writing of the lack of progress and/or of any work
that is below the set standards.

THE STUDENT WILL:

1. Undertake to work independently under the guidance of the supervisor. This includes
reading widely to ensure that the literature pertinent to his/her chosen topic has been identified
and consulted.
2. Be obliged to make appointments to see the supervisor and will arrange meeting times well
in advance.

34
3. Submit written work for discussion with the supervisor well in advance of a scheduled
meeting. The kind and frequency of written work should be agreed with the supervisor at the
outset of the research.
4. Take responsibility for the accuracy of language, the overall structure and coherence of the
final research report, dissertation or thesis rests with the student.
5. Undertake to pay attention the advice given by the supervisor and to engage in discussion
around suggestions made.
6. Take responsibility for the quality and presentation of the work.
7. Maintain a focus on his/her research area and to work within the agreed time schedule.
8. Honour agreements about ownership of the research and in accordance with the
University’s guidelines and rules in relation to co-authorship, copyright and intellectual
property.
9. Ensure that the work contains no instances of plagiarism, and that all citations are properly
referenced and the list of references is accurate, complete and consistent.
10. Work in accordance with the criteria of acceptability as supplied by the supervisor. This
includes attending all support programmes (e.g. seminars, short courses, etc.) that may be
prescribed to improve performance.

We confirm that we have read and understood this statement and agree to be guided by its
principles.

Name of student: ________________________________

Student’s signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________________

Name of Supervisor: ________________________________

Supervisor’s signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________________

Name of Co-Supervisor: ________________________________

Co-Supervisor’s signature: _________________________ Date: ______________________

35
B. SUPERVISORY MEETING RECORD FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES

1. Date of meeting:
2. Student:
3. Supervisor(s) present (Supervisor and/or Co-Supervisor):

4. Review of actions from the last supervisory meeting:

5. Topics discussed:
• Is progress being made? Y/N (delete as applicable)
• Are goals being met? Y/N (delete as applicable)

6. Identification of any issues:

7. Actions points set for the next meeting:

8. Additional support activity undertaken to improve on the PhD study

Number of hours undertaken on: Training Courses ___________

Seminars ___________
Other (details) ___________

Confirmation from student and supervisor Date

Student __________________________ ___________
Supervisor ________________________ ___________

Please note
Supervisory meetings can be conducted electronically or by phone, and agreement by
email is accepted in lieu of signatures. Full-time students are required to complete 6
records per year (1 every 2 months); part-time students are required to complete 4
records per year (1 every 3 months).

36
C. PROGRESS REPORT FOR DOCTORAL/MASTER’S STUDIES

Student Name: ________________________

Supervisor: ________________________
Title: ____________________________________________________
Date of First Registration: __________________________

Milestone Progress/Achievement Reasons for Proposed

lack of mitigation/support
progress
Proposal

Literature Review

Ethics Approval

Title Registration

Data Collection

Laboratory
Analysis

Data Analysis

Thesis write-up

Confirmation from student and supervisor Date

Student __________________________ ___________
Supervisor __________________________ ___________

Completing the form

Supervisor should complete the form, discuss and sign with the student. The Supervisor (or
Co-supervisor) should email the form to the Deputy Dean R&I or Designate in the last week
of the semester. Note: the standard email subject heading is ‘Semester Report-Student Name
& Surname-Programme-Year of Study-Supervisor Title & Surname’.

37
D. HIGHER DEGREES SUPPORT DIRECTORY
Support Functions/Offices
Higher Degrees Administration [Link]@[Link] 0182994043
Higher Degrees Academic
Support
Research Ethics and Integrity
Library and Information
Services
Writing Centre
Language Directorate
Faculty Higher Degrees Office
Economic and Management
Sciences
Education
Engineering
Health Sciences
Humanities
Law
Natural and Agricultural
Sciences
Theology

38