Transfer from master’s to PhD
You can apply to do so after at least six months work on your master’s thesis. You must show substantial evidence of quality progress in your research.
Your HOD/HOS and supervisor must support your transfer so you need to discuss it with them before you do any of the steps below.
You need to submit:- a letter explaining why you want to transfer
- a PhD Application form (PDF, 46KB). This form is also available from Level 3, Registry.
- a comprehensive description of progress on your Master's thesis
- supervisor and HOD/HOS comments on your progress
- a research proposal for PhD (this should be comprehensive and what would normally be submitted after 6 months of PhD enrolment. It should show your Master's studies can be upgraded to PhD level, include what has already been done and what needs to be done for PhD with possible timelines)
- a completed form applying for registration of your research proposal (see Research proposal and progress reports)
The letter, application and supporting documents should be addressed to The Postgraduate Office
PLease note that if you have a UC Master's Scholarship, this does not automatically transfer into a UC Doctoral Scholarship, you must make that application separately.
If the Dean of Postgraduate Research approves it your PhD enrolment will usually be backdated to the start of your master’s thesis enrolment.
If you are a full-time student you would have four years to complete your work after the date you started your master’s thesis, not four years from the time of transfer.