Towards a doctorate in physics

Abstract

The potential for post-graduate students in Physics, at universities around South Africa, may be high. Still, only a trickle of Bachelor of Science graduates venture into post-graduate studies in Physics. The influx may be on the increase with university initiatives such as open day programs, career days and information sessions. In addition, there is the “South African PhD Project” initiative by the National Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology. In conjunction with the above mentioned initiatives and others, the proposed paper will attempt to consider key factors that may limit post-graduate influx. The paper will be directed towards the potential post-graduate student. It will consider the common admissions criteria, employer needs and training and career and opportunities. In particular, the paper will highlight the scope for post-graduate Physicists in an environment such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its Optronic Sensor Systems competency area.