An academic development agenda for postgraduate research students

Abstract

There is concern in the South African higher education system of the low production of post graduate research graduates. A knowledge economy is driven by skilled and research trained personnel yet the low graduation rates at Masters and PhD levels is a cause for concern. In this paper we interrogate the relationship between a knowledge economy and the quantity and quality of post graduates. The purpose of post graduate research degrees is explored and factors affecting dissertation and theses completion by postgraduate students are discussed. The concept academic development is discussed and ways of academically developing post graduate research students are explored.