2026 Colloquium

2026 Colloquium

Enhancing the Knowledge Project

Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre | 16-17 March 2026

The 2026 Colloquium is the third in a series of national colloquia hosted by the Enabling Quality in Postgraduate Education (EQPE) project, funded by DHET, and the Community of Practice for Postgraduate Education and Scholarship (CoP PGES), an initiative of the Universities South Africa (USAf) Advancing Early Career Researchers and Scholars (AECRS) Programme. 

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosh University, will present a keynote address on 'What is postgraduate education for? What should it achieve? Who should it serve?'

Participants will engage on key issues relevant to quality postgraduate education, including:

• Differentiation in postgraduate studies - Differences between a Master’s degree and a Doctorate; how coursework can change the nature of postgraduate study; and what distinguishes professional qualifications.

• A look at key concerns of the DHET, NRF and CHE -  The need for a review of Master’s qualifications;  the extent to which our universities are taking initiative with regard to postgraduate direction, development and quality.

• The assessment process for postgraduate qualifications  - What is needed for fair, consistent, and effective examination (including implementation of the viva voce).

The event brings together university participants from across the sector and representatives from DHET, USAf, NRF, CHE and national councils, for two days of in-depth conversation towards enhancing the quality of postgraduate education nationally. 

COLLOQUIUM PROGRAMME