Candidates intending to study for the PhD degree must hold an appropriate Master’s Degree in Medical Microbiology. All other candidates must first register for the MPhil but may transfer their registration after at least one year of study based on the recommendation of the supervisory committee and:

1. Submission of a research proposal of a standard suitable for a terminal research degree
2. Presentation and defence of their research proposal before an assessment committee
3. Independent assessment by the department

The award of the degree is based on presentation of a thesis of original research which significantly advances the discipline of microbiology.

The examination for the degree is by assessment of the thesis and a viva voce examination.