College of Health Sciences Hosts Thesis Bootcamp for Doctoral and Master’s Candidates

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The College of Health Sciences (CHS) hosted a week-long Dissertation/Thesis Bootcamp for doctoral and master’s candidates intending to submit their research for the May 2026 Graduation.

The workshop, co-ordinated and presented by the Dean of Research, Professor Bongani Nkambule, offered an intensive programme designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to finalise their dissertations and theses.

Running over five days, the bootcamp combined lectures, structured activities, and focused writing sessions to help participants refine their research work into examinable documents. Expert researchers from the CHS presented on key topics pertinent to academic writing.

Day One introduced students to thesis structure and format, followed by practical activities such as ‘Getting the Thesis into Shape’ as well as insights into the examination process and expectations of the bootcamp. On Day Two, the focus shifted to Chapter One - the introduction. Participants explored the elements of an effective introduction, crafted problem statements, and refined their aims and objectives, while also learning from common examiner feedback.

Day Three concentrated on manuscript-based chapters, where candidates learned to develop strong manuscript introductions, shape their materials and methods, and refine their results sections. A self-evaluation session encouraged critical reflection on progress.

Day Four addressed the literature review chapter, with guided tasks on synthesising existing research and aligning it with study objectives. The final day, Day Five, focused on the often-challenging synthesis chapter. Students worked on integrating findings into a cohesive conclusion before moving into ‘super sets’ which were dedicated writing sessions that allowed them to apply the skills gained throughout the week.

Nkambule said the bootcamp was designed to provide both structure and motivation: “Doctoral and master’s research require discipline, clarity, perseverance and a supportive environment. This bootcamp ensures that our candidates are supported not only in their writing but also in understanding the standards required for successful submission and examination,” he explained. The College of Health Sciences is committed to providing high-quality training and tailored support for postgraduate students, guiding them from registration to graduation.

Nkambule extended special thanks to the senior academics - Professor Michelle Gordon, Professor Phiwayinkosi Dludla and Professor Alvin Munsamy - who facilitated bootcamp sessions and kept the participants engaged throughout the week.

Participants described the bootcamp as an invaluable experience, providing them with clarity, momentum and practical tools to advance their work.

Said PhD candidate Ms Asipha Ludidi: “Thank you so much once again to the College of Health Sciences for this innovative support initiative for postgraduate students in their final stages of dissertation submission. The bootcamp gave me the opportunity to critically reflect on how and why I started the PhD journey. The interactive teaching style, the writing tasks and the chance to engage with students outside my field gave me fresh insight into how to write for examiners who may not be experts in my area. The guidance also helped me identify blind spots I had missed. I am now more confident about how I can contribute to the body of knowledge.”

While Ludidi praised the overall experience, she suggested holding the bootcamp earlier in the year and possibly offering residential sessions to allow for evening consultations and peer learning.

Occupational Therapy candidate Ms Mandisa Nzuza said the experience was confidence-building: “Entering the bootcamp I had so many fears as the submission date neared but after the event, I gained confidence in how to approach writing and refine my work. It has significantly shaped how I approach thesis writing.”

Ms Feziwe Kokela was also grateful: “The valuable lesson I took away is that getting to grips with thesis writing is possible in two months. The inputs about what examiners expect were such an eye-opener while it was heart-warming to see colleagues from different disciplines with the same challenges. I would recommend that if possible these bootcamps be held twice a year, for students submitting in the same year. And thank you to CHS for the food we got - that was unexpected and so appreciated!”

The strong feedback from participants highlights the bootcamp’s success in addressing the challenges postgraduate students face in their final stretch to submission. For many, it has not only shaped their dissertations but also renewed their determination to complete the journey.

Words and photograph: MaryAnn Francis