PhD degree in the bag
Former St Dunstan's College pupil Bradley Peter (24) is one of a rare few who have been permitted to progress from an honours into a PhD degree, skipping a master's degree all together.
Peter obtained his PhD degree in bio chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand, in October.
You will be forgiven for thinking the Rynfield resident is all work and no play, however, apart from acing his studies, he will represent South Africa at the Modern Dance World Championships, in Poland, in December – the sixth time he will dance at the world championships.
Peter said he was permitted to skip his honours degree as the work he had done in his honours had already reached the master’s degree requirements.
He said the thought of jumping from an honours degree (which he gained with a 95 per cent average) into his doctoral degree was a bit daunting at first.
“Of course I was apprehensive at the time, because an honours is very different to a doctoral degree,” he said.
“Then I thought, they wouldn’t let me do it if I was not capable.”
The graduate said some of his peers were a bit jealous because he was able to save two years of his life, but that most of the reaction was positive.
The 24-year-old attributed his success to his desire to attain success and the continual will to work harder than anyone else in order to prove his worth.
He put in long hours, working on his research report from 5.30am until 7pm, and also managed to squeeze in his dancing rehearsals.
He said dancing has helped him to approach his studies with discipline.
The modest Peter said he did not necessarily work harder than his peers, but smarter.
He will now apply to complete a post doctoral degree.
