TranslatePrivate Research Support for SSH PhD Candidates in South Africa & Beyond
Stuck on Your PhD? Get Expert Research Guidance.
One-to-one support on methodology, thesis structure, supervisor challenges and responsible AI use — without replacing your university supervisor. Trusted by candidates at South African universities including NWU, NMU, UFS, Stellenbosch and beyond.
Private · Online · SSH-focused · 20 Minutes
Where is your PhD getting stuck?
You may not need more information. You may need an experienced researcher to help you identify what is actually preventing progress.
My methodology still does not feel defensible.
My proposal was rejected or returned for major revisions.
I am waiting too long for useful supervisor feedback.
I am struggling to structure or finish a chapter.
I am unsure how much AI I can responsibly use in my research.
I am doing the work but I am not confident that I am moving in the right direction.
If one of these sounds familiar, the consultation is designed to identify the blockage and determine your next practical move.
Specialist Support That Complements Your Supervision
Theodore Petrus Academy supplements university supervision. It does not replace your official supervisor.
AI Ethics & Academic Integrity
Use AI without putting your thesis at risk.
Get guidance on responsible AI-assisted research, authorship boundaries, academic integrity requirements, disclosure practices and university research policies.
Proposal & Research Design Recovery
Turn repeated revisions into a research design you can defend.
Clarify your research problem, research questions, theoretical alignment, methodology and qualitative research architecture.
Supervisor & Execution Support
Keep progressing between supervision meetings.
Turn feedback into action, organise chapter development, prepare stronger questions for supervision and build a realistic research execution plan.
Research Guidance From Someone Who Understands the Doctoral Journey
Professor Theodore Petrus is an NRF C3-rated researcher, social anthropologist and associate professor with over 25 years of experience in South African higher education. He has authored 45+ peer-reviewed publications and mentored more than 1,000 researchers.
The purpose of the consultation is not to give you generic motivation. It is to help identify what is blocking your research and determine a practical path forward.
25+
Years in HE
45+
Publications
C3
NRF Rating
1000+
Researchers
What Happens in the Research Consultation?
Tell Us Where You're Stuck
Complete a short research qualifier so Prof. Petrus understands your current PhD stage and primary obstacle.
Choose a Consultation Time
Select an available 20-minute online consultation slot.
Get Direction
Use the consultation to clarify your most immediate research challenge and identify the most appropriate next step.
The consultation is R750 for a focused 20-minute session. No subscription required.
Book Your Research Consultation — R750
A private 20-minute online session (R750) with Prof. Theodore Petrus to identify your most pressing research challenge and determine a practical next step.
Tell Us Where You're Stuck
So Prof. Petrus can prepare for your session.
If You Need Ongoing Support After Your Consultation
You do not need to choose a plan before your consultation. The consultation helps determine whether ongoing support is appropriate for your research and, if so, which level makes sense.
PhD Research Support
R1,499 /month
Monthly live coaching, research guidance, chapter feedback, community access and progress tracking.
Annual Research Support
R14,999 /year
Everything in monthly plus personalised roadmap, supervisor strategy and milestone tracking.
Plans are available after the consultation if ongoing support is appropriate.
University Grant, Employer or Institutional Funding?
If your research support is being funded by your university, employer, department, research grant or another institution, Theodore Petrus Academy can provide the required quotation, procurement documentation and invoice.
Common Questions
You Do Not Have to Solve the Entire PhD Today.
You only need to identify the next problem that needs to be solved.
