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(Photo: Suplied) University of Pretoria senior lecturer and supervisor Dr Thando Ndara and Dr Michael Barnes. (Photo: Suplied) * University of Pretoria master's student Michael Barnes' dissertation was converted into a PhD. * Barnes, who works as a full-time meteorologist at the SA Weather Service, said he was shocked when his master's work earned him a higher qualification. * He is based in Cape Town and says he has to become accustomed to being called Dr Barnes. __________________________________________________________________ When University of Pretoria (UP) master's student Michael Barnes submitted his dissertation, he was taken aback when he got a PhD degree instead. So brilliant was Barnes' dissertation, that it was converted into a PhD and earned praise from an examiner at the University of Oxford in the UK. Barnes, a meteorologist at the SA Weather Service in Cape Town, graduated in September. His examiners recommended that he apply for an upgrade and he ultimately got the nod. But he says he was still shocked as he never expected that his master's thesis would actually be converted into a PhD. "I couldn't believe it. Imagine preparing work for your master's and [you] end up with a title of doctor at graduation? My [academic] supervisors said they were flattered by my work. They were quite happy." His thesis focused on atmospheric dynamics. "I studied the dynamics of upper-tropospheric weather systems called cut-off lows. The study analysed the properties of these weather systems that extend all the way to the surface compared to those that do not." READ HERE | [108]DUT’s insistence that lecturers get a Master’s degree welcomed Barnes said he already had published papers in renowned journals by the time he submitted his dissertation - one of the reasons why he earned a PhD. Regarding his future career plans, Barnes said he would see if any opportunities would arise. "Work is good here in Cape Town. I wasn't expecting a doctorate. So at this point, I am not about what lies ahead in my career. I will look into opportunities should they present themselves in the future." When he is not busy with his work, Barnes enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Barnes applied for the upgrade of his degree. We want to hear your views on the news. [109]Subscribe to News24 to be part of the conversation in the comments section of this article. (BUTTON) (BUTTON) (BUTTON) (BUTTON) (BUTTON) (BUTTON) We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. [110]Subscribe to News24 Next on News24 LIVE | Covid-19 in SA: Total vaccinations top 18 million 8h ago LIVE | Covid-19 in SA: Total vaccinations top 18 million Read more on: [111]michael barnes[112]pretoria[113]academia (*) Most Read ( ) For Subscribers * [114]WRAP | The ConCourt candidates shortlist has been announced * [115]Joburg cyclist crushed to death in horrific crash involving taxi, driver arrested * [116]'I couldn't believe it' - University of Pretoria student submits master's thesis, gets PhD instead * [117]8 candidates nominated for chief justice post, including Zondo, Maya and Mlambo * [118]THE ESKOM FILES | Treasury refused Eskom request for R212m contract that could have saved R1.2bn * [119]THE ESKOM FILES | Treasury refused Eskom request for R212m contract that could have saved R1.2bn * [120]ANALYSIS | Hlophe, Mkhwebane 'non-starters' for chief justice position, say experts. 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