Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to a master's or doctoral degree, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• An appropriate bachelor's honors degree or a postgraduate diploma
• A 480-credit bachelor's degree with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8
• An average of 60% in the relevant field of study
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

Student Fees and Funding

The application fee for master's and doctoral degrees is R150.00.

• The application fee is non-refundable.
• Student fees for the 2025 academic year are available on the Unisa website.
• International students are advised to use the Flywire payment option.

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral degrees are open until December 19, 2025.

• Applicants must apply for a Unisa student number and upload supporting documents during the application period.
• Applications without supporting documents will be declined.

Registration

Only students whose applications for admission have been approved may register online.

• Registration is subject to sufficient progress during the current academic year.
• Coursework master's degree students must await approval of their research proposal before re-registering.

Curriculum

The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees includes:

• A dissertation on an approved topic
• A research proposal that must be approved in the first year of study
• A detailed research outline that aligns with departmental research focus areas

Research Focus Areas

The College of Human Sciences has various research focus areas, including:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometer array
• Fourth IR and digitalization
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist, and bosadi theorizations
• Student support and co-curricular activities

Time Limits for this Degree

The time limit for completing a master's degree is three years, with a possible extension of one year.

• Students must complete a research proposal in the first year of study to continue with the qualification.

Master of Arts in Religious Studies

The Master of Arts in Religious Studies is a full research degree with the following details:

• Qualification code: 98487
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180
• SAQA ID: 5395

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies include:

• An appropriate bachelor's honors degree or a postgraduate diploma in Religious Studies or a related field
• A 480-credit bachelor's degree with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 in Religious Studies or a related field
• An average of 60% in the relevant field of study
• Students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the Master of Arts in Religious Studies is to enable graduates to become specialists in a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework.

• The qualification aims to provide South Africa and other countries with graduates who can synthesize information autonomously in specialized fields of study.
• The qualification also aims to provide leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently.

Research Outline

A detailed research outline is required for admission to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.

• The research outline must include a title, summary of the topic, short literature review, expected contribution of the study, methodology, availability of data, and a list of references.
• The research outline must align with one of the departmental research focus areas and incorporate at least one of the Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs).

University of South Africa

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Overview:

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. It is a public university with a global reach, enrolling nearly one-third of South African students.

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Services Offered:

Unisa offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Online learning platform:

Unisa provides a comprehensive online learning platform, myUnisa, which allows students to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with lecturers, and participate in online discussions.

Student support services:

Unisa offers various support services to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and disability support.

Library resources:

Unisa has a vast library collection, accessible both online and through physical branches, providing students with access to a wide range of books, journals, and other research materials.

Regional centers:

Unisa has regional centers across South Africa, offering students access to physical learning spaces, support services, and opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

As a distance learning institution, Unisa's campus experience is primarily online. Students can expect to engage with their studies through online platforms, participate in virtual discussions, and connect with fellow students through online forums. While there are limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, Unisa offers regional centers and occasional events that provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and faculty.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Accessibility:

Unisa offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds and locations.

Global reach:

Unisa's online platform allows students from around the world to access its programs and resources.

Wide range of qualifications:

Unisa offers a diverse range of qualifications, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering various disciplines.

Affordable education:

Unisa strives to provide affordable education options for students, with various financial aid programs available.

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Academic Programs:

Unisa offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting Sciences

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Economic & Management Sciences

Education

College of Graduate Studies

Human Sciences

Law

Science, Engineering & Technology

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Other:

Unisa is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and contributing to the development of Africa. The university has several research institutes and chairs, and its researchers are actively involved in various national and international collaborations. Unisa also has a strong focus on community engagement and outreach, working to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.