Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various colleges and departments. These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and applied competence in their chosen field of study.

Admission Requirements

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

• An appropriate bachelor's honors degree or equivalent qualification with an average of 60% or higher
• A minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 with an average of 60%
• All students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• Applicants must first contact the relevant academic department and potential supervisor
• Topics and supervisors appear in the CSET M&D admissions policy document
• Acceptance is based on the viability of the intended research and available supervisory capacity
• Competitive positions are filled on the basis of an approved selection procedure aligned with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate mastery of academic English (TOEFL minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test or a minimum score of 570 for the paper-based test or completion of prior degrees at a university where English is the prime language of instruction)
• Adequate exposure to appropriate research methods and methodologies in previous qualifications is required
• Residency requirements apply for applicants who need to do laboratory work
• Applicants with degree structures that are different from South African degrees or with applicable experience that may be relevant for admission will be required to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Time Limits for this Degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. A student registered for a 180-credit structured research master's degree must complete the study program within three years. A student may make application to their supervisor for one additional year of study.

Research Master's Degree

A research master's degree comprises a dissertation on an approved topic. Students will be expected to have a research proposal approved in the first year of study. If a student does not complete a research proposal in the first year of study, they will not be permitted to continue with the qualification.

Research Focus Areas

Unisa's College of Science, Engineering, and Technology 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

Research Outline

Students are required to submit a detailed research outline for the qualification for which they apply. The research outline must include:

• Title
• Summary of topic
• Short literature review
• Expected contribution of the study
• Methodology to be followed
• Availability of the data
• List of references
• Reasons why the student is interested in the topic

Master of Science in Computing Education

The Master of Science in Computing Education is a full research qualification that provides students with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence within a specialized discipline or field of study. The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable students to do independent research.

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 98964
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180
• SAQA ID: 6095

Admission Requirements

• An appropriate bachelor's honors degree in Computing or Computing Education with an average of 60% or an equivalent with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 with an average of 60%

Student Fees and Funding

• Application fee: R150.00
• Student fees: Available on the Unisa website
• Funding opportunities: Available on the Unisa website

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until 19 December 2025. Students must apply for a Unisa student number and apply for admission during the application period.

Registration

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2026 academic year.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information is available on the Unisa website.

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.