Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice

The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice is a research-based qualification that enables students to produce a doctoral research thesis meeting international standards of scholarly and professional writing under supervision in the discipline of Criminal Justice.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level by completing a single advanced research project in one of the indicated fields of Criminal Justice.

Qualification Details

• Qualification stream: Criminology and Security Management
• Qualification code: 90039 - CSM
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice, applicants must have:

• A Master's/Magister Technologiae Degree in Police Science; Forensic Investigation; Corrections Management; Security Management; Criminal Justice; Criminology; or an appropriate Master's Degree.
• All students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA.
• Applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research.
• Candidates may also apply for admission via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Candidates will be accepted based on the suitability and viability of the intended research, adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department, and an approved selection procedure.

Time Limits for the Degree

• A student registered for a research doctoral programme must complete the study programme within six years.
• A student may apply to the Registrar for one additional year of study, which will only be considered if recommended by the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Doctoral Degree Overview

A doctoral degree requires undertaking research at the most advanced academic levels, culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis. Coursework may be required as preparation or value addition to the research but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification.

Research Focus Areas

The College of Law has various research focus areas. Applicants are required to submit a detailed research outline that aligns with one of the departmental research focus areas and incorporates at least one of Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas.

Catalytic Niche Areas

Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas include:

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

Research Outline

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 you are interested in the topic

Student Fees and Funding

• An online application fee of R150.00 is payable once a student number is received.
• The application fee is non-refundable.
• Student fees for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration.
• Information on student funding and bursary opportunities is available.

Application and Registration

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until a specified date. To apply, students must first apply for a Unisa student number (if applicable) and then apply for admission, uploading all supporting documents within the specified timeframe. Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information for the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice is available, including details on coursework (if required) and the research thesis.