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, professional skills, and applied competence in their chosen field.

Admission Requirements

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

• An appropriate master's degree with an average of 60%
• A transcript or academic record
• A document describing their intended research
• Students will be accepted based on the suitability and viability of their intended research, adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department, and an approved selection procedure

Student Fees and Funding

The application fee for master's and doctoral degrees is R150.00. 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. Students must apply for a Unisa student number, apply for admission, and upload all supporting documents 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 for master's and doctoral degrees are available on the Unisa website.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (DEd) is a research-based degree that aims to provide students with highly advanced knowledge, professional skills, and applied competence in the field of Education, Training, and Development.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the DEd qualification is to attain highly advanced knowledge, professional skills, and applied competence in the field of Education, Training, and Development. Graduates will experience continued personal growth in terms of high-level intellectual development and research capacity.

Qualification Stream

The DEd qualification is offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL).

Qualification Code

The qualification code for the DEd is 90019 - ODL.

Qualification Type

The DEd is a full research qualification.

NQF Level

The NQF level for the DEd is 10.

Total Credits

The total credits for the DEd are 360.

SAQA ID

The SAQA ID for the DEd is 96477.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the DEd program, students must meet the following requirements:

• An appropriate Master of Education Degree with an average of 60%
• A transcript or academic record
• A document describing their intended research

Time Limits for this Degree

A student registered for a research doctoral program must complete the study program within six years. A student may apply for an additional year of study, which will only be considered if recommended by the Executive Dean of the College.

Research Focus Areas

The College of Education has various research focus areas, including:

• Education, Training, and Development
• Other areas as specified by the department

Research Outline

Students must submit a detailed research outline as part of their application. 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

Catalytic Niche Areas

Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) include:

1. Marine studies
2. Aviation and aeronautical studies
3. Automotive
4. Energy
5. Space study and square kilometre array
6. Fourth IR and digitalisation
7. Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
8. Health studies/medicine
9. Feminist, womanist and bosadi theorisations
10. Student support and co-curricular activities

Plagiarism

Plagiarism of any form is unacceptable. Students must take note of Unisa's Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism.

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.