Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in History

The Doctor of Philosophy in History is a research-based qualification that aims to facilitate graduates in using their highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies in the development of the specific discipline for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa and other countries with specialists in the discipline to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa and other countries with intellectual leaders.

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 90033
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree in History with an average of 60%.
• Applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research.
• All students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA.
• Students will be accepted based on the suitability and viability of the intended research, adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department.

Time Limits for this Degree

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

Doctoral Degree

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 Human Sciences has various research focus areas. A detailed list of departments and research focus areas can be found within the college's research outline.

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 The research outline must align with one of the departmental research focus areas and incorporate at least one of Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas.

Catalytic Niche Areas

Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas 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

Application Fee

• The online application fee is R150.00.
• The application fee is non-refundable.

Student Fees

• Student fees for the 2025 academic year are available.
• The fee information for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration.

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until 19 December 2025. To apply, students must:

• Apply for a Unisa student number (if applicable)
• Apply for admission
• 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 is available for students.