Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Management Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Management Studies is a research-based qualification that enables learners to produce a doctoral research thesis meeting international standards of scholarly and professional writing. The program provides training for an academic career, requiring learners to undertake research at advanced academic levels, culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a specialization in Management Studies. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Qualification Details

• Qualification stream: International Business
• Qualification code: 90021 - INB
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

An appropriate master's degree with a full or limited dissertation is required. Applicants must also submit a transcript or academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. All students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA. Admission is 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 in line with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity.

Time Limits for the Degree

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

Doctoral Degree Characteristics

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. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that learners must demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline or field.

Research Focus Areas

Research focus areas are available in various departments within the College of Economic and Management Sciences. Learners 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 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

The research outline must include:

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

Student Fees and Funding

An application fee of R150.00 is required. The fee information for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration. Students can find information on student funding and bursary opportunities.

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until 19 December 2025. Learners 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. Coursework master's degree students must await the official approval of their research proposal module before attempting to re-register for the next academic year.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information are available, including details on how to register and the structure of the program.