Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies is 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. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with specialists in the discipline in order 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 stream: Biblical Archaeology
• Qualification code: 90044 - BAR
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

An appropriate master's degree is required for admission. In addition to this requirement, applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. All students with foreign qualifications, including those with qualifications from African countries, must have their qualifications evaluated. 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, and an approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity 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 make application to the Registrar for one additional year of study, who will only consider the application if it is recommended by the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree will require students to undertake 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 students will be required to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline or field. This work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Research Focus Areas

Students can view a list of departments and research focus areas for the College of Human Sciences. The research outline must align with one of the departmental research focus areas and should strive to incorporate at least one of Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas, which 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 should 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

Student Fees and Funding Your Studies

• Application fee: An online application fee is required.
• Student fees: Information on student fees for the 2025 academic year is available, and the fee information for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration.
• Funding opportunities: Information on student funding and bursary opportunities is available.

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are accepted 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 during the application period.

Registration

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2026 academic year.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information is available, including details on coursework and research requirements.