Program Overview

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 facilitate advanced research and academic growth, contributing to the development of specialized knowledge and skills.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to a master's or doctoral degree program, applicants must meet specific requirements. These typically include:

• An appropriate master's degree for doctoral programs
• A transcript or academic record
• A document describing intended research
• Evaluation of foreign qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for international students

Student Fees and Funding

The application fee for master's and doctoral programs is R150.00, which is non-refundable. Student fees vary by program and are available on the Unisa website. Funding opportunities, including bursaries, are also available to support students' academic pursuits.

Application for Admission

The application process involves several steps, including applying for a student number, submitting an online application for admission, and uploading supporting documents. Applications are considered based on the suitability and viability of the intended research, supervisory capacity, and research expertise in the discipline or department.

Registration

Only students whose applications for admission have been approved and re-registering students who made sufficient progress during the current academic year are allowed to register online within the approved registration period.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information for master's and doctoral programs are provided to guide students through their academic journey. This includes details on coursework, research requirements, and timelines for completion.

Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies is a full research qualification that aims to develop highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies in the discipline. The primary purpose of this qualification is to facilitate graduates' personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Purpose Statement

The qualification has three main purposes:

1. To facilitate D Phil graduates in using their highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies for personal intellectual growth, economic activity, and contributions to society.
2. To provide South Africa and other countries with specialists in the discipline to widen the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity.
3. To provide intellectual leaders.

Qualification Details

• Qualification stream: Judaica
• Qualification code: 90044 - JDC
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an appropriate master's degree and submit a transcript or academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. Students with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

Time Limits for This 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 by the Registrar, recommended by the Executive Dean of the College.

Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree requires undertaking research at 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

Research focus areas for the College of Human Sciences are available, and applicants must align their research outline with one of these areas. Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) should also be incorporated into the research, including topics such as marine studies, aviation and aeronautical studies, automotive, energy, and more.

Research Outline

A detailed research outline is required for the qualification applied for, including title, summary of topic, short literature review, expected contribution of the study, methodology, availability of data, list of references, and reasons for interest in the topic.

Conclusion

Unisa's master's and doctoral degree programs offer advanced academic and research opportunities, contributing to the development of specialized knowledge and skills. With a range of programs across various colleges and departments, students can pursue their academic and professional goals in a supportive and research-focused environment.