Program Overview

Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and expertise in their chosen field, enabling them to become specialists and leaders in their respective areas.

Master of Arts in Art History

The Master of Arts in Art History is a full research qualification that consists of a dissertation incorporating a research proposal to be completed within the first year of study. The primary purpose of this qualification is to enable graduates to become specialists in art history, gaining in-depth knowledge in a complex area of study.

Rules

• The curriculum consists of a dissertation that incorporates a research proposal to be completed within the first year of study.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable graduates to become specialists in a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework by gaining in-depth knowledge in a complex area of study. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesize information autonomously in specialized fields of study in order to provide leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialized leadership, self-reflexivity, and adaptability.

Registration

• Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted.
• Re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period for 2026.

Time Limits for This Degree

• All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period.
• Coursework master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
• Research master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
• Doctoral degree: A maximum of six years with an option to apply for one additional year.

Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs)

Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalized within the colleges:

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

Curriculum

• The Master of Arts in Art History curriculum consists of a dissertation.
• Module: DFARH95 - Dissertation: Art History

Research

Unisa's research focus includes problem-solving research with relevance and impact, people in research, research & innovation initiatives, and research support. The university aims to provide research that matters and to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community.

Research & Innovation Initiatives

• Research Institutes and Chairs
• Research in the colleges
• Innovation support

Colleges

Unisa has several colleges, including:

• Accounting Sciences
• Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
• Economic & Management Sciences
• Education
• Human Sciences
• Law
• Science, Engineering & Technology
• College of Graduate Studies

Each college offers a range of qualifications and has its own research focus and initiatives.

Conclusion

The University of South Africa offers a wide range of master's and doctoral degrees, providing students with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in their chosen field. With a strong focus on research and innovation, Unisa aims to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community.