Program Overview

Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The primary purpose of the Master's and Doctoral degrees 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.

Registration

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from the university that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must check their emails for confirmation, while new students will receive confirmation via the email address they provided at the time of application.

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)

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

Master of Arts in Communication Science

• Qualification code: 98512
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180
• SAQA ID: 5395
• 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.

Registration Period

• Registration opens: 7 January 2026
• Registration closes: 31 March 2026
• Final date for payment: 31 March 2026

Modules

• Module: DFCOM95 - Dissertation: Communication
• Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation: None specified

Research Areas

Students are encouraged to incorporate one or more of the Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) into their studies. Interested students should discuss this with their supervisor.