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 provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and applied competence in their chosen field.

Registration and Admission

To register for a master's or doctoral degree, applicants must first receive confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must check their myLife emails for confirmation, while new students will receive confirmation via the email address provided during the application process.

• Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa.
• 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.
• Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply for admission during the next application period and check whether the qualification for which you intend to apply is on the list of qualifications that you can apply for.

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 curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees includes compulsory and elective modules, as well as a research proposal and mini-dissertation. Students are required to first register and comply with the requirements for the research proposal module before registration for the mini-dissertation will be allowed.

Master of Laws in International Economic Law

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 98623
• Qualification type: Coursework
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Master of Laws (LLM) graduates with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in a number of legal fields to ensure opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Rules

The curriculum consists of four (4) compulsory modules, a research proposal module, and a mini-dissertation. Students may register for the research proposal module after two (2) modules have been passed.

Curriculum Details

• Compulsory modules:
  • DLPIL92 - Mini Dissertation: Constitutional and International Law
  • MIL5901 - Advanced Principles of Public International Law
  • MIL5902 - International Economic Law
  • MIL5903 - International Law On Foreign Investment
  • MIL5904 - Southern African Trade Law
  • MPLLW91 - Research Methodology for Law

Registration Period

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