Program Overview

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various colleges, including the College of Graduate Studies. These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, professional skills, and applied competence in their chosen field.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (DEd) is a full research qualification that consists of a thesis, an oral defense (viva voce), and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. The primary purpose of the DEd qualification is to attain highly advanced knowledge, professional skills, and applied competence in the field of Education, Training, and Development.

• Qualification stream: Curriculum Studies
• Qualification code: 90019 - CUS
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360
• SAQA ID: 96477

Rules and Purpose Statement

The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defense (viva voce), and two manuscripts based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. The primary purpose of the DEd qualification is to provide students with highly advanced knowledge, professional skills, and applied competence in the field of Education, Training, and Development.

Registration and Time Limits

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. The registration period for master's and doctoral qualifications opens on January 7, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026. The time limits for completion of the degree are as follows:

• 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 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalized within the colleges, including:

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

PhD by Publication

A doctoral student may elect to complete their doctoral degree by publication. A PhD by Publication refers to a doctoral degree that comprises several peer-reviewed publications written as an introduction, discussion, and conclusion that has been put together as separate chapters, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the DEd qualification consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defense (viva voce), and two manuscripts based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. The module for the DEd qualification is TFPCU01 - PhD - Education (Curriculum Studies).