Program Overview

Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various colleges, including Accounting Sciences, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Economic & Management Sciences, Education, Human Sciences, Law, Science, Engineering & Technology, and the College of Graduate Studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice

The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice is a full research qualification that consists of a thesis, an oral defence, and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. The purpose of this qualification is to enable students to produce a doctoral research thesis that meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing under supervision in the discipline of Criminal Justice.

Qualification Details

• Qualification stream: Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology
• Qualification code: 90039 - PFS
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Rules

The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence, and two manuscripts based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to enable the student to produce a doctoral research thesis which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing under supervision in the discipline of Criminal Justice. The qualification is designed to accommodate students who obtain the Master of Arts or Master of Technology Degrees in Criminology, Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology, Corrections Management, and Security Management and who wish to further their studies.

Registration and Time Limits

• Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted.
• Registration opens on 7 January 2026 for master's and doctoral qualifications and closes on 31 March 2026.
• The final date for payment is 31 March 2026.
• Time limits for this degree:
  • 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 to be operationalized within the colleges, including:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometre array
• Fourth IR and digitalisation
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist and Bosadi theorisations
• 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice includes:

• TFPFS01 - PhD - Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology