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 Accounting Sciences, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Human Sciences, Law, Science, Engineering and Technology, and the College of Graduate Studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering is a full research qualification that requires students to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The qualification consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence, and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal.

• Qualification code: 90179
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering is to enable students to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The qualification requires students to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of specialization concerned and to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels.

Rules

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

Registration

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 and closes on 31 March 2026 for master's and doctoral qualifications.

Time Limits

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. The maximum duration for a coursework master's degree is three years, with an option to apply for one additional year. The maximum duration for a research master's degree is three years, with an option to apply for one additional year. The maximum duration for a doctoral degree is six years, with an option to apply for one additional year.

Catalytic Niche Areas

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

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometer array
• Fourth IR and digitalization
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist, and Bosadi theorizations
• 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 Engineering consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence, and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal.

• Module: TFENG01 - Thesis: Engineering
• Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation: None