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 facilitate advanced research and academic growth, providing students with highly specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies in their chosen fields.

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. Re-registering students and those who have officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period.

Time Limits for Degrees

All master's and doctoral qualifications have defined time limits:

• 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:

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

Students interested in these areas should discuss incorporating one or more CNAs into their studies with their supervisor.

PhD by Publication

A doctoral student may elect to complete their doctoral degree by publication. This involves several peer-reviewed publications written as an introduction, discussion, and conclusion, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field. Each academic college has its own criteria for considering such requests, and students must discuss this option with their supervisor at the point of initial registration.

Curriculum

The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees includes compulsory modules, such as thesis research, and may involve coursework, research, or a combination of both. Students should consult the specific requirements for their chosen qualification.

Doctor of Philosophy in Languages, Linguistics, and Literature

The Doctor of Philosophy in Languages, Linguistics, and Literature is a full research qualification that requires a thesis incorporating a research proposal, an oral defense (viva voce), and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal. The primary purpose of this qualification is to facilitate D Phil graduates' use of highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies in the development of the specific discipline for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Qualification Details

• Qualification stream: Semitic Languages
• Qualification code: 90041 - SML
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360

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 qualification is to facilitate D Phil graduates' use of highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies in the development of the specific discipline for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Registration Period

Registration for master's and doctoral qualifications opens on January 7, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026. The final date for payment is also March 31, 2026. For MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications, registration opens on January 7, 2026, and closes on February 21, 2026, with the final payment date being February 21, 2026.