Program Overview

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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.

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 Unisa students will receive confirmation via the email address they provided during the application process. Re-registering students and those who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period.

Time Limits for Completion

All master's and doctoral qualifications have defined time limits for completion.

• Coursework master's degrees: a maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
• Research master's degrees: a maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
• Doctoral degrees: 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:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometer array
• Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and digitalization
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist, and Bosadi theorizations
• Student support and co-curricular activities

Students interested in any of 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 a request, which must be discussed with the supervisor at the point of initial registration as a doctoral candidate.

Curriculum

The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees varies by qualification but may include compulsory modules such as a thesis. For specific details on modules, pre-requisites, and recommendations, students should refer to the relevant college or department.

Doctor of Philosophy in Languages, Linguistics, and Literature

The Doctor of Philosophy in Languages, Linguistics, and Literature is a full research qualification with a specific focus on Theory of Literature. The qualification code is 90041 - TLT, and it is classified as an NQF level 10 qualification with a total of 360 credits.

Rules

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. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate D Phil graduates in using their 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. A second purpose is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with specialists in the discipline to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. A third purpose is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with intellectual leaders.

Who Can Register

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students and those who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period.

Registration Periods

Registration opens on specific dates for different qualifications, with deadlines for registration and payment also specified. For master's and doctoral qualifications, registration typically opens in January and closes in March of the same year.

By following the structured approach to master's and doctoral studies at Unisa, students can engage in advanced research and academic pursuits, contributing to their personal and professional development, as well as to the body of knowledge in their chosen field.