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 and departments. These programs are designed to facilitate advanced research and academic growth, providing students with highly specialized knowledge and skills.

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.

• Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa.
• Re-registering students and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period.
• Students wishing to start a new qualification must apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration Periods

Registration opens and closes on specific dates for different qualifications:

• Master's and doctoral qualifications: Registration opens on 7 January 2026 and closes on 31 March 2026.
• MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications: Registration opens on 7 January 2026 and closes on 21 February 2026.

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 from the outset.

Curriculum

The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees includes:

• Compulsory modules: Such as TFRLS02 - Thesis: Religious Studies.
• Students can find further information on modules, including semester/year, NQF level, by clicking on the module.

Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies

• Qualification stream: Religious Studies
• Qualification code: 90044 - RST
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360
• Purpose statement: The primary purpose is to facilitate D Phil graduates in using their highly specialized knowledge, specific skills, and applied competencies for personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

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 manuscript submission is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred.