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, skills, and competencies.

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 who made sufficient progress during the current academic year 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.

Time Limits for Degrees

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period.

• 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

PhD by Publication

A doctoral student may elect to complete their doctoral degree by publication. This refers to a doctoral degree that comprises several peer-reviewed publications written as an introduction, discussion, and conclusion, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

Curriculum

The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees includes:

• Compulsory modules: Such as TFUBM02 - Thesis: Urban Ministry
• Research areas: Students are encouraged to incorporate one or more of the Catalytic Niche Areas into their studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

• Qualification stream: Urban Ministry
• Qualification code: 90043 - UBM
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 10
• Total credits: 360
• 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.

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.