Doctor of Philosophy in Theology Practical Theology
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Program Overview
Master's & Doctoral Degrees
The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various colleges, including the College of Accounting Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Economic and Management Sciences, College of Education, College of Human Sciences, College of Law, and College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
Registration and Admission
To register for a master's or doctoral degree, applicants must first apply for admission and receive confirmation from Unisa. Returning students must check their myLife emails for confirmation, while new students will receive confirmation via the email address provided during application. Re-registering students and those who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period.
Time Limits for Degrees
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:
- 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, which comprises several peer-reviewed publications written as an introduction, discussion, and conclusion that contribute to a unified research theme within a specific field. Each academic college has its own criteria for considering such a request.
Curriculum
The curriculum for master's and doctoral degrees varies by college and qualification. For example, the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Practical Theology) includes a thesis, an oral defense (viva voce), and two manuscripts submitted for publication to a recognized accredited journal.
Research Areas
Research areas across the colleges include, but are not limited to:
- Theology
- Accounting Sciences
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Human Sciences
- Law
- Science, Engineering, and Technology
Qualification Details
- Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Practical Theology)
- Qualification stream: Practical Theology
- Qualification code: 90043 - PTH
- 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 in the development of the specific discipline for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.
Registration Process
The registration process for master's and doctoral degrees involves the following steps:
- Find your qualification
- Calculate your study fees
- Complete and submit your registration
- Pay your study fees
- After registration
Important Dates
- Registration opens for master's and doctoral qualifications: 7 January 2026
- Registration closes for master's and doctoral qualifications: 31 March 2026
- Final date for payment: 31 March 2026