Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Tax Policy

The PhD with the option in Tax Policy is a research degree, requiring the completion of supervised as well as independent research resulting in a thesis.

Programme Information

• The programme is offered by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Economics.
• Minimum duration of study: 2 years
• Total credits: 360
• NQF level: 10

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations:

• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
  2. Certified copy of ID or passport
  3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
  2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
  3. Certified copy of passport
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable)
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree
• Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department
• All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria
• All applicants must be computer literate
• All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access

Minimum Admissions Requirements:

1. Relevant master's degree
2. A weighted average of at least 65% for the master's degree
3. Relevant work experience

Additional Requirements

• The Dean or Postgraduate Committee has the right of authorisation regarding matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or the Faculty regulations
• Due to capacity constraints, there is not necessarily an intake of new students every year

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The thesis should be passed in accordance with the stipulations of General Academic Regulations G50 and G54, as well as a compulsory module in Research Methodology

Research Information

• The research component comprises a thesis and/or three research papers submitted for publication (General Academic Regulation G51)
• A candidate will work under the guidance of a supervisor to develop a detailed research proposal in accordance with departmental guidelines and regulations
• The proposal must be presented to the departmental PhD committee and must be officially approved by all relevant committees before the candidate can commence with his/her research

Core Modules

• EKN 996: Research proposal
• EKN 997: Thesis: Tax Policy

Regulations, Degree Requirements and Information

• The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information
• The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria
• Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions