Program Overview

Programme: PhD Economics

The PhD (Economics) programme is a research degree, requiring the completion of supervised as well as independent research resulting in peer-reviewed publication. Students interested in pursuing the PhD (Economics)-degree programme are expected to have completed the equivalent of the MPhil (Economics) programme, including advanced topics courses.

Programme Information

• The programme is offered by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
• Duration of study: 2 years
• Total credits: 360

Admission Requirements

• Relevant master's degree with an average of at least 65%.

Additional Requirements

• Capacity limitations: The supervision of postgraduate students is a time-consuming process, and the Department reserves the right to limit the amount of students accepted into the programmes.
• Mathematics and Statistics session: All students accepted into the programme will be required to attend an intensive Mathematics and Statistics session, followed by an exam. Those who fail or do not attend may be deregistered or required to enrol for additional modules.
• Research area: Students will be expected to work in a research area relevant to current staff capabilities.
• Previously disadvantaged backgrounds: The Department of Economics allocates additional marks to South African students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing for an increase in the average of up to two percentage points.
• University of Pretoria students: The Department allocates additional marks to students who previously studied at the University of Pretoria, allowing for an increase in the average of up to one percentage point.

Other Programme-Specific Information

• EBW 801 is a prerequisite for the thesis (EKN 995) and does not carry any credits.
• The thesis contributes 100% towards the total requirements for the degree.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The thesis should be passed in accordance with the stipulations of Regulations G.52 and G.60.2.2, as well as a compulsory module in Research Methodology.

Research Information

• At least one chapter from the thesis must be submitted for publication before the degree can be awarded.
• Students are expected to defend both their proposal and their final thesis and are encouraged to present their findings within the department's seminar series.

Core Modules

• EBW 801: Research Methodology
  • Module content includes an overview of the research process, foundational skills for postgraduate students, and the structure of a research proposal.
• EKN 995: Thesis
  • Credits: 360.00

General Regulations

• The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria.
• Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these regulations and the information contained in the General Rules section.