The Department offers two PhD degrees:

1.  Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Industrial and Organisational Psychology) (90042 IOP)

The PhD in Psychology (IOP) degree requires demonstration of expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The degree entails producing a doctoral thesis that is publishable,  meets international standards and makes a significant contribution to the field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The curriculum consists of an approved research proposal, a thesis, an oral defence (viva voce) and an original research manuscript, submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal.

Take note of the following

• General UNISA application and registration policy apply. Selection for admission is determined by supervision capacity and the quality of your research proposal.
• Application period: September - December 2025
  
  

Prospective students are required to apply online for admission by following the steps below:

        i.       Choose a topic and area of research. To assist you, peruse the Research Focus Areas of the IOP Department

       ii.        Download the Research Proposal Guide and write a Research Proposal as part of your application

       iii.       For application and registration, please click here

       iv.       Upload academic record for masters qualification, a copy of your identity document/passport and a well-thought through Research Proposal

2.  Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Consulting Psychology) (90042 CON)

The PhD in Psychology (CON) degree requires demonstration of expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of Consulting Psychology. The degree entails producing a doctoral thesis that is publishable, meets international standards and makes a significant contribution to the field of Consulting Psychology. The curriculum consists of an approved research proposal, a thesis, an oral defence (viva voce) and an original research manuscript, submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal.

Take note of the following:

• General UNISA application and registration policy apply.
• In addition, selection for admission is dependent on being a senior registered psychologist in the categories clinical, counselling, industrial, research or education, and the quality of your research proposal.
• Application period:  September – December 2025, January 2026 

Prospective students are required to apply online for admission by following the steps below

         i.     Choose a topic and area of research. To assist you, peruse the Research Focus Areas of the IOP Department and the Psychology department

        ii.      Download and complete the application form and upload as part of your application

        iii.     For application and registration, please click here

        iv.     Upload the completed application form, CV, Academic Records, proof of HPCSA registration, a copy of  your identity document/passport and a well-thought through Research Outline.

Specifications for uploading documentation:

ACADEMIC RECORD (combine/scan into one document)

1. Honours degree & Master’s degree (University academic records)
2. Master’s dissertation: title page AND the abstract of your Master’s dissertation

HPCSA PROOF OF REGISTRATION

Professional Registration as Psychologist (HPCSA) (combine/scan into one document)

1. Internship (detailed description of your completed internship programme, supervisor name and internship institution/organisation) 
2. HPCSA registration certificate (categories: Clinical, Counselling, Education, Industrial, Research) 
3. HPCSA registration certificate indicating your payment until 2025/6

RESEARCH OUTLINE

Formulate and attach a proposal, not exceeding two A4 pages, for a research study you would like to conduct for your PhD degree