The Department of Marketing and Retail Management at the University of South Africa is dedicated to advancing research in the field of marketing and retail management through high-quality postgraduate supervision. We provide our students with the support and guidance they need to thrive in their research endeavours, ensuring a constructive and encouraging academic environment. We foster transparent communication and teamwork, motivating students to actively engage with their supervisors and within the wider academic community. We are committed to helping our postgraduate students reach their academic and professional aspirations, equipping them to make valuable contributions to the field of marketing and retail management.
Our staff consists of experienced supervisors who specialise in various areas of marketing and retail, offering focused and tailored support to our students. We encourage our students to explore our supervisors’ areas of research specialisation, to ensure alignment with the research expertise in the department (see the department’s research focus areas [click here]), thereby facilitating individualised guidance throughout their studies. Our department provides supervision expertise and fosters critical thinking, innovation, and research independence.
We offer a dedicated cohort master’s programme that supports master’s students through their proposal phase with various just-in-time workshops and cohort-based learning, promoting collaborative learning and peer engagement. The cohort programme aims to draw on academic research to address research challenges in the marketing field related to the research needs of different sectors in South Africa. This cohort programme is intended to strengthen students’ research capabilities, improve completion rates, and ensure timely completion of the degree while enabling students to address real-world marketing challenges.
Our doctoral programme aims to produce cutting-edge research that contributes to the science of marketing. Doctoral candidates are expected to generate new knowledge in marketing, with the requirement of publishing at least three articles in addition to their thesis. Candidates also complete a viva voce (a critical academic defence). There is also the possibility to opt for a thesis by publication. This competitive programme is open to research-driven individuals ready to explore innovative marketing topics that align with the department’s RFAs.
The topics proposed by master’s and doctorate students should (a) fit into the broad RFAs of the Department, (b) address cutting-edge challenges in the economy or Africa, and (c) ideally fit with the research areas of interest of the Department’s supervisory staff. Please see below to learn more about our research and supervisory staff’s areas of interest and expertise.
The Department of Marketing and Retail Management has specific RFAs within which our research takes place. These RFAs include:
These areas address contemporary marketing and retail challenges in South Africa and beyond. Prospective students are encouraged to ensure that their proposed research aligns with one or more of these focus areas.
For more information and a detailed explanation of our RFAs, download the CEMS Research Focus Areas document. Click here for guidelines for preparing a research outline.
For the 2025 academic year, several enhancements have been introduced to our programme. These highlights can be obtained from the Master and Doctoral degree site. Key takeaways:
Relevant links for your consideration:
Interested applicants should apply early and provide a well-structured research outline aligned with the department’s RFAs and supervisors’ areas of expertise. For further guidance, potential students may contact the M&D Coordinator of the Department of Marketing and Retail Management, Dr. Claudette Rabie, at vniekc@unisa.ac.za.
This intensive and competitive programme is designed for motivated students eager to contribute new insights to the marketing and retail sectors, preparing them for academic and professional success.
Visit the following link to apply for admission to one of our leading postgraduate qualifications: Apply for admission.
Last modified: 2025/01/24