| Qualification code: | 90018 |
| Qualification type: | Full Research |
| NQF level: | 10 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 94746 |
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Rules: The curriculum consists of a thesis that incorporates a research proposal, an oral defence (viva voce) and two manuscripts, based on the candidate's research, submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal. Proof of the submission of the manuscripts is a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred. |
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| Purpose statement: The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is to empower learners with the necessary new skills that will enable them to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of agricultural sciences. Furthermore, the Doctor of Philosophy will enable learners to either develop or propose new solutions through models or theoretical amendments to agricultural related problems that would improve economic and social well-being. The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is also to develop learners who are able to demonstrate: Expertise and critical thinking and knowledge in an area related to the Agriculture disciplines. An ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge within specialisations of Agricultural Sciences. An ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, system or technologies that address a particular research area in Agricultural Sciences. An ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems. An ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate. The ability to make independent judgments about management information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas or issues within Agricultural Sciences. An ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable new work which meets international standards. An understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems. Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the Agricultural Sciences discipline. An ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for their work and where appropriate to lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems. |
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| Registration opens | Registration opens | Registration closes | Final date for payment |
| Master's & doctoral qualifications | 7 January 2026 | 31 March 2026 | 31 March 2026 |
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MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications |
7 January 2026 | 21 February 2026 | 21 February 2026 |
All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.14 and 4.15 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees.
Both you and your supervisor are responsible for ensuring that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification.
Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalised within the colleges:
If you are interested in any of these areas, please discuss it with your supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into your studies.
A doctoral student may elect to complete their doctoral degree by publication. A PhD by Publication refers to a doctoral degree that comprises several peer-reviewed publications written as an introduction, discussion and conclusion that has been put together as separate chapters, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field. Each academic college has their own criteria for considering such a request. A student must from the onset, and at the point of initial registration as a doctoral candidate, discuss this option with their supervisor. Click here for more information about the PhD by Publication.
Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)
| Module (Please click on the module to see further information) | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| A. Compulsory | |
| TFAGR01 - PhD: Agriculture and Animal Health | |