| Qualification code: | 90179 |
| Qualification type: | Full Research |
| NQF level: | 10 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 118684 |
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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 defining characteristic of the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering is that the learner is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The qualification may be earned through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. This qualification requires a minimum of two years' full-time study. The qualifying learner should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of specialisation concerned. The purpose of the qualification will enable an academic career and allow the learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in a particular discipline and develop high-level expertise in research projects. Furthermore, it will develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. The qualification would assist the qualified engineering technologist or engineer in continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contribution to society. The qualifying engineer will be able to function in a variety of contexts, for example, career advancement in various fields of Engineering. Engineers who completed this qualification will be better equipped to apply their skills and knowledge in their respective professions. This qualification further opens up access for historically disadvantaged incumbents as well as other learners in the Engineering environment up to the highest levels of qualification. The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering qualification will allow access to the various disciplines of Engineering related to the topic of the dissertation. The qualification is a very high national, higher education and industry priority and cannot be overstated. It will facilitate admission to learners with diverse backgrounds and thereby widening the profile of beneficiaries. |
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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 |
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| TFENG01 - Thesis: Engineering | |