| Qualification stream: | (Business Management) |
| Qualification code: | 90021 - BMA |
| Qualification type: | Full Research |
| NQF level: | 10 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 111090 |
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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 this qualification is to enable the learner to produce a doctoral research thesis, which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing under supervision in the various specialisations within Management Studies. The Doctorate provides training for an academic career. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. The defining characteristic of this qualification 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 specialisation in Management Studies. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The Degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multi-disciplinary research or applied research. |
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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 |
|---|---|
| Group A. Compulsory | |
| TFBMN02 - Thesis: Business Management | |