Find solutions to real-world business problems through in-depth research

This internationally accredited PhD Business Management and Administration is aimed at those who want to acquire personal and transferable skills through rigorous research and want to become an expert in their field.

This requires a contribution to new knowledge through in-depth research. Equipped with our PhD Business Management, you will help to find solutions to pressing business problems in the real world. The Business School emphasises the creation of knowledge that is particularly relevant to African organisations.

This degree will stand you in good stead if you want to establish yourself as an expert in a particular field, and if you want to work in industries focused on research and innovation, or at an academic institution.

A relevant master's degree in an appropriate management-related area, with an average grade of at least 65%.

The major part of the master's degree (weight within degree) must consist of a written thesis with an average grade of at least 65%.

Applications open: 1 April

Applications close: 31 August

Programme start date: 22 January

Two options are available to apply for admission to one of the faculty’s doctoral programmes:

1. Option 1:Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online application form by completing each of the required sections. The Business School will upload the SHL selection test results on your behalf.

   You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:

   • Certified copy of ID or passport
   • Certified copies of academic records/transcripts
   • Certified copies of degree certificates
   • Curriculum vitae (CV)
   • List of publications
   • Dissertation pre-proposal
   • Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
   • SHL and Application fee
   
   

   Please note that candidates that have applied formally on SUNstudent can also apply for institutional or statutory funding to qualifying options listed on the SU Postgraduate Office’s website.

2. Option 2: Candidates can apply for a full-time doctoral scholarship from the Graduate School of Economic and Management (GEM). Successful GEM applicants are automatically granted provisional admission to the relevant PhD programme and an application on SUNstudent is therefore not required to be considered for one of the GEM scholarships. However, please note that only 2-3 of these awards are made per year.

We emphasise the creation of knowledge that is particularly relevant to African organisations and that adheres to the principle of serving the common good. This forms part of our social responsibility to strengthen our country and continent to the benefit of all those involved. By doing research on doctoral level, you will help to find solutions to pressing business problems in the real world.

We prefer topics pertaining to the commercial and non-profit sectors. Our areas of expertise include responsible leadership, futures studies and foresight, finance and growth, equality and diversity, conflict and collaboration, coaching, governance, and entrepreneurship and innovation. ???????