Programme: PhD

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
07264004 Gordon Institute of Business Science Department: Gordon Institute of Business Science
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral degree with a strong theoretical bias. Students submit an independent thesis that contributes to the knowledge field. The doctorate is the terminal academic degree, and it is expected that the thesis will build on existing scholarly work while investigating the challenges of business and management. Students who do the PhD will be offered support through online and contact sessions, and it is expected that they will also contribute to their peer community.

Admission requirements

  1. MBA degree or master’s degree in a business-related discipline on NQF level 9
  2. Two referee reports from professional referees

Research information

Refer to General Academic Regulations G42-G55.

Progress on the research will be guided by a supervisor and monitored through regular engagement with the student. In order to complete the research, candidates need to share their research, at a practitioner-based forum.

The Dean may authorise matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or in the GIBS regulations.

Core modules

Core modules


General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences