Programme: PhD (Business Management)

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Code Faculty Department
07267074 Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Department: Business Management
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

The PhD degree is conferred by virtue of a thesis.

The relevant head of department reserves the right to prescribe any additional modules/seminars for a candidate.

A candidate must also pass the compulsory module in EBW 801 Research methodology 801 if it has not been completed at master’s level. However, the Dean may, in exceptional cases and on the recommendation of the relevant head of department/director, waive this prerequisite.

Not all postgraduate programmes are offered every year. Please consult the relevant faculty's student administration concerning the presentation of this programme.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant master’s degree
  2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 60% for the master’s degree

Other programme-specific information

The curriculum must be compiled in consultation with the head of the department.

Examinations and pass requirements

The thesis should be passed in accordance with the stipulations of General Academic Regulations G50 and G54, as well as a compulsory module in Research Methodology.

Research information

Refer to General Academic Regulations G50 and G54.

The candidate will complete his/her research under the guidance of his/her supervisor, and submit the thesis as soon as it complies with the regulations of the University. A public defence of the thesis and an article for publication is part of the prerequisites of completing the degree. The research component (thesis and draft article for publication) contributes 100% towards the total requirement for the degree.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    The philosophy of science; Scientific thinking and research action. Science and theory; Academic writing; research structure/theses; sources and referencing. Pathway theories and critiquing the body of knowledge for each pathway. Advanced qualitative research methods; Advanced quantitative research methods; Proposal design and defence.

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  • Module content:

    The candidate will complete his/her research under the guidance of his/her supervisor, and submit the thesis as soon as it complies with the regulations of the University. A public defence of the thesis and an article for publication is part of the prerequisites of completing the degree. The research component (thesis and concept article for publication) contributes 100% towards the total requirement for the degree.

    View more

Core modules

  • Module content:

    The candidate will complete his/her research under the guidance of his/her supervisor, and submit the thesis as soon as it complies with the regulations of the University. A public defence of the thesis and an article for publication is part of the prerequisites of completing the degree. The research component (thesis and concept article for publication) contributes 100% towards the total requirement for the degree.

    View more


The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

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.

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