Programme: PhD (Leadership)

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
07267075 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 in Leadership is a research degree, requiring the completion of supervised as well as independent research resulting in a thesis.

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

Additional requirements

  1. Research methodology module (unless exemption is granted)
  2. Research proposal
  3. The Director of the Centre may, however, set additional admission requirements.

Selection for admission will require the submission by candidates of a written pre-proposal which briefly outlines their intended research topic supported by a short motivation. In addition to this the candidate is expected to present his/her understanding of the key academic articles in the field of leadership to an internal panel.  

The Dean or Postgraduate Committee has the right of authorisation regarding matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or the Faculty regulations.

Due to capacity constraints, there is not necessarily an intake of new students every year. It remains the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the degree they wish to apply for, will indeed be offered.

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 research component comprises a thesis and two research articles submitted for publication (General Academic Regulation G51). Once the student has registered for the PhD, the candidate will work under the guidance of a supervisor to develop a detailed research proposal in accordance with Centre guidelines and regulations. The proposal must be defended during a formal presentation presented to the Centre PhD committee and must be officially approved by all relevant committees before the candidate can commence with his/her research. The candidate will continue his/her research under the guidance of his/her supervisor until the research is completed according to the rules and regulations of the University. An oral defence of the thesis may be required as part of the final examination. Two research articles, based on the candidate's research, must be submitted for publication to a recognised accredited journal. At least one of these must be accepted for publication. These articles are a compulsory condition for the degree to be conferred on the candidate. The research component contributes 100% towards the total requirement for the degree.

Core modules


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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