PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration
The NWU Business School is committed to advancing distinguished research scholarship in alignment with the Principles of Responsible Management in Education (PRME). Our focus lies in promoting innovative research endeavors in areas such as Business Integrity, Ethical Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering internationally competitive research in Business Management and Administration. We eagerly anticipate your participation and engagement with us.
The PhD programme of the NWU Business School is a research-based, internationally accredited doctoral degree offered at NQF Level 10. The minimum duration is two years and the maximum duration four years. The PhD programme at the NWU Business School follows a four-phase approach: (a) a pre- doctoral workshop for conditional acceptance to the programme, (b) a full proposal colloquium for unconditional admission into the programme, (c) a methodology presentation colloquium, (d) results and findings colloquium, and (e) final thesis submission. We allocate the most relevant and highly experienced promoters and co-promoters to our admitted students, who are sourced from within the School and from relevant industries so that there is blending of theory and practice in the learning process.
The core research interests of the Business School are founded in the three Scientific Committess. This forms the basis for focused research as wel as integrated research. By doing this we provide practical solutions with scientific contributions to the broader field of management:
The General Management (GM) Scientific Committee is chaired by Prof Ronnie Lotriet.
The people Management (PM) Scientific Committee is chaired by Dr Ntseliseng Khumalo.
The Corporate Governance, Technology, Economics and Finances (CTEF) Scientific Committee is chaired by Prof Wedzerai Musvoto.
We are committed to quality service and customer care for our Ph.D. students.
Important dates for
2025 ENROLLMENT:
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 OPEN:
1 April 2024
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 CLOSE:
1 January 2025
REGISTRATIONS FOR 2025 OPEN:
5 January 2025
REGISTRATIONS FOR 2025 CLOSE:
31 May 2025
PhD key-notes:
Duration: 2 – 4 years
Fees: R24 030.00** (2024)
Application Process
OUR TEACHING & LEARNING APPROACH
At the NWU Business School, students and promoters work closely together to make sure that your academic goals are reach effectively and successfully.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect during your PhD studies:
What we will expect of you:
It is expected of prospective candidates to demonstrate experience, enthusiasm, research expertise, control of and focus on the topic and field of study during their master’s study before they are selected for their doctoral studies.
What you can expect from us:
Experts in the field – We allocate the most relevant and highly experienced promoters and co-promoters to our admitted students, who are sourced from within the School and from relevant industries so that there is blending of theory and practice in the learning process.
Together we will:
Students and promoters work together to find viable solutions to business challenges, not only in South Africa and Africa, but all over the world. We will assist you to become an expert in your field and reach new heights academically and in the industry.
PhD STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration
FORMAT
Our PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration is a part-time PhD which follows a four-phase approach:
(a) a pre-doctoral workshop for conditional acceptance to the programme,
(b) a full proposal colloquium for unconditional admission into the programme,
(c) a methodology presentation colloquium, and
(d) results and findings colloquium and final thesis submission.
APPROVAL OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME
Approval of the PhD study programme and the procedure that must be followed take place in terms of general academic rule A.5.3. The study programme must, to the satisfaction of the director of post-graduate studies/Business School scientific committees (General Management and People’s Management Scientific Committees), contribute to the research programme(s) of the University as determined by the different research focus areas/ units. All PhD students are required to submit at least one article in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)-accredited journals and provide proof with final submission for examination.
In the case of an article format thesis, a minimum of three published OR publishable articles should be presented, of which at least one must have been submitted and accepted by an editor of an accredited DHET journal for graduation.
PROGRAMME ENQUIRIES
PROGRAMME LEADER
Prof Joseph Lekunze
Prof JN Lekunze is the PhD Programme Leader at the NWU Business School. He is a holder of a BSc Hons in Geography, BSc in Agricultural Economics and Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics and Management, a BSc Honours in Agricultural Economics and Management, an MSc in Agricultural Economics, a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, a Certificate in Project Management Application, as well as a certificate in Moderation and Evaluation.
Application Process
Application dates
Applications are open all year round, but final vetting depends on the availability of space and pro- motion (supervisory) capacity. Successful applicants will be granted Conditional Acceptance and be registered for non-degree purposes, without any module. The relevant research cluster/ research director/unit manager will indicate who will be acting as promoter for the applicant. Final admission into the PhD programme will be granted to the candidate upon successful presentation of the full proposal in a PhD proposal colloquium at most six months after the conditional admission.
Preliminary proposal
Applicants should submit a preliminary proposal that should be sent to the various research clusters of the NWU Business School for selection.
Proposal should include:
- Title
- Introduction
- Motivation of the study
- Problem statement
- Primary objective and secondary objectives
- Preliminary literature (at least 10 leading scholars in your area
of specialisation) - Research methodology
- Ethical consideration
- Contribution of the study
- References
- Work execution plan
APPLICATION
STEP 1
APPLICATION
STEP 2
APPLICATION
STEP 3
Carefully read through the brochure for master’s and doctoral applicants.
The following supporting documents should accompany your application form (SA citizens):
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A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
-
Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
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Certified copies of all certificates / diplomas / degrees from other tertiary institutions.
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Preliminary proposal as indicated above.
Apply online by following the link below.
APPLICATION
STEP 1
Carefully read through the brochure for master’s and doctoral applicants.
APPLICATION
STEP 2
The following supporting documents should accompany your application form (SA citizens):
-
A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
-
Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
-
Certified copies of all certificates / diplomas / degrees from other tertiary institutions.
-
Preliminary proposal as indicated above.
APPLICATION
STEP 3
Apply online by following the link below.
Still have questions? Reach out to a PhD Representative
