Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

The purpose of this qualification is to enable the learner to produce a doctoral research thesis which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing under supervision in the various sub-disciplines within Economics.

Rationale

The Doctorate provides training for an academic career. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the learner is required to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a specialisation in Management Studies. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The Degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multi-disciplinary research or applied research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa RPL Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning.

The University of South Africa (UNISA) RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

A Master's Degree in Economics, Level 9.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate high level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers in the chosen specialisation within Management Studies.
2. Supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of specialisation concerned.
3. Write a thesis in a language that complies with the University of South Africa Language Policy as well as the accepted standards for presentation of research and knowledge in the specialisation(s) of the particular learner.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Display a coherent and critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in own selected discipline within Management Studies.
• Identify, conceptualise, design and plan the implementation of a research project that addresses a complex, possibly ill-defined problem in a selected discipline within the various disciplines within Management Studies.
• Produce a thesis that satisfies peer review.
• The thesis merits publication.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Display a coherent and critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in a selected discipline within Management Studies.
• Evaluate the research of others.
• Undertake a research project and write up a research report (thesis) drawing systematically on the theory, research methods and literature of a selected discipline in Management Studies.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Display language proficiency in the discipline.
• Comply with the professional writing and referencing style prescribed by the discipline.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge of the theoretical foundations in economic sciences and research will be assessed by the supervisor and College members via a formal research proposal by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by an academic department colloquium constituted in accordance with College guidelines.

Assessment of the thesis is in accordance with the University of South Africa Procedures for Master's and Doctoral Studies which specifies the appointment of internal and international external examiners.