Doctoral Studies

Candidates are awarded a Ph.D. after a minimum residence of two years. Degrees are awarded on the basis of independent research culminating in a thesis which represents an original contribution in the selected field. 

All Ph.D. applications in Economics must first complete a formal application on the university's Prospective Postgraduate Student website prior to submitting an application to the department. Please refer to the website at http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/application-to-su-1.html

Once this process is complete, the department will consider your application and require a detailed research proposal to be prepared by the candidate and approved by the department and the faculty. The research for the doctoral thesis is undertaken under the supervision of a supervisor (promoter) appointed by the university on the recommendation of the department. The supervisor may be assisted by other faculty members, depending on the nature of the research guidance required. 

Applications can be submitted any time of the year. Registration is possible from the beginning or middle of the year. Please contact Ada Jansen (ada@sun.ac.za) from the Economics department for more information.