UKZN Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Course



UKZN Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Course

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Prospective students (who may originate from any disciplinary background) will undergo a rigorous process of selection. If you are committed to:

  • rigorous research in an applied context
  • high-intensity learning that stretches you intellectually and practically
  • contributing to knowledge in the field of leadership and cognate areas in Africa and globally
  • making a positive difference to organisations, communities or society,

Extract from the UKZN Academic Rules: 



Criteria for admission to study

a) An applicant shall not be registered for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy / a supervised Doctoral degree by research in any college unless the applicant has:

  • (i) satisfied the requirements for a relevant prerequisite degree as
    specified in the College concerned (Masters); or
  • (ii) been admitted to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7(a); or
  • (iii) attained a level of competence as defined in Rule GR7(b)

b) A college may prescribe further minimum criteria for admission to study.

Periods of registration

A student registered for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy / a supervised Doctoral degree by research in any college shall be so registered for a minimum period of four semesters for full-time students or eight semesters for part-time students before the degree may be conferred.

The staff have interest in a variety of Leadership areas and you are invited to discuss aligned interests with them.

Click staff list here

Application Procedure

Applications will need to be made online at – Click  here

Also download fill form and following document



  1. Brief curriculum vitae which should include details of your current work situation and any research related activities including publications (e.g. articles, reports) that you may have (co)authored, (indicate in your covering letter which of the Graduate School of Business Academic staff members you have consulted regarding your intended research. You may also suggest whom you would like to work with as the promoter of your study. If you do not know any Graduate School of Business & Leadership staff, then indicate in your recommendation what kind of expertise you would consider to be appropriate to support your studies.)
  2.  5 page description of the research that you intend to pursue for the PhD studies;
  3.  copy of your academic record, especially the results obtained for your Honors and Master’s degree (for example the results for course work and the research components where applicable)
  4. photo-copy of the abstract of your masters research dissertation;
  5. Certified copies of Degree certificates and Certified copy of I.D /Passport
  6. SAQA approval letter for International Students