PhD Public Policy

Programme Code

07267114


Closing Dates

  • SA – 30/09/2022
  • Non-SA – 31/08/2022

Admission Requirements

  • An accredited master’s degree in Public Administration or a related discipline from an accredited tertiary educational institution.
  • A minimum of 65 % for the master’s dissertation which must have been externally examined.
  •  All applicants are subject to a selection process by a departmental panel of academic experts (the Postgraduate Committee of the SPMA) in accordance with departmental prerequisites.
  • The Postgraduate Committee of the SMPA may set additional admission requirements in accordance with the area of specialisation of the candidate.
  • A preliminary research proposal on a topic selected in consultation with the assigned study leader will be submitted to the Post Graduate Committee of the SPMA.
  • The decision of the Postgraduate Committee of the SPMA is final.

Additional Requirements:

Candidates will only be considered for admission to the PhD (Public Policy) if the Postgraduate Committee of the School of Public Management and Administration is convinced that the applicant has the necessary expertise to complete the required seminar in the field of Public Administration successfully and has gained sufficient research knowledge on the master’s level to conduct research for and complete a doctoral thesis. The Dean has the right of authorisation regarding matters not provided for in the General Regulations or the Faculty regulations.

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


Minimum duration of study

2 years, full-time


Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.


Enquiries about the programme

Click Here
How to apply

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences