Programme information
The DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a doctoral degree with a focus on application. The doctorate is the final academic degree, and it is expected that the thesis will build on existing scholarly work. Students who are accepted onto the DBA will be offered support through online and contact sessions, and it is expected that they will also contribute to their peer community by participating in those sessions.
Admission requirements
General Admission Regulations:
Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to www.up.ac.za./yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)
- All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level;
- Certified copy of ID or passport;
- A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
- All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9:
- A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
- *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
- Certified copy of passport.
- All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
- Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
- Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year.
- Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
- Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
- If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project.
- All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application.
- All applicants must be computer literate.
- All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
- Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.
Minimum admissions requirements
- MBA degree or master's degree in a business-related discipline on NQF level 9
- Two referee reports from professional referees
Additional requirements
An application pack comprising the following must reach the Director of Research at GIBS before the due date:
- A completed and signed hard copy of the application form and contract.
- An application fee relevant for the year of admission, payable to the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
- Official academic transcripts of all academic qualifications obtained to date. (Please note that a degree certificate is not a transcript.)
- A 20-page research proposal, containing:
- The research question;
- A concise review of the literature most relevant to the research;
- The proposed research design;
- The proposed data source(s) and data gathering strategy.
- Reports from two independent professional referees with whom the candidate is well acquainted, commenting on the candidate’s suitability for advanced academic study towards a doctorate. The signed referees reports should be marked “Admissions and the year of study” and sent directly to the Director of Research.
- Successful candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit relevant to the year of application, deductible from their subsequent tuition fees.
- Assessments will be conducted to establish if candidates are capable of doctoral study. Continued study on the doctoral programme will be contingent upon meeting the requirements of the assessment.
Research information
Refer to General Academic Regulations G42-G55.
Progress on the research will be guided by a supervisor and monitored through regular engagement with the student. In order to complete the research, candidates need to share their research, at a practitioner-based forum.
The Dean may authorise matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or in the GIBS regulations.
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