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North West University Business School PHD
The PhD programme of the NWU School of Business & Governance in Business Administration is a research doctoral degree of exceptional quality. It is expected of prospective candidates to demonstrate experience and control of the focus of the doctoral study. The NWU School of Business & Governance attempts to make the selection process transparent, but should also produce exceptional research.
Therefore, attempts are made on a continuous basis to have publications published in accredited journals extracted from PhD theses. The reason for this is naturally obvious – the research is relevant, actual and strives towards a strong focus on business – and should therefore be absorbed into the wider academic mainstream.
The NWU School of Business & Governance also has a proven research footprint that flows from this philosophy of research and publishing. These do not only include articles, but also accredited conference papers.
The study itself should bear testimony of exceptional research methodology, a definite academic contribution as well as a contribution to business. Because the study is conducted at a Business School, it is expected that the PhD degree, above and beyond other academic requirements, should also have a focus on business.
The selection process is strict and the selection panel takes not of the above-mentioned factors as well as others continuously through the selection process.
It is, for example, procedure to participate, early in the process, in a selection interview during which the background of the study is determined.
Approval of the Study Programme:
Approval of the study programme and the procedure that must be followed take place in terms of general rule A.5.3 The study programme must, to the satisfaction of the director of the research focus area, contribute to the research programme(s) of the University as determined by the different research focus areas/units.
For the purposes of a thesis, a minimum of three published articles or three unpublished manuscripts in article format should be presented. To obtain the degree there must be proof that at least one article has been submitted for publication.
Specific Admission Requirements:
The research ability of the student must be to the satisfaction of the school director and the director of the research area/unit. Students whose ability in research methods are deemed not to be adequate by the school director and research director will only be accepted into a PhD programme after successfully completing the Faculty’s short courses in research methodology.
Part-time students may register for the PhD degree after a research proposal was accepted by the school and if a promoter is available for the study.
A student must have a relevant and applicable M-degree or the status of a relevant and applicable M-degree as approved by the Faculty’s board and senate. The study field must be approved by the relevant school director and research unit director.
The student must at least pass the above mentioned M-degree with an average of 60%.
Important Notice:
The University administration will confirm all applications received. Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the system until all outstanding documents are submitted.
Duration of the PHD Studies:
The minimum duration of the studies is two years and the maximum duration four years, taken from the date of first registration for the specific programme.
Important Dates
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Research Proposal Example
Application form
Information Pamphlet
Information Pamphlet – Foreign students