Find solutions to real-world business problems through in-depth research
This internationally accredited PhD Business Management and Administration is aimed at those who want to acquire personal and transferable skills through rigorous research and want to become an expert in their field.
This requires a contribution to new knowledge through in-depth research. Equipped with our PhD Business Management, you will help to find solutions to pressing business problems in the real world. The Business School emphasises the creation of knowledge that is particularly relevant to African organisations.
This degree will stand you in good stead if you want to establish yourself as an expert in a particular field, and if you want to work in industries focused on research and innovation, or at an academic institution.
We prefer topics pertaining to the commercial and non-profit sectors. Our areas of expertise include responsible leadership, futures studies and foresight, finance and growth, equality and diversity, conflict and collaboration, coaching, governance, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
PhD
PhD Business Management and Administration
Solve real-world business problems
By doing research on PhD level, you will help to find solutions to pressing business problems in the real world
Become an expert in your field
Show your commitment to life-long learning, and confirm your credibility
Duration
At least 2 years of registration
Course Structure and Content
Stellenbosch Business School’s internationally accredited PhD Business Management and Administration (PhD BMA) is aimed at helping you become an expert in your field and confirm your credibility. Your PhD dissertation must contribute to and enrich the academic knowledge and understanding of theory and professional practice.
We emphasise the creation of knowledge that is particularly relevant to African organisations and that adheres to the principle of serving the common good. This forms part of our social responsibility to strengthen our country and continent to the benefit of all those involved. By doing research on doctoral level, you will help to find solutions to pressing business problems in the real world.
The PhD BMA is a combination of scientific rigour and managerial relevance. To develop applicable knowledge underpinned by theory and practice, PhD students need to conduct research on real-world challenges, and develop personal and transferable skills that can be used in a range of applied situations.
While studying with us, you will have the backing of two global doctoral associations as the Business School is a member of both EDAMBA and the GRLI's Global Doctoral Alliance. This provides you with a worldwide network for the exchange of information and discussion of ideas, and the opportunity to apply for grants and attend summer schools abroad.
This is how the programme is structured:
- The application process: To become a registered PhD student, you need to submit a dissertation pre-proposal with your application pack (academic records, CV, consent form to verify your qualifications, SHL selection test results, etc.). Once your dissertation pre-proposal has been accepted, you will be given provisional acceptance as a PhD student. Next, you need to prepare your comprehensive research proposal. This will allow you to register formally for your PhD.
- Assessment of your application: Your application package, including your dissertation pre-proposal, will be reviewed and evaluated the Business School’s Doctoral Committee. This may take up to six weeks.
- The actual research process: Once your dissertation pre-proposal has been approved, you need to prepare and submit a comprehensive research proposal. You will be formally registered for your PhD once your comprehensive research proposal has been accepted. This proposal will serve as your road map for the completion of your PhD degree. This PhD is awarded solely on the successful completion of a research-based dissertation, or publishable articles.
- Approval of your dissertation and graduation: Your final dissertation will be evaluated by three examiners. This will be followed by a public oral defence of the dissertation – the viva voce – before your dissertation is finally approved. Upon completion of your PhD, you will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management and Administration by Stellenbosch University.
- Minimum period of registration: Two years
If you would like to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of business management and our understanding of this field, this internationally accredited PhD will prove your proficiency, show your commitment to life-long learning, and confirm your credibility.
This PhD is aimed at leaders, managers, strategists and consultants focused on solving real-world issues through evidenced-based problem solving, critical thinking and in-depth research in business management.
This will prepare you to work in industries focused on research and innovation, consultancies, and academic institutions.
Your application must include a pre-proposal, written in scientific language, on your intended research. The pre-proposal serves to demonstrate whether you have a mature approach to high-level research. It also helps us evaluate whether the topic is viable and whether we can provide appropriate supervision and resources. The word count of the pre-proposal is approximately 4 000 words (excluding references).
This is what your pre-proposal must cover:
- Title
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Research methodology
- Potential contribution of the research
- References
This is what the PhD Admissions Committee is looking for:
- Your contribution to new knowledge
- Your ability to write an academic piece of text
- Fit with the Business School’s interests.
Your dissertation pre-proposal will also help us to determine whether you have thought through your interest in and commitment to the programme, and whether you are suitable for admission to the PhD BMA.
Once your pre-proposal has been approved, you need to submit a comprehensive research proposal. Your provisional supervisor will guide you in the preparation of your proposal. You will be formally registered for your PhD once your comprehensive research proposal has been accepted. Your comprehensive research proposal will serve as your road map for the completion of your PhD.
The PhD is awarded solely on the successful completion of a research-based dissertation, or publishable articles. Through your doctoral research, you must demonstrate the following:
- Expertise, knowledge and reflection of theories and methods at the forefront of a field or discipline
- The ability to apply theories, acquire new knowledge and generate new insights to confront practical and theoretical problems with the aim of proposing relevant and ethical solutions
- The ability to communicate your work to an audience of researchers
- The ability to take part as a researcher in the international research community.
Your final dissertation will be evaluated by three examiners. This will be followed by a public oral defence of the dissertation – the viva voce. If successful, you will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management and Administration by Stellenbosch University.
Programme Head
Prof
Charlene
Gerber
Download brochure here
Download brochure to discover more about our programmes
You will develop personal and transferable skills that can be used in a range of applied situations, enabling you to become an expert in your field of study.
Programme Fees
Application fee and SHL tests for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: Students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 80% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 20% by the end of September.
Payment schedule (calculated on outstanding fee after deposit payment):
28 February - 31 May - 20% x 4 months (80%)
30 June - 20 September - 5% x 4 months (20%) - Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due one month before commencement of the programme. The South African exchange rate favours international students.
- Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable and will be deducted from the total programme fees.
- Assessment of international students’ applications: International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. Should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA. The Business School will only assess your application once we have received your application fee and SHL fee.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Fees for second and subsequent years of enrolment: These fees will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases.
- Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
- Fee changes: The Business School reserves the right to change the fees at any time.
Please use your Student Number as Reference | Email proof of payment to [email protected] | Quote your student number in all correspondence.
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- A relevant master's degree in an appropriate management-related area, with an average grade of at least 65%.
- The major part of the master's degree (weight within degree) must consist of a written thesis with an average grade of at least 65%..
Minimum period of registration
- At least 2 years
SHL selection test
- Complete the SHL abilities selection test as part of your application process.
- The test consists of a verbal critical reasoning assessment, numerical critical reasoning assessment, inductive reasoning test, and Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) on behavioural preferences, which are used for selection and for the identification of your development areas.
International students: International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. Stellenbosch Business School’s International Affairs Office will handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. You therefore need to complete the online application, and upload all certificates to your application. The International Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application.
You need to complete the SHL abilities selection test as part of your application process. The test consists of a verbal critical reasoning assessment, numerical critical reasoning assessment, inductive reasoning test, and Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) on behavioural preferences, which are used for selection and for the identification of your development areas.
The SHL is not about failing or passing. It is about determining your strengths and growth areas. The early identification of growth areas allows you to prepare yourself well and focus your efforts on academic and career success. As a responsible institution, Stellenbosch Business School needs to ensure that all students admitted are provided with the best possible chance to succeed in their studies and careers. The SHL is used in combination with the dissertation pre-proposal, prior academic results and work experience to form a clear picture on which to base admission and development decisions.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
- Preparation: No preparation is required. However, you are encouraged to perform a practice test to familiarise yourself with the test format. See shl.com/shldirect/en-us/practice-tests/
- About the test: The SHL test is done online. (Random verification might be requested.) You will be provided with a link to the SHL test once you have paid your PhD BMA application fee and SHL selection test fee, and after you have submitted your application form and have received your provisional student number. (You need to use this provisional student number when writing the SHL.)
- Cost: See fees elsewhere on this page. See bank details under How to apply and use your provisional student number as reference. The application fee and SHL selection test fee can be paid online.
- Link to the SHL selection test: You do not have to arrange with Stellenbosch Business School to write the SHL test. You will receive a link to the test once the relevant payments have been received and you have submitted your application form. Stellenbosch Business School will receive your results directly from SHL and will upload it to your application form on your behalf.
- Additional information: shl.com/en/assessments/cognitive-ability/
- Important: The SHL selection test is valid for 18 months. If your SHL selection test results are older than this, you should ideally rewrite the test as people grow and develop and assessments need to take this into account. Stellenbosch Business School does not consider SHL tests from other institutions as you may have written a different type or level of test, or you may have been compared to a different comparison group. If you have completed the SHL with Stellenbosch Business School during the past 18 months, you do not have to rewrite the test.
Before you start
- Only online applications are accepted.
- The online application form consists of various sections. In order to progress to the next section, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system.
- You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information (i.e. you do not have to complete the application form in one sitting).
- The application process is the same for South African and international students.
- International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
- Applicants can go back to their applications and check the status of their applications.
- All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.
- It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
The application process
Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online application form by completing each of the required sections. The Business School will upload the SHL selection test results on your behalf. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:
- Certified copy of ID or passport
- Certified copies of academic records/transcripts
- Certified copies of degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- Dissertation pre-proposal
- Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
You can pay your application fee online.
- Bank details: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
- Enquiries about payments: Please send an e-mail to [email protected].
Assessment of your application
Your application package, which includes your dissertation pre-proposal, will be reviewed and evaluated the Business School’s Doctoral Committee and your provisional promoter. This may take up to six weeks.
Deadline for applications: 31 August 2023. The Admissions Committee reviews applications during September.
Study visa requirements for international students
All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at Stellenbosch Business School require a study visa. Prospective students should contact their nearest South African Mission (South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission), normally in their country of origin, to enquire about the requirements for study visas for South Africa. Applicants are required to present themselves in person so that biometric data may be captured. All international students can contact the Business School’s International Affairs Office at [email protected] for assistance. All international students must hold a valid visa for their intended activity prior to entering South Africa.
Notes on obtaining a study visa
- Obtaining a study visa from the South African authorities takes approximately 12 to 16 weeks from the date of application. However, some missions may process applications sooner. Sufficient time should be allowed for study visa applications to be processed.
- Your study visa application should include a copy of the letter offering a place on the Business School’s study programme. This letter will be provided by our Academic Administration once the application has been approved. A place on the programme must be confirmed before a study visa application can be considered by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Students should not proceed to Stellenbosch University or its Business School without a valid study visa.
- Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can be expected to provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a radiology report, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School. Your nearest South African Mission will be able to advise in this regard. The onus falls on the student to make sure that he/she submits a complete application pack.
- All documents should be certified and translated into English before submission (in order not to delay the outcome of the application).
Contact Us
Please contact us if you need more information on this programme or the application process:
Programme enquiries and support with the applications process
Customer Liaison Officer
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4246
Email: [email protected]
Admission and registration enquiries
Marissa Groenewald
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4114
Email: maris@stellenboschbusiness.ac.za
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
Frequently asked questions
In our process, we encourage prospective PhD students to provide some original and independent thinking in the pre-proposal. Prior contact with a potential supervisor may make it difficult to distinguish the applicant’s thinking from the supervisor’s guidance.
You can find information about funding on our website. Additionally, please feel free to explore the funding opportunities available via the Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Office (http://www.sun.ac.za/english/research-innovation/Research-Development/postgraduate-funding-support)
- Contribution: What makes a PhD different to any other degree is that it must contribute to knowledge. At Stellenbosch Business School, we understand this contribution to be a theoretical one. (Read more about contribution here, and the definition of theory here). Try and avoid submitting a pre-proposal that reads more like a consulting report focusing on a specific context.
- Academic writing: PhD students should be able to write in alignment with the standard academic conventions, which includes full referencing. Pre-proposals are submitted to a text-matching programme to check for potential text recycling.
- Fit with Stellenbosch Business School’s interests: We strongly prefer projects in the private and non-profit sectors, as opposed to those in the public sector.
As mentioned, we encourage original thinking in the pre-proposal, and sharing such examples will make it difficult to distinguish your thinking from third-party ideas.
Unfortunately, our minimum requirements are fixed. Currently we do not offer any supplementary modules that will help you make up the minimum.
The allocation of appropriate supervisors is the responsibility of Stellenbosch Business School. While we do work with external supervisors regularly, the appointment of an external supervisor is motivated by the internal supervisor, and an existing relationship between supervisors have been found to be most beneficial to the success of the student’s project.
