PhD in the field of Public and Development Management

If you are qualified and ready to make a top priority of researching and writing about a topic related to public management, development management or related aspects of public policy, the Wits School of Public and Development Management (P&DM) will consider your application for doctoral studies. Senior staff at P&DM have attracted high quality, committed students who are themselves establishing an intellectual milieu conducive to deep, rigorous and wide-ranging enquiries.

The minimum period of study for a PhD is two year in the case of full-time study, and four years in the case of part-time study (unless special permission is given to complete the degree in three years for part-time study). The degree itself is awarded on the basis of a thesis and successful fulfilment of an attendance requirement that may include prerequisite courses (depending upon the applicant's background).

The PhD thesis typically ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 words. It is examined by the candidate’s supervisor and two examiners external to the university, at least one of whom has an international standing. In terms of University rules, the key criterion for award of the PhD degree is that it must “make an original contribution to the advancement of knowledge”.

Students researching for the PhD typically have a master’s degree and several years management experience, and are seeking to advance the state of knowledge in their particular domain by gathering substantial data, evaluating theory and generating original arguments regarding a significant public management and development issue.