Dear participants on degree info-forum, I'm Patrick Makemba from Tanzania who hold a Masters in Human resource management and I want to pursue a PhD in management, organizational development, performance management or any other related field at UNISA by distance model. But very unceremoniously I missed some information concerning the PhD program by distance as being offered by UNISA and therefore any one who knows something can help me by giving clarification on the following tips so that me and others can benefit from:- 1. How distance PhD programs is organized at UNISA? 2. Is there need to go to South Africa for thesis defense? if not in what modality can it be done? or is it possible to complete PhD program at UNISA entirely distantly without going to South Africa? 3. How much does it cost for the whole program to complete? 4. How their certificate look like? does it bear the model of learning at the University that is a "distance" or the certificates are the same which are given to those who are in class learning ( traditional learning model)?
Patrick UNISA is a distance learning university, one of the oldest in Africa. 1. How distance PhD programs is organized at UNISA? You can either get a PhD in X, or a "Doctor of X", or a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in X. Not sure what the distinctions are, but I believe that the PhD is the lower of the degrees. Master's and doctoral qualifications As an example, in the management sciences area, if you click on one of the focus areas, it will tell you more as to what is needed: Unisa Online - College of Economic and Management Sciences Here is a sample worksheet on applying to a specific programme, http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/faculties/ems/docs/focus-areas/CEMS-2015-Business-Management-Competitive-Advantage.pdf 2. Is there need to go to South Africa for thesis defense? if not in what modality can it be done? or is it possible to complete PhD program at UNISA entirely distantly without going to South Africa? I am undertaking a PhD by distance at another South African university, and I am not required to be there for any reason. The PhD qualification (degree) is research only, which means that no classes are required. 3. How much does it cost for the whole program to complete? The maximum time to complete is six years @ R11 300 to R12 600 per year ( around $1188.66 USD per year), or under 7,200 for the entire program. 4. How their certificate look like? does it bear the model of learning at the University that is a "distance" or the certificates are the same which are given to those who are in class learning ( traditional learning model)? If you graduate from UNISA, it is implied that it is a degree earned by distance, but I doubt that your diploma would say "distance." You may also ask current UNISA students more questions by registering on this site: Study Buddies - The Forum For UNISA Students Time is of the essence, since registration is only open a few times a year, and it starts on 15 September. Here is what you must do: 1. Apply for a student number – follow the steps outlined at Unisa Online - Apply for a student number. 2. Apply for a space in your research focus area by using the online application process. 3. Once acceptance in the research focus area has been confirmed, you may register for your studies. Good luck to you!
1. How distance PhD programs is organized at UNISA? A) For me, it took almost 2 years to get in. Since they do not have American historians per se on staff, I was able to select my chair. I have two co-chairs for my dissertation. After my dissertation is approved by the two of them, then they (the first two) choose a committee of four. Those four are peers in my field. My dissertation then goes to, around and through them for approval. After they approve it, I am considered doctor material. This is the history department. I cannot speak for the other departments. I am in year five. 2. Is there need to go to South Africa for thesis defense? if not in what modality can it be done? or is it possible to complete PhD program at UNISA entirely distantly without going to South Africa? A) Yes. My is totally by distance. I can Skype both of my committee members if I want. 3. How much does it cost for the whole program to complete? A). It has averaged from $1500 dollars a year to $2300. It is always different. Sometimes up. Sometimes down. Again, get with UNISA on that one. 4. How their certificate look like? does it bear the model of learning at the University that is a "distance" or the certificates are the same which are given to those who are in class learning ( traditional learning model)?[/QUOTE] A) I have never asked. I have seen the doctoral gown. They pictured on one of the exclusive providers of the regalia. I am almost positive distance is not on the diploma. Let me speak toward the 6 year limit. No one has mentioned that to me. Not my chair from UNISA or anyone. Now, I do not know that it is true or not, I can just remark on my experiences. Let me say this. If you do this, you are on your own. On YOUR own. I have a dissertation coach and that has helped me tremendously. I try to write 5 pages per week. I am still in revisions. We still have some time to go. When or if you choose to do this, it can be lonely.
Is the dissertation coach someone provided by the school, or did you have to pay additional money to hire that person?
