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Doctor of Human Resources Management at Central University of Technology, Free State

Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa

Programme overview

The Doctor of Human Resources Management is the pinnacle of professional and academic achievement in the field of human capital at NQF Level 10. It is designed for senior practitioners and scholars who seek to make an original, significant contribution to HR knowledge while solving complex, systemic organisational challenges. Holders of this qualification are recognised as authoritative thought leaders.

Faculty: Management Sciences  |  Department: Business Management  |  Duration: Full-time: Minimum 2 years / maximum 5 years; Part-time: Minimum 3 years / maximum 5 years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

What you will study

Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-intensive doctoral qualification (180 SAQA credits, NQF Level 10). Duration is 2–5 years (full-time) or 3–5 years (part-time).

Career pathways

Career pathways listed by the programme page include Executive Human Capital Leadership; Senior Labour Relations & Public Policy; Business School Academia & Research Leadership; Advanced Organisational Development Consultancy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum Prior Qualification: A cognate 180-credit NQF Level 9 qualification, specifically: A coursework Master’s degree including a mini-dissertation, OR: A research-only Master’s degree. Required Academic Performance: Research-Only Master’s: A minimum grade point average of 60% at the cognate Master’s level. Coursework Master’s: A minimum grade point average of 65%, with no less than 70% achieved in the mini-dissertation component. Experience Exception: Candidates falling short of these thresholds by not more than 5%, but with over 5 years of managerial or professional experience, may be considered subject to a suitability interview. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, provided they can present a suitable research project in their field of specialisation. Programme Regulations & Provisional Admission Process: Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-intensive doctoral qualification (180 SAQA credits, NQF Level 10). Duration is 2–5 years (full-time) or 3–5 years (part-time). Provisional Admission & Proposal Development: Provisionally admitted students are given a maximum of 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) to prepare a research proposal. During this period, they are exposed to three optional research modules (A, B, and C) in a seminar format. Two-Tier Approval Process: The research proposal must first be accepted by the Departmental Research and Innovation Committee (DRIC) for formal registration. Subsequently, it must be approved by the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC) before the student may proceed with the empirical study. Termination of Admission: Failure to fulfil the proposal submission conditions within the allotted time may lead to the termination of provisional admission, unless an acceptable extenuating motivation is provided (in which case, one final extension period may be granted). Graduation: After successful completion and examination of the thesis, the Doctor of Human Resources Management will be awarded during an official graduation ceremony of CUT.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for doctoral degrees close at the end of March.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened in April 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026 for undergraduate, advanced diploma, honours and structured master's programmes; no late or walk-in applications are accepted.

There is no application fee and no residence application fee; applications are made through the online portal.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cut.ac.za/application-process

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