Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Business Management at Central University of Technology, Free State

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Business Management is the highest academic qualification in the field, designed for scholars and senior industry leaders who seek to make a unique, original contribution to global hospitality knowledge. Graduates are recognised as authoritative thought leaders.

Faculty: Management Sciences | Department: Hospitality Management | Duration: 2 years (full-time), 4 years (part-time) | 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 typically a minimum of 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time), up to a maximum of 6 years.

Career pathways

Career pathways listed by the programme page include Executive Hospitality Leadership; Academia & Higher Education Leadership; Advanced Hospitality Consultancy & Advisory; Hospitality Research & Innovation Leadership.

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: A minimum average of 65% at the Master’s degree level. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): An RPL route exists for applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, subject to specific conditions. Research Proposal: In co-operation with CUT, the student must present a suitable research project in their field of specialisation prior to formal registration. Programme Regulations: Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-intensive doctoral qualification (180 SAQA credits, NQF Level 10). Duration is typically a minimum of 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time), up to a maximum of 6 years. Instructional Offering: The programme culminates in the completion of an Advanced Research Project and Thesis (Main Code: HBT7010). Graduation: After successful completion and examination of the thesis, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Business 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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