Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

Research is conducted, under supervision, and a thesis is submitted. This research opportunity grants candidates the opportunity of in-depth specialisation in a chosen field.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics is to provide Postgraduate candidates with opportunities for supervision in advanced, original, highly specialised, scientific study, thereby making a contribution to the international body of knowledge in construction economics and its related fields and demonstrating competence in documenting the research in accordance with pre-requisite, internationally accepted standards of excellence. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 10 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Building Project Manager, Construction Manager, Quantity Surveyor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A Master of Science in Construction Economics (NQF Level 9) or an equivalent qualification. Admission is subject to Departmental selection.

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 the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

Explore more study programmes

Engineering