Doctor of Philosophy (Social Development Professions) at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The purpose of the qualification is to develop highly advanced and specialised academic study of some aspect or field of the social sciences, with emphasis on research which contributes original knowledge to the field of study capable of withstanding international intellectual scrutiny.

Faculty: Health Sciences | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The published curriculum is an NQF Level 10 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Social Worker, Youth Worker.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Holders of a Master's degree or other qualification approved by Senate, may be accepted. Candidate must contact the Head of Department before applying for admission.

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

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