Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at University of Fort Hare

Programme overview

A Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies offers an in-depth exploration of the complex processes that shape social, economic, and political development across the globe. This degree equips scholars with advanced theoretical frameworks to examine issues such as poverty, inequality, human rights, sustainable development, and globalization. By engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives from economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology, a PhD in Development Studies fosters critical thinking about the challenges and opportunities facing developing nations and marginalized communities.

Faculty: Management and Commerce | Duration: 3 years full-time / 5 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Career pathways

Career opportunities listed on the page include Development Economist, Professor, Researcher, Policy Advisor, International Development Specialist, Social Researcher, Development Consultant, Program Evaluator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To qualify for admission to a Doctoral qualification, a prospective student must have successfully completed a Master’s degree at the University, or a similar qualification at the appropriate NQF level which, in the opinion of Senate and subject to SAQA evaluation, is regarded as equivalent to or higher than a Master’s degree of the University, or must have passed the examinations on the basis of which he or she will be awarded a Master’s degree by the University or on the basis of which the required status may later be granted; the prospective student must also have submitted his or her Master’s dissertation for examination with the consent of the supervisor and within the deadline stipulated by the University, and these requirements must be read together with the University’s Policy and Rules on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as well as any further programme-specific entry requirements set out in the relevant Faculty Prospectus.

Main intake: first semester starts 2 February 2026; second semester starts 13 July 2026.

Applications for PhD programmes open 1 May 2026 and close 31 March 2027; the application fee is R120.

The application fee of R120 is non-refundable and payable on or before 30 September; late applications for undersubscribed qualifications carry a fee of R300.

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