49 PhD programmes offered by the university

PhD applications are considered throughout the year. At Stellenbosch University, we do, however, encourage applicants to register for the Chemical Engineering programme at the beginning of a new academic year.

We offer our graduate students a phd degree in Physical and Mathematical Analysis at the Stellenbosch University. 

The Agronomy programs at Stellenbosch University focus is on research in various crop production areas and delivers specialists in the field.

At the Stellenbosch University, we offer our graduate students a unique phd degree in Zoology. This research uses an integrative approach.

The Microbiology department at Stellenbosch University has a history of more than 50 years and maintained a high research profile for over three decades with a focus on bacteriology, mycology and environmental research, with applications thereof in the food, pharmaceutical and bioenergy industries. 

Doctoral Drama and Theatre Studies degrees at Stellenbosch University in the arts are research degrees culminating in a dissertation. The study as a whole can consist of theoretical work or it can be the result of an integrated study of the creative processes and theoretical work which are reported in a dissertation.

The African Languages specialization areas at Stellenbosch University available for  PhD  study are  similar, and/ or related to those   described  for the Master's degree  Programme above.

The Social Work programme at Stellenbosch University extends over a minimum of two registration periods. The maximum time prospective students are normally allowed to complete their research proposal in order to register is one year, and after registration, students may take a maximum of three years to complete their study. 

The Sociology programme at Stellenbosch University involves independent and original research, leading towards the writing of a dissertation on an approved topic, as developed in an approved research proposal and under the supervision of a supervisor and, where appropriate, a co-supervisor. 

This program in Animal Production Systems at Stellenbosch University leads to the qualification PhD (Agric) (field: Animal Sciences). 

A dissertation containing the results of your independent, original research is required. We offer a phd degree in Polymer Science at the Stellenbosch University.

The PhD in Visual Arts is a doctoral programme at Stellenbosch University that offers an opportunity for an independent, specialised and advanced research project that makes an original and creative contribution to the broad discipline of media and the visual arts. 

The applied Entomology research from Stellenbosch University focuses mainly on the integrated management of mite and insect pests and the concepts, rationale and application thereof, especially to deciduous fruit, fruit fly management in the fruit industry, post-harvest entomology and plant nematological pests.

The Urban and Regional Planning programme at Stellenbosch University is presented by the Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE) of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

Candidates for the PhD in Music at Stellenbosch University must have a Master’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent qualification approved by Senate for this purpose) that provides evidence of advanced, independent creative abilities and/or research skills.

The research activities in our Electrical or Electronic Engineering department at Stellenbosch University are led by individual supervisors. 

The Geography and Environmental Studies programme at the Stellenbosch University focuses on the study and resolution of human-environmental and urban or tourism-related problems and phenomena from a spatial perspective.

For the PhD degree in Engineering at Stellenbosch University, the student must normally submit a doctoral dissertation (of 3600 hours) and defend it successful during an oral examination. 

At the Stellenbosch University, we offer our graduate students a unique phd degree in Ancient Languages.

A dissertation that is the product of your personal and independent research is required in the Earth Sciences program from Stellenbosch University.