Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology Course Requirements at University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg · Faculty of Humanities
The Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology is a doctoral Degree offered by University of Johannesburg for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 3 years to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at University of Johannesburg
- A university-based Master's qualification in Sociology, Industrial Sociology or Social Impact Assessment at NQF Level 8
- the Dean may approve exceptions on the Department's recommendation
- The Department must approve the field of study, research topic, methodology and problem statement before registration
About this course
Referred to in the programme as a DLitt et Phil, this thesis-only Doctoral degree requires independent research that demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge in Sociology, with the candidate confirming the thesis is their own unaided work that has not been submitted elsewhere.
Course intelligence for Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Doctoral Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.
Admission chances
This course sits in the middle for competitiveness. With its published admission requirements, you have a reasonable chance if you apply in good time, though it’s not a sure thing. Don’t leave your application to the last week.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with University of Johannesburg and NSFAS.
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- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
View all Courses at University of Johannesburg
- Duration
- 3 years
- NQF Level
- 10
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Source: UJ Faculty of Humanities Postgraduate brochure, last verified 2026-08-28. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with University of Johannesburg before applying.