The Department of Business Management at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is dedicated to providing high-quality postgraduate supervision that empowers Master's and Doctoral students to excel in their research. Our experienced academic staff provide knowledgeable, supportive, and engaged guidance every step of the way, ensuring that students thrive in a dynamic and enriching scholarly environment.

Personalised and Expert Supervision

Successful applicants are matched with supervisors whose expertise aligns closely with their chosen research interests. This ensures tailored mentorship throughout the research process.

Our supervisors are:

• Recognised subject specialists, active in research and postgraduate supervision
• Passionate mentors who provide constructive feedback and academic support
• Committed to fostering critical thinking, innovation, and independent scholarship

The Department hosts a strong cohort of supervisors engaged in various areas of business management research. Master’s and Doctoral students, fellow academics, and industry partners can collaborate with our supervisors, listed by research interest on our Research Focus Areas (RFA) page.

For inquiries, please contact the Department’s Master’s & Doctoral Coordinator, Mr Kagiso Mashego: mashek@unisa.ac.za.

Collaborative Support and Academic Development

At the Department of Business Management, we value open communication and encourage students to participate actively in supervision, departmental initiatives, and broader academic discourse.

The Department also offers a variety of development resources, including:

• Research methodology and design workshops
• Academic writing support
• Data analysis training
• Seminars on contemporary business challenges

In this supportive environment, we help cultivate research that contributes to both academic knowledge and practical solutions to real-world business problems.

Research Focus Areas

All Master’s and Doctoral research must fall within one of the Department’s established Research Focus Areas (RFAs):

• Business Ethics
• Corporate Sustainability
• Intellectual Capital
• Responsible Management
• Strategy-as-Practice
• The Digital Business Environment and User Engagement
• Women in Management and Leadership in the private and public sector
• Business Management in South Africa: Growth and Profitability of SMMEs
• Business Remodelling: Rethinking value and building an open collaborative micro enterprise network to achieve greater societal good.
• Competitive Intelligence
• International Business Strategies and Finance

Please note: Some RFAs may be closed for applications in a given academic year. Visit the Research Focus areas page for the latest availability.

What’s New?

Current and prospective postgraduate students should take note of the following important updates for the academic year (also available on the Master’s and Doctoral Degrees site):

• Introduction of the compulsory African Academic Support Programme
• A viva voce requirement for Doctoral students who first registered in 2022
• Availability of the PhD by publication

Useful Links

• For current and prospective students – Click here
• For current students and supervisors – Click here 

Before You Apply

To avoid disappointment, applicants are encouraged to ensure that their intended research topic:

1. Fits within one of the Department’s RFAs
2. Aligns with the scope, agenda, and thematic direction of the selected RFA
3. Follows the required expression of interest structure, as outlined in the RFA description

Students may consult potential supervisors regarding the suitability of a topic; however, all applications are subject to the same formal selection process.