What is the Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus?

Unisa is the largest open distance learning (ODL) university in Africa.

It offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications, including honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s and doctoral degrees.

The Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus is a vital resource for anyone considering postgraduate studies at this esteemed institution.

This guide provides detailed information on all aspects of postgraduate study at Unisa to make the application and enrolment process smoother for aspiring students.

What information does the Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus contain?

The Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus is a treasure trove of information for prospective postgraduate students.

This is an outline of the key details you can expect to find:

1. Available Postgraduate Qualifications: A comprehensive list of all postgraduate honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees offered by Unisa across various colleges and departments. Each program description outlines the program structure, learning outcomes, coursework details, and research components (if applicable).
2. Admission Requirements: Specific admission criteria for each program, including the minimum academic qualifications needed (e.g. undergraduate degree classification), any required work experience, and language proficiency requirements.
3. Application Process: A step-by-step guide on applying for postgraduate studies at Unisa. This includes details on submitting online applications, required supporting documents, application deadlines, and the selection process.
4. Fees and Funding: Information on tuition fees and other associated costs for each program. Additionally, the prospectus may provide details on bursaries, scholarships, and financial aid options available to postgraduate students.
5. Course Delivery: An explanation of Unisa’s unique ODL model, including details on learning materials, online resources, communication with lecturers and supervisors, and assessment methods.
6. Support Services: A comprehensive overview of the support services available to postgraduate students, such as academic advising, library services, disability services, and career development resources.
7. Important Dates and Deadlines: Key dates and deadlines for applications, registration, commencement of studies, and exam schedules.

Where can I find the Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus?

The Unisa Postgraduate Prospectus is not available as a single downloadable document.

However, the information it contains is readily accessible on the Unisa website.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Visit the Unisa website: https://www.unisa.ac.za/
2. Click on the “Study at Unisa” tab.
3. Select “Postgraduate Studies”.
4. You will be directed to a webpage with resources for prospective postgraduate students. This page will typically provide links to the following:
   • A downloadable brochure outlining the general postgraduate application process.
   • Links to the websites of each college or department within Unisa. These college/department websites often contain downloadable prospectuses specific to their offerings.

What are the types of postgraduate qualifications offered by Unisa?

Unisa offers a diverse range of postgraduate qualifications to cater to various academic and professional aspirations.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Honours Degrees: Honours degrees are one-year qualifications that build upon an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. They generally involve coursework and a research component, preparing students for further postgraduate studies or specialized careers.
2. Postgraduate Diplomas: These are focused qualifications, typically shorter than honours degrees, designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field.
3. Master’s Degrees: Master’s degrees are advanced qualifications that typically require one to two years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and involve a substantial research project or dissertation.
4. Doctoral Degrees: Doctoral degrees, such as PhDs, are the highest level of academic qualification and involve extensive independent research culminating in a doctoral thesis.

What are the admission requirements for postgraduate studies at Unisa?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program you choose.

However, some general requirements apply to most postgraduate qualifications at Unisa:

1. An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification: This could be an honours degree, a postgraduate diploma, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
2. Minimum academic performance: This typically ranges from a 60% average for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas to a 65% average for master’s degrees.
3. Research proposal (Master’s and Doctoral degrees): For research-based programs, you may need to submit a research proposal outlining your intended area of study and research methodology.
4. Meeting specific program requirements: Some programs may have additional requirements like relevant work experience, portfolio submissions, or standardized test scores.