IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce - (Online)

Admission requirements

• A relevant Master’s Degree at NQF Level 9 or equivalent in a cognate field.
• Candidates must have obtained an overall average of at least 65% for their Master’s Degree with evidence of research experience.
• International students must provide SAQA evaluation certificates as proof of the equivalence of their prior qualifications to prove that their prior qualifications are equivalent to a relevant Master's Degree at NQF level 9

Candidates must further comply with the following rigorous selection criteria for entry into the Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce:

• Interview with relevant IIE academics - The interview by a qualified IIE academic will focus on the candidate’s academic qualifications, research potential, relevant experience, and alignment with the institution’s research strengths and priorities.
• Development of a Concept Document - Following a successful interview, candidates must develop and submit a relevant concept document for review
• Once the Concept Document is approved, completion of the Proposal Development for Doctoral Studies Short Learning Programme (SLP) and defence of a research proposal will be required once the student may formally register for the Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce

Please Note

• If a candidate meets the above minimum admission requirements, selection into the Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce is further subject to faculty supervisory capacity, as well as an individual interview, the completion of a preparatory short learning programme, and approval by The IIE’s Higher Degrees Committee of a research proposal.
• The applicant has the right to request a written reason for any refused admission and may appeal to the Research and Postgraduate Committee in writing.
• If the Research and Postgraduate Committee upholds the refusal, the
  decision is final. The candidate may re-apply in the following academic year if they have been able to address the issues concerned and The IIE may invite the candidate to reapply if a suitable supervisor is employed.

Senate Discretionary Admission

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where candidates do not satisfy the formal admission requirements for this qualification, The IIE may consider an admission application in terms of the Qualification Completion, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Articulation and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (IIE010). In terms of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the Doctorate, RPL is only for admission, and candidates need to evidence, inter alia, research competence at an advanced level.

RPL candidates are evaluated on an individual level based on their research experience and readiness for doctoral studies. The offices of the Head of Postgraduate Studies, Head of Faculty, and Dean or Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies review RPL applications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce. Candidates applying for RPL are required to compile a comprehensive portfolio of evidence that includes evidence demonstrating prior learning and the mastering of provided outcomes. The portfolio of evidence is reviewed by two evaluators who makes recommendations following an interview with the applicant. All RPL candidates must be approved by Senate before they can enrol in the Proposal Development for Doctoral Studies SLP.

For alternative admission options, reach out to student recruitment.

Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification are correct at the time of publication, however, these may change.

Curriculum

The proposed Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce is a research-based qualification and as a result no modular work will be offered in this qualification. There are therefore no other compulsory or elective modules and no rules of combination.

Modules, Level and Credits:

Compulsory and Electives:

Compulsory:

• The structure of the Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce consists of only one compulsory NQF level 10 component (module), namely the Doctoral Thesis: Commerce. As it is a research-based doctoral degree with no coursework included, there are no other compulsory or elective modules included in this qualification. The thesis constitutes the full 360 credits for the qualification, in line with the requirements of the HEQSF.
• *Important to note: an additional fee is payable for the Proposal Development for Doctoral Studies Short Learning Programme (PWDS021). Please refer to the fee schedule applicable for further information.

Accreditation

The IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 360-credit qualification on level 10 (SAQA ID: 125159).

Teaching and Learning strategy

At The IIE, we believe that effective teaching is about creating experiences that foster student growth. Our lecturers design activities that challenge students and identify their strengths, allowing for real-time adaptation in the learning journey. By combining subject expertise with teaching insights and digital tools, we extend learning beyond the classroom. This approach ensures students not only keep up but thrive.