Description
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Spatial Sciences is aimed at equipping students with deepened knowledge and research
skills in their specialisation area by creating new knowledge that will bring solutions and implement new ideas to the spatial
sciences.
The programme will enable students to develop a thorough understanding of relevant methodological approaches and
develop general competence in and knowledge of one or more of the subfields in Spatial Sciences. In addition, through
independent research using advanced methods and techniques, the student will contribute new knowledge on the topic of
interest and/or contribute to the solution of sophisticated application problems in the field of study.
The prospective students will be mainly graduates of the Master Programmes of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial
Sciences and graduates of similar Master programmes at other universities. Master programmes in cognate areas may also
qualify for admission to the programme under certain conditions.
Admission Requirements
Applicants who hold qualifications from recognised institutions at NQF level 9 in Spatial Science subjects and/or related
cognitive areas can be considered for admission to this programme. Applicants need to provide evidence of having conducted
supervised research at degree level. In addition, applicants will be requested to attend a pre‐selection interview at the
discretion of the Programme Coordinator. The applicants may be requested to make up specific deficiencies at the discretion
of the supervisor and, through the respective Head of Departments. Apart from the applicant’s qualification, the admission of
an applicant will also depend on the availability of a qualified and competent supervisor for the planned topic and the
available staff resources of the affected department(s). Applicants are welcome to approach the relevant department directly,
to discuss possibilities before drafting a Concept Note, which is expected to be submitted in draft form prior to the formal
application for admission to the programme.
The Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) will approve the final selection and admission of the selected candidates in accordance
with the regulations as specified by Rules for Postgraduate Studies of the NUST Yearbook (Part 1). First‐time registration may
only occur upon the submission and approval of a Concept Note by the HDC. The Concept Note is prepared under the
guidance of the student’s designated supervisor. Continuation of admission to the programme is conditional on the
production and approval of a comprehensive research proposal, which needs to be submitted within the first two semesters
for full‐time students and within the first three semesters for part‐time students. These procedures will be fully explained to
each prospective student during his or her personal interview. Additional information is given in the Guidelines for the
Supervision and Examination of Masters and Doctoral Programmes.
It is recommended that candidates submit their applications within the window of opportunity provided by NUST for
applications, normally between June and August, with intent to register at the beginning of the following semester, usually in
late January or early February. Application or registration outside of the normal periods will be subject to payment of late
application fee or late registration fee, and processing may be delayed.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD programme will be able to work as university academics and researchers, consultants, senior managers in both the public and private sectors, or take up applied and interdisciplinary research positions in governmental and / or non-governmental organisations where there is increasing demand for professionals with advanced academic and technical skills
