Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Research Excellence at University of Pretoria

Research at the University of Pretoria (UP) is at the apex of the University’s long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, which is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa. Equally important is the University’s international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and in the region. UP therefore deliberately balances its focus on research and innovation and the partnerships fostered by creating an environment that is conducive to scholarly pursuits. A wide range of research and professional areas underscores the strength of UP in research and postgraduate education, and also the areas in which UP is positioned as a research leader in Africa and internationally.

UP has been home to some of Africa’s most significant leaders in research. Each year the increasing number of National Research Foundation-rated researchers is evidence of the University’s commitment to attracting and retaining researchers of the highest distinction, as well as young researchers with the potential for research excellence.

It is through the sustained individual and collective actions of our researchers that UP continues to strengthen its identity as a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

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Welcome to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

For over 100 years, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria has produced a high calibre of professionals. Many of our alumni are leaders in business and have made their mark around the world. Notably, the faculty has the highest pass rate of first-time writers of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants’ initial test of competency, and is the most successful at producing chartered accountants in the country. We also offer fully online programmes to further your skills. Click here to find a postgraduate programme that suits you.
Message from the Dean
Welcome to the University of Pretoria! Thanks for choosing UP! The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences has been producing a very high calibre of business professionals and public sector officials for more than 100 years. We’re renowned for providing a high quality of teaching and learning support which has taken our students to great heights.

Whether you want to become a chartered accountant, banker, diplomat, economist, government official, marketing manager, start your own business or help people in the workplace as a human resource professional, we have an academic programme suited to your dreams. We have the best systems in place to help you graduate on time, to learn how to land your first job; conduct yourself in the workplace and learn how to start your own business.

With us, you’ll be part of THE UP WAY, which is our way of life. It is how we use our resources to ensure that we strive for excellence in our teaching and learning. We innovate and develop real world skills and solutions and have a positive impact on society. This means that you will develop into a well-rounded, critical thinking individual who lives as an ethical citizen and is an asset to the workplace and society as a whole.

So #ChooseUP, we hope to see you next year!

Academic Programmes

Postgraduate programmes

Postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences introduce increasing levels of specialisation into the major disciplines – from honours to master’s to doctoral levels.

As the Faculty is mainly a professional faculty, students tend to pursue degrees to the level required by the accrediting professional bodies, usually an honours or a master’s degree. The Faculty has introduced a number of new master’s programmes by coursework in areas of specialisation where there is an increasing demand for skills in the market place.

All doctoral degrees are based purely on research although the attendance of a number of modules/seminars may be required as a prerequisite.

Read more about the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ postgraduate programmes.

Research Areas

The Faculty of Economic and Management (EMS) aims to be a research-intensive Faculty undertaking research that contributes to knowledge production and solves some of societies complex problems. Through a multitude of research initiatives and collaborations, the Faculty aims to expand its research and intellectual presence across its four disciplines.

The Faculty is committed to enhancing its research productivity to increase research output, research impact and improve its research visibility. Aligned to its vision to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial, and management education, research, and community engagement within the national, African, and global context, the Faculty is continuously strengthening its research profile through strategic international partnerships and knowledge-capacity building. The Faculty has a number of leading extraordinary professors with joint affiliations at prominent international institutions to supervise doctoral students, mentor emerging researchers, and co-publish with other leading researchers in the Faculty.

The Faculty’s primary focus is on conducting research that creates meaningful societal impact and adds value across all its research focus areas.

For more information about the Faculty’s research areas

Supervisors

After selecting your postgraduate programme, you will need to identify a supervisor to give you  academic support and help you achieve a high standard of research outputs during your postgraduate journey. At UP we place strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation and strive to provide a supportive environment for all our postgraduate students to thrive.

Choosing a supervisor plays a crucial role in empowering students to become independent thinkers, skilled researchers and influential contributors in their chosen fields. Supervisors also play a pivotal role in helping students shape their research topics, refine methodologies and navigate the complex landscape of academia.

During your postgraduate studies, you have the chance to work closely with your supervisors, receiving personalised attention and guidance. This close relationship allows for constructive feedback, brainstorming sessions and the development of critical thinking skills.

If you are considering postgraduate studies at UP, rest assured that you will be embarking on an exciting journey of intellectual exploration, personal growth and professional development. By choosing UP you will have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional supervisors, collaborate with exceptional peers and make a lasting impact in your chosen discipline.

Find a suitable supervisor for your chosen area of research here

Research That Matters

RESEARCH AND TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Our academic staff are recognised for research and teaching excellence and students have the opportunity to work directly with staff, for a stimulating postgraduate experience. Our Faculty boasts a number of South African National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers. In fact, we have the highest number of researchers who are internationally recognised for research excellence across faculties of economic and management sciences in South Africa. We also have a number of institutes and centres engaged in thought leadership in areas such as taxation, economics, and responsible leadership.

Our postgraduate students have access to numerous research support services in the Faculty, as well as UP’s cutting-edge Graduate Support Hub. Many funding opportunities are available through the University’s bursary programme, and we have a number of business-sponsored scholarships as well as academic staff research project bursaries.

LEADERS IN ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

The Faculty aims to be an internationally recognised and locally relevant centre of research excellence in the economic, management and financial sciences. It strives to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education and research, with an African focus. The implementation of various interventions has resulted in a marked increase in the Faculty’s research outputs over the last few years.

 

Institutes, Centres and Units

Read more about the institutes, centres and units aligned to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria
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Funding Opportunities

As a postgraduate student or researcher at the UP there are a number of research resources available to you to identify suitable research funding opportunities. Apart from the University, many companies and institutions offer scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate studies. The University manages a number of financial aid funds on behalf of institutions who provide such funding. Applications for financial assistance/bursaries/grants or funding must be submitted in the year before study commences, and is subject to approval and availability.

Read more about funding opportunities.

Student Voices

Valerie Van Wyk

Sizakele Muyedzwa

Favour Oluwamakinde

Duané Kitching

Postgraduate Accommodation

If you are looking for that special place you can call your home away from home, then a residence at the University of Pretoria (UP) is just the place for you. With us, you will find an environment that is conducive to working and studying hard.

Click here to learn more about our accommodation application process.

Jakaranda Residence

Protea Mbalenhle Residence

Tuksdorp

Xayata Residence

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