Keystone logo
University of Johannesburg PhD in Social Work
University of Johannesburg

PhD in Social Work

Johannesburg, South Africa

3 Years

English

Full time

31 Oct 2025*

Feb 2026

ZAR 20,405 / per year **

On-Campus

* by noon

** average fee. Additional fees may apply

Key Summary

    About: The PhD in Social Work is designed to prepare students for advanced research, teaching, and leadership roles in the field of social work. The program focuses on developing a strong understanding of social welfare policies, practices, and the broader societal context. Students engage in critical analysis, extensive research, and discussions that contribute to knowledge advancement in social work.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various careers, including university faculty positions, researchers in social work agencies, policy analysts, or leaders in nonprofit organizations focused on social issues. They may also work in government roles, shaping and implementing social welfare policies and programs.

Introduction

The Doctoral program entails a substantial piece of independent research that contributes something new to theory or practice in the field of social work. The program assists you in becoming an expert in a particular facet of social work. We have four Doctoral supervisors with a diverse range of expertise, including clinical social work, community development, developmental research, econometrics, gender-based violence management, occupational social work, poverty, resilience, social development, social policy, social security, and youth transitions.

The supervisors have recognized expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and are committed to rigor and excellence.

Reasons for studying at UJ

  • UJ offers not only a special program called the First Year Experience to help orientate students throughout the first year but we also offer a Senior Student Experience that gears students toward the workplace!
  • Grab the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and train alongside Olympians and Paralympians on state-of-the-art pitches, tracks, and fields, or just keep fit by joining one of the gyms on each of our 4 campuses.
  • Be part of a young, vibrant, and agile university that reflects and adapts easily to our country’s aspirations, while maintaining global relevance through numerous international partnerships.
  • 178 Internationally respected and accepted qualifications.
  • Join a university that cares enough to have raised over R300 million since the start of 2016 in order to support the Missing Middle Campaign. UJ also ensures that more than 6 000 needy students have two healthy meals per day.
  • Study in the vibrant City of Gold – the economic hub of South Africa. Join a vibrant, cosmopolitan, progressive group of students and academics on their way to re-imagining the future!
  • UJ offers an amazing on-campus experience whether you live in one of UJ’s residences, belong to a day house, or whether you just want to socialize at the Student Centres on all campuses.
  • We ensure the health, safety, and security of all our students through our own on-campus health services and UJ Protection Services.
  • Did you know that during the first five years of UJ’s existence it doubled its targeted research output and to this day, continues to break records!

Admissions

Rankings

About the School

Questions