PHD Development Finance
Research that Redefines Finance for All
Engaged inquiry in a complex world
PhD candidates must complete five research design workshops and a course in theoretical perspectives in development finance.
In line with the research mission of “engaged inquiry in a complex world,” and in addition to the UCT requirement to make an original contribution to knowledge, the GSB expects PhD candidates to develop capacity to transform the financial intermediation process to enhance equity in access to finance by households, governments and businesses to alleviate the poverty.
While the primary guidance to PhD candidates is provided by the PhD supervisor, fellow PhD candidates and other faculty provide a network of support and interaction.
In their first year of registration, PhD candidates are expected to actively participate in our PhD and Research Colloquia (PRCs).
These are five compulsory workshops (between three and five days) distributed throughout the year, which constitute the compulsory Doctoral Research Design course. Candidates on this specialisation are also required to take the Theoretical Perspectives in Development Finance Research course.
Entrance requirements
Prescribed curriculum
The programme comprises a thesis, as well as a compulsory series of workshops for all registered PhD candidates in their first year.
Required courses
| Code |
Course | NQF Credits | NQF Level |
| GSB6001H | Doctoral Research Design | 0 | 10 |
| GSB6003H | Theoretical Perspectives in Development Finance Research | 0 | 10 |
| GSB6002W | Thesis in Development Finance | 360 | 10 |
Applicants must:
- Have a recognised NQF level 9 qualification in development finance or finance or economics which includes a research component completed within a reasonable duration
- Have the necessary competencies in research methodology and practice that are required for the completion of an independent study research degree
Applicants will need to include a nomination of a suitable supervisor in their application. The nominated PhD supervisor must be a full-time academic at the GSB and must be actively publishing in the scholarly literature in the field in question.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The typical duration of a PhD project is between three and four years, if the student is dedicating the bulk of her or his time to the project.
A candidate must be registered for at least two consecutive years, although registration for a year at another university may be accepted as part of that period.
Although no maximum period of time is prescribed for completing a thesis, the university stipulates a "reasonable time", which is generally taken to be five years. If a candidate is not making satisfactory progress, the Commerce Faculty's Higher Degrees Committee may issue a warning, and, if necessary, may refuse re-registration.
Though we do allow part-time PhD students into the programme we recommend that students are able to dedicate at least 20 hours a week to the project. Experience shows that it is otherwise difficult to create and maintain the necessary momentum. Supervisors can at their discretion require students to adhere to certain time commitments.
Meet the team
Get to know the faculty and staff who will guide you through the Phd Devfin programme.
Programme Director
Abdul Latif Alhassan (PhD) is a Professor of Development Finance and Insurance at the Development Finance Centre (DEFIC), University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, Cape Town.
Programme Coordinator (Coursework)
Samantha has been part of the UCT community for over 20 years, dedicating her career to supporting students and ensuring the smooth running of academic programmes.
Admissions
Derek is responsible for the UCT GSB’s recruitment strategy for its academic programmes and works closely with various stakeholders.
Lead the change
Create sustainable financial solutions for the development of emerging economies.
The UCT Graduate School of Business's MCom in Development Finance is a comprehensive programme designed to equip you with the expertise to bridge the financing gap for sustainable development.