Faculty of Management Sciences Department of Tourism and Event Management Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Business Management
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Business Management

Career Opportunities & Professional Pathways

A PhD in Tourism and Event Business Management equips individuals with the highest level of expertise, opening up prestigious and influential roles across academia, global policy, industry leadership, and advanced consultancy. Graduates are positioned to significantly impact the global tourism landscape through innovative strategies, policy development, and thought leadership. Career pathways include:

  • Academic Leadership & Advanced Research: University Professors, Academic Administrators (Deans, Department Heads), and Tourism Research Directors, leading large-scale research initiatives, publishing in top-tier journals, editing academic publications, and shaping the future of tourism curriculum and theoretical foundations.
  • Global Policy & International Development: Policy Advisors, Executive Directors of international organisations (e.g., UNWTO, World Bank), and Global Policy Influencers, advising governments and NGOs on sustainable tourism, economic development, climate change mitigation, and cultural preservation on a global scale.
  • Executive Industry Leadership & Strategic Consultancy: CEOs, COOs, and Directors of Strategic Development for major tourism corporations, alongside Sustainability and International Development Consultants, driving long-term strategic planning, innovation, and ethical practices within the global hospitality and travel sectors.
  • Heritage Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Cultural Heritage Managers, Museum Directors, Tourism Entrepreneurs, and Innovation Specialists, leveraging deep industry knowledge to preserve cultural sites, launch niche travel tech startups, and pioneer new, sustainable tourism products and experiences.

Research Output & Dissertations

As the highest academic qualification, this PhD culminates in a substantial, original thesis that makes a significant, novel contribution to the field of Tourism and Event Business Management. Prospective students are encouraged to review past research to understand the scope, rigour, and real-world impact of the work produced within the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Doctorate : Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Business Management

D_PTEM

Campus

Duration of Programme

SAQA Credits

NQF Level

Bloemfontein Campus

2-5 years, full-time; 4-6 years, part-time

360

10

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum Prior Qualification

A cognate 180-credit NQF Level 9 Master’s degree (either a coursework degree with a mini-dissertation or a research-only degree).

Required Academic Performance

  • A minimum average of 65% at the Master’s degree level.
  • Research Proposal: In co-operation with CUT, the student must present a suitable research project in their field of specialisation prior to formal registration.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): An RPL route exists for applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, subject to specific conditions.

Programme Regulations & The Research Process

  • Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-intensive doctoral qualification (NQF Level 10). Duration is typically a minimum of 2 years (full-time) up to a maximum of 6 years.
  • Instructional Offering: The programme culminates in the completion of an Advanced Research Project and Thesis (Main Code: TET7010).
  • Two-Tier Approval Process: Provisionally admitted students are given up to 6 months to prepare a research proposal. The proposal must first be accepted by the Departmental Research and Innovation Committee (DRIC) for formal registration, and subsequently approved by the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC) before proceeding with empirical research.
  • Graduation: After successful completion and examination of the thesis, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Business Management will be awarded during CUT’s official graduation ceremony.

Need the Full Programme Details? Consult the Student Calendar

We know that choosing your future is a big step! While this page gives you the key highlights, the official CUT Student Calendar is your complete, authoritative guide. We highly recommend reviewing it to see full details on this programme, including admission criteria, complete module structures, assessment rules, and what to expect during your studies.

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