The tables below contains all current research fields offered within the School of Computing (SoC) at Unisa, as well as supervision slots open per supervisor.
| Internal Supervisors | Email @unisa.ac.za | Research area | Structured Master's in IT Management (ITM) supervision slots open | Research Master's supervision slots open | PhD supervision slots open |
| Dr Mampilo Phahlane None | phahlmm | Adoption and use of information systems by organizations and individuals. | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Prof Joel Chigada Information Systems | chigajm | Information Security, Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity culture/governance, Knowledge management security systems | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Prof Adele Da Veiga Information Systems | dveiga | 1 Information (cyber) security culture / privacy culture - frameworks, maturity models assessing influences of behaviour or theories, leadership, creativity or innovation influences, AI. 2. POPIA/Privacy - Defining implementation frameworks, assessing the impact of privacy in various contexts. 3. Women in Cybersecurity - challenges, improving diversity, creating a culture of inclusiveness. 4. Artificial Intelligence in research, privacy, awareness, business value and risks, governance, EU AI Act. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Elmarie Kritzinger Information Systems | kritze | Information / Cyber Safety Awareness & Education | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Hugo Lotriet Information Systems | lotrihh | Prof Lotriet is a researcher in Information Systems. His focus is on socio-technical aspects of the adoption and use of information systems in organizations and society. His main areas of focus are on the adoption and use of IS in organizations, society and developing countries. He is a qualitative researcher (i.e. the use of non-statistical research methods and approaches). He would be particularly interested in students who wish to study the design, adoption and use of information systems in relation to the UN priority areas such as: Sustainable development; Peacekeeping; Dealing with natural and other disasters; Migrants and migration; Making education accessible to all; e-Government resistance; Climate change. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Peter Mkhize Information Systems | mkhizpl | Knowledge management, Strategic Information Systems; Social media impact on Knowledge Management; Role of Knowledge Management in the 4th Industrial Revolution era; Tacit knowledge conversion; Knowledge transfer in Software development; and Changing nature of work. | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Prof Ernest Mnkandla Computer Science | mnkane | Students may select an area from: AREA 1. Artificial Intelligence to tackle socio-economic challenges. AREA 2. Managing software quality using contemporary technologies/environments such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Agile Development, DevOps, IoT, Big Data, Cloud Computing, etc. AREA 3. Artificial intelligence ethics. AREA 4. Augmented intelligence. We have several project areas for CAIDS, some of which are: For MSc (areas 1-9) 1. Explainable AI for these areas (Data Scientists and AI Researchers, AI Developers and Engineers, Business Leaders and Decision-Makers, Regulatory and Compliance Professionals) 2. Machine Learning Frameworks for Cyber Threat Intelligence 3. Road Obstacle Detection using YOLO Algorithm. 4. Automatic Image Generation of Mixed Emotional Expressions using Facial Portraits. 5. Classification of Hematoxylin and Eosin-Stained Breast Cancer Histology Microscopy Images using Attention Network. 6. Lung Nodule Classification using Deep Learning. 7. Machine Learning Approaches for Age Estimation Using Facial Images. 8. Automatic License Plate Detection & Recognition using deep learning. 9. Characterization of Bone X-ray using Deep Learning. For PhD (areas 1-12) 1. Natural language processing (NLP): Sentiment analysis for under-resourced African languages. 2. Machine Learning applications in Software and Systems Engineering (including Software Testing) 3. Generative AI and data security risks 4. Cell Segmentation in Multi-modality High-Resolution Microscopy Images. 5. Breast Cancer Immunohistochemical Image Generation. 6. Deep Learning Framework for Diagnosing Prostate Cancer. 7. Automatic Segmentation of Isointense Infant Brain Images. 8. Retinal Image Analysis for Multi-Disease Detection. 9. Accurate Kidney Tumor Semantic Segmentation. 10. Multi-class Artefact Detection in Video Endoscopy. 11. Automatic Cancer Detection and Classification in Lung Histopathology. 12. Machine Learning for Speech Emotion Intensity Recognition. | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Prof Bester Chimbo Information Systems | chimbb | HCI (xR); Eye Tracking Technology; Child-Computer Interaction; Designing for children with children and other special user groups; Design of Technology for Education; HCI4D. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Sunet Eybers Information Systems | eeyberss | Applied Data Science refers to all managerial, "soft," or non-technical aspects of data and data management-related topics such as human-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI), data governance, data management, learning analytics, virtual reality in education, and any other related topic. | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prof Grant Howard Information Systems | howargr | Autonomous or Self-driving Organisations || IT Innovation || Digital Transformation/IT-Organisational Change/Organisational Transformation and IS/IT || Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and Organisations || Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and Education || Artificial Intelligence in Education || Smart Sustainable Cities || Green Information Systems/Information Technology/Computing (Green IS/IT/ICT) || ICT for Sustainability (ICT4S) || | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prof Lucas Khoza Information Systems | khozalt | Area 1: Digital transformation in Agile projects. Area 2: Scaled Agile in software projects. Area 3: IT Project Management. Area 4: Agile Software Project Success. | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Prof Mathias Mujinga Information Systems | mujinm | Information Security, Usable Security, Cloud Computing Security, IS Service Quality | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Prof Keshnee Padayachee Information Systems | padayk | Option 1: Insider Threat Management encompasses the management of insider threats. An insider threat is an internal threat that uses the authority granted to them to attack an organisations IT infrastructure (e.g., unauthorised extraction, exfiltration of data, tampering with data, deletion of critical assets, etc.) Qualification Streams: PhD (Information Systems)/Masters (Computing)/ Masters (Information Technology Management) Option 2: Computing Education encompasses the teaching and learning of programming, and the development of new techniques for teaching and assessing it (integrating pedagogical and computational perspectives). Qualification Streams: PhD (Science, Engineering and Technology)/Masters (Computing Education) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Shawren Singh Information Systems | singhs | Digital-government | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prof Bobby Tait Computer Science | taitbl | Biometrics, Blockchain | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prof Sreedevi Vallabhapurapu Computer Science | vallas | 1. Development of Environmental friendly and Energy efficient ReRAM type memories for "Green computing". 2. FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION(4IR) | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Prof Mc Donald Van der Merwe Information Systems | vdmertm | E-learning, m-learning, psycho-physiological aspects of Human-Computer Interaction (will require lab work on the Florida campus in Johannesburg), Open Source movement, and Smart campuses. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prof Etienne van der Poel Computer Science | evdpoel | Computational Creativity, Machine Learning. Artificial Intelligence | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Prof Corne Van Staden Information Systems Only available as co-supervisor | vstadcj1 | User experience, m-learning, e-learning and eModeration | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dr Hanifa Abdullah Information Systems | abdulh | Information privacy/data privacy protection, Information privacy protection awareness, Information privacy compliance, Information security | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Dr Danie Bisschoff Computer Science | dbischof | Designing Banking Technology for the Aged and Disabled | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Ms Portia Buthelezi Computer Science | mathimp | Digitalisation, digitisation & artificial intelligence implementation. Information systems in raising awareness (awareness tech). Technology in business and society: Fin-Tech & Tech-Fin; Mobile bullying. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Baldreck Chipangura Information Systems | chipab | Securing land and other indigenous properties in developing countries. The objective of this research is to design systems/frameworks/architectures for securing the administration of land and other indigenous properties in developing countries. In most developing countries indigenous people occupy and use land for farming/grazing or mining. The land belongs to a community, but the native people do not have title deeds over the land. Hence, students with proper programming experience are required. | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Dr Cyrille Dongmo Computer Science | dongmc | Combining semi-formal and formal specification techniques - Requirements Engineering - Goal-Oriented Requirements Engineering (GORE) Methods - Formal Software Requirement Specification with Z/Object-Z - User Requirements Notation (URN). Specific topics: 1- Reverse engineering jUCMNav (URN process, formal method, tool development) 2- Virtual system for street work seekers: making street work permanent employees (Software Engineering, virtual company creation, smart cities) | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Dr Patricia Gouws Information Systems Only available as co-supervisor | gouwspm | Robotics education, MOOCs | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Mr Ken Halland Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | hallakj | Applied Logic and Description Logics | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Dr Alfred Kgopa Information Systems | kgopaat | (1) Human computer interaction - which includes social informatics, information, and society/culture. (2) Mobile computing (which includes smart farming, smart cities, cloud computing, mLearning, and mHealth). (3) Adoption of AI and robotics | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Petra le Roux Computer Science | lrouxp | ODL e-Learning and e-Assessment; Computer Science Education : Programming; Sociological Aspects of Computing; User Experience | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Stevens Mamorobela Information Systems | mamorsp | Knowledge management Systems, Expert Systems, Knowledge Management strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises, Information Security as it relates to knowledge sharing; Social media impact on Knowledge Management; Enterprise Architecture; Work Integrated Learning and the future of work in the 4th Industrial Revolution era. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Themba Masombuka Computer Science | masomkt | Software engineering, Agile software development, DevOps, and the applications of AI in education. | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dr Samuel Mtsweni Computer Science | mtswees | Information Systems, Information Systems Development, Information System Development Projects, Software Development, Software Development Projects, IS Adoption and Usage, Agile Project Management ,Knowledge Management | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mr Lindelani Nxumalo Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | nxumals | Knowledge Management | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mr Elisha Ochola Computer Science | ocholeo | Routing Protocols in Mobile Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Ad Hoc Networks Security | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dr Dorothy Scholtz Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | scholid | Cyber safety awareness, e-Learning, Project Management, Information Systems, ODL | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Sam Ssemugabi Information Systems | ssemus | Human-Computer Interaction (usability/User experience of 4IR technologies/applications); 4IR technology driven e-learning; digitalization/e-skiils; Application of 4IR technologies in developing countries/ resource-constrained communities | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dr Anitta Thomas Computer Science | thomaa | Diagram specifications, automated processing of diagrams, applications of artificial intelligence in programming instruction. | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Dr Ronell van der Merwe Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | vdmerwer | Virtual reality (VR) is a cutting-edge technology that creates an immersive three-dimensional environment, enabling users to engage with digital surroundings as though they were actually there. By leveraging AI along with specialized headsets, sensors, and controllers, VR delivers interactive and engaging learning experiences. In teaching and learning, VR offers dynamic, hands-on opportunities for students to explore complex concepts, conduct virtual experiments, and collaborate in simulated environments. In industry, it supports realistic simulations for design, engineering, and safety training. This investigation focuses on the applications, challenges, emerging developments, and ethical considerations of VR in education, aiming to unlock its potential and maximize its societal benefits. We are inviting prospective M&D students in Computer Science, with a strong background in programming environments that support AI development, including natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), to apply and contribute to this exciting field. | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mrs Ruthea Vorster Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | rvorster | Green Computing, Sustainable IT, Green Information Systems Information Privacy Culture, Information Management | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mr Siphe Mhlana Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | mhlans2 | ICT and education, e-learning, Social media, m-learning, text-to-speech | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dr Tebatso Moape Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | moapetg | I am looking for students to supervise in Computational Linguistics. Computational Linguistics is a combination of Linguistics, Machine Leaning and Artificial Intelligence. Research in this area includes the development of Machine Translation Systems, Part of Speech Taggers, Language Modelling, Morphological analyzers, e.t.c. | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Dr Nkosikhona Msweli Information Systems | mswelnt | Immersive Learning (Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality in Education) Digital Skills, and Digital Technologies Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Ms Promise Mvelase Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | mvelap | Emerging technologies, cyber-physical systems/IoT, Data Analytics (Big data/small data), Cyber-infrastructure (Software and advanced networks, computing systems, advanced instruments and data repositories, visualization environments) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mr Kokisa Phorah Computer Science Only available as co-supervisor | phorake | I am looking for Honours and Masters degrees students. I can organize co-supervision for PhD students with collaboration with researchers of high caliber from University of Pretoria, Rhodes University and AIMS (Cape Town)/ University Stellenbosch. 1. Application of ML/AI of different sectors 2. Developing predictive models using ML and AI 3. Data Sciences 4. Natural Language processing 5. Deep leaning 6. Image ausing ML and AI Others 1. ICT in education and eLearning 2. EA 3. E-health | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Mr Elias Tabane Information Systems Only available as co-supervisor | tabane | Internet of things( IoT), Web of Things ( WoT), Digital skills Machine learning Ai Data Science | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dr Emil van der Poll Information Systems Only available as co-supervisor | vdpolae | Dr. Emil van der Poll, an Information Systems researcher, specializes in qualitative research centered on the sociotechnical and sociocultural aspects of information technology utilization and integration in both organizational and societal contexts. He is actively looking to mentor students passionate about investigating the design, development, adoption, and application of artificial intelligence concerning indigenous knowledge and underrepresented communities. Additionally, he welcomes postgraduate candidates eager to explore the use of game-based learning and augmented reality to improve teaching and learning in computing education. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| External Supervisors | Research area | Structured Master's in IT Management (ITM) supervision slots open | Research Master's supervision slots open | PhD supervision slots open |