Doctor of Computing

Purpose

The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the Degree obtained by the graduates. This Degree is intended to be followed after successful completion of the Master of Technology (M Tech) Degree in this field.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to

• Carry out independent research in the field of Information Technology and mastering the required study field.
• Demonstrate the required level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into computer science problems, thereby revealing his/her ability to critical reasoning, formulation, analysis and evaluation of a specific information technology problem.
• Demonstrate reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision-making, strategic thinking and organisational abilities.
• Access further education and training and to enhance his/her marketability and employability in the field of Information Technology (IT).
• Write a thesis about the research field.
• Write articles in the relevant field to be presented at national and international conferences.
• To demonstrate the ability to generate an original contribution to the field of IT.

Rationale

The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the qualification obtained by the graduates. This qualification is intended to be followed after successful completion of the Master Technology (M Tech) qualification in this field. In 2003 we became the faculty of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with six departments each with their own specialisation offering Degrees up to Doctoral level. We have received 11 applications of students who would like to enrol for their Doctor of Technology (D Tech) in 2006 but are not allowed to offer it. We have the capacity to assist these students with qualified staff (six permanent staff members with PhD's and two contract staff members with the same qualifications) and support staff. Between 2004-2005 nineteen Master's students completed their full time Master's degree studies in this Faculty of ICT and most of them will like to pursue their doctoral study with our Faculty. We also have the facilities to assist these students as we have a research laboratory and other fully equipped laboratories.

The candidate should have already mastered the skills of applying research methodology correctly, applying a level of synthesis to explanations in literature study and be able to write scientific English in the correct format.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through an equivalent qualification at another university is evaluated on an individual basis with each application by the head of the department.

Access to the Qualification

Learners with an Master of Technology (M Tech) in the same field or an equivalent Level 9 Degree qualification would be able to register for this qualification.

Learning Components

• Fundamentals.
• Core.
• Electives.

Number of Credits Allocated

• 360 Credits.

NQF Level

• National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

The learners should be able to

1. Demonstrate an ability to conduct a research study.
2. Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate relevant literature on the research project, and generate, analyse and evaluate obtained literature.
3. Write a thesis that is well structured and contains relevant research in the field.
4. Write a research paper on the research topic.
5. Make a contribution to the field of IT.

The learners can

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an ability to conduct a research study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate relevant literature on the research project, and generate, analyse and evaluate obtained literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Write a thesis that is well structured and contains relevant research in the field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Write a research paper on the research topic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Make a contribution to the field of Information technology (IT).

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is focussed on the candidate's ability to fulfil their life role performance as well as to demonstrate broad enabling competences. They have to be able demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and understanding of applications with discussions and debates on scientific issues and practice. Assessment strategies and procedures include:

Formative (continuous) Assessment Practices

• Research progress is assessed at regular intervals by meetings scheduled with the study leader and other stakeholders in the research field.
• Colloquiums are also arranged after the completion of the proposal and before final submission.

Summative (final) assessment practices

• The thesis is assessed by the study leader and at least two external examiners in the research field from another institution with at least a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the research area.