Doctor of Health Sciences in Somatology

Purpose

The goal of the Doctor of Health Sciences in Somatology is to develop a highly-skilled professional with knowledge and skills required to conduct authentic, applied research at a high-quality level and create new developments in the Somatology and related contexts. The learners will obtain research skills and perspectives to enrich their specialisation studies, to aid in professional development and to enhance professional relationships. Holders of this qualification will demonstrate skills in conducting research, independently and with minimal supervision, as well as acting as a supervisor for Masters learners. Moreover, the learners will increase their understanding and appreciation between academic theory and research and its practical application in the workplace within the Somatology field as well as other relevant areas.

Somatologists with this qualification, as well as the relevant experience and skills will contribute to knowledge generation in Somatology which is vital to the growth and development of Somatology and various other complementary and medical aesthetic professions. This qualification will enable the professional to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to scientific techniques and procedures and make a significant and original contribution to experience in the field. Hence, such a qualified Somatologist will be able to conduct research and engage in other scholarly activities.

Rationale

The qualification replaces the D.Tech. Somatology. The qualification aligns with the NQF and HEQSF requirements. The Somatology curriculum is continuously reviewed and kept current to maintain the employability of learners. Nationally, Universities of Technology collaborate to update and redesign their qualifications. Input from stakeholders of the Somatology qualifications enjoys priority, and these stakeholders desire a Doctorate for Somatologists.

The Somatology profession is currently experiencing a need for highly skilled Somatology learners. Additionally, the 21st century presents unprecedented growth opportunities for the Spa and salon industry and therefore, for the Somatology profession. Advances in technology, the confluence of the information and the internet age, and the sheer speed and expansion of communication capabilities have significantly accelerated the pace of globalisation. These advances have a positive influence on the growth of the beauty and aesthetic industries (including Somatology profession) worldwide, as well as within South Africa (Professional Beauty Association's statistics of 2014 and Global Spa Benchmark Report of 2009). Therefore, the salon and spa industry is an engine of job growth, despite economic challenges (Professional Beauty Association's statistics of 2014).

Given the need for highly skilled Somatologists and the advancement of the profession in South Africa, the offering of this qualification will play a crucial role in the expansion of the Spa and Salon industry in the country and its positive effect on the economy. Learners of the current qualifications -the Baccalaureus Technologiae: Somatology and Masters Technologiae: Somatology - indicated a need to further their studies and to enter the field of research. The Doctorate will address this need of recent learners.

Consequently, the learner will become a researcher and a life-long learner, in turn, benefiting the community and society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The process of RPL will be following the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution. The institution's RPL process is a standardised process of recognising credits for articulation and access purposes. The RPL policy guide and regulate the process of identifying, assessing and recognising the skills and knowledge learners have gained from formal, non-formal and informal contexts.

Similarly, the institution has a Credit accumulation and Transfer (CAT) policy as an alternative mechanism to gain access to qualifications. This policy provides an arrangement for the accumulation of credits, and the transfer of credits, into a single differentiated system, via the application of recognition of credit accumulated across the learning process. The policy further facilitates the development of credible, efficient and transparent processes, both for the accumulation of credits within qualifications and for the transfer of credits between qualifications both within and between the sub-frameworks of the NQF.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Health Sciences in Somatology, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 10: 360 Credits.

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the range of relevant knowledge in the selected field of research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the chosen field.
• Demonstrate the ability to instigate unique, innovative research at a high-quality level.
• Select and utilise the appropriate research method for the investigation.
• Apply scientific methods appropriately in the research process.
• Apply research tools effectively and accurately in the research process.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• List and cite the literature within the literature survey, and the exposition of the research reflects familiarity of relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
• Analyse, explain and contrast the models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field accurately in oral presentations and the written thesis of the research.
• Assess the unique innovation of the research and contribute to somatology field.
• Justify the use of literature surveys or experimentation or correlation or causal analyses fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written thesis of the research.
• Identify, define and provide detail of the unique research problem clearly in the research proposal.
• Ensure the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
• Ensure the logical interpretation of data reflects a clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate conflicting information.
• Use information sources accurately and appropriately and include a range of media.
• Apply information technology skills effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the thesis.
• Apply the appropriate mathematical, and statistical methods correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ensure the inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
• Apply language and numerical skills effectively in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendation clearly.

Integrated Assessment

Learners must submit a doctoral thesis containing the report of their research. The thesis has to meet all the standards and requirements of a doctoral thesis, which include proof of successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and original contribution(s) of the study.