Doctor of Philosophy

Purpose

This qualification is a generic qualification which includes the various specialisations in Philosophy. The purpose is to prepare independent researchers in the Humanities, Health Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Engineering, Technology and the Natural Sciences who can make an original and significant contribution to knowledge at the most advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context-based issues, under the guidance of a research supervisor or supervisory committee. The research project which, combines specialised knowledge, skills and research mastery will culminate in the production of a thesis in the traditional format or in publications in academic journals.

The qualification aims to provide graduates with specialised knowledge and competence in their respective disciplines who are capable of making, original contributions to knowledge through research in the chosen field, with cognisance of the impact of the work on society. Their research and its findings must be able to be exposed to international critique. Graduates will thus contribute to knowledge production that underpins national and regional economic growth and prosperity.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10 is necessary to provide the country with a cadre of researchers who can provide strategic direction and evidence-informed guidance in their respective disciplines and contribute in a scholarly way to addressing local, regional and global issues. The graduates from this qualification should contribute to generating and broadening the knowledge base in a selected area of study and influence discipline-related policies and practices. This qualification will enable students to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in the Humanities, Health Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Engineering, Technology and the Natural Sciences. The graduates will be equipped to become research-orientated in their on-going professional development.

The Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10 will equip the graduates with the knowledge and the skills necessary to be leaders in their respective fields capable of taking responsibility for the training of the next generation of scholars and for ensuring the continuation of quality higher education in the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to grant admission to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

• Master's Degree, Level 9 in the relevant field of study.

This qualification consists of a Research project and the production of a Doctoral thesis at Level 10 worth 360 Credits.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Afrikaans and Nederlands.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Language Studies.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Arts.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Community and Development.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural and Heritage Tourism.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Ethics.
• Doctor of Philosophy in French.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Gender Studies.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Studies.
• Doctor of Philosophy in IsiZulu.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Cultural Studies.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Religion.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Religion Education.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Community and Regional Planning.

1. Conduct research within a field or across disciplines.
2. Compile a thesis that summarises the research, draws conclusions and makes recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate depth of knowledge and high-levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area/across specialised or applied areas.
• Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
• Apply knowledge and theory to unfamiliar, unpredictable contexts.
• Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base.
• Master literature in a field.
• Show intellectual independence by applying sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems.
• Autonomously synthesise and evaluate information and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
• Operate successfully in unfamiliar situations and confidently select tools for the job.
• Design and manage abstract systems models.
• Communicate research findings in writing through a thesis and orally to diverse audiences.
• Accurately assess, with justification, own and others work.
• Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability.
• Practice within academic, professional and self-defined ethics.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place through the thesis in which the learner is expected to show competency in all outcomes and specifically to present integrated research findings linked to the existing literature across the entire area of the investigation.