Doctor of Philosophy

Purpose

The qualification is designed to enable learners to acquire both methodological sophistication and substantive knowledge appropriate to a discipline. The PhD qualification is designed to encourage the study of substantive concerns, methodological approaches, and research and communication skills necessary either for employment or for further independent research.

Rationale

The qualification provides the opportunity for a learner to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor, building on knowledge gained, in a particular subject area, at Masters level in one of the following fields:

• Human and Social Studies.
• Culture and Arts.
• Education, Training and Development.
• Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences.
• Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology.
• Physical Planning and Construction.
• Health Sciences and Social Services.
• Law, Military Science and Security.
• Business, Commerce and Management Studies.

The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject and may embody only the original work of the learner.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who has shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject and which is deemed adequate in the opinion of Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty.

Entry Requirements

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Master in Philosophy, NQF, Level 9.

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

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a depth of a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
2. Be equipped with proficiency in research methodology.
3. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication which all contribute substantially to knowledge.
4. Make an ordinal contribution to the resolution to the resolution of theoretical and/or practical problems in the field.
5. Contribute to the development of new techniques or to the refinement or extension of existing ones for furthering such understanding.
6. Be an expert in the relevant field and acknowledged internationally by fellow scholars as such.
7. Understand further academic study and research independently and without supervision.
8. Demonstrate sufficient expertise in the discipline to be able to teach it at all levels including the supervision of the research learners.

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

• Do independent research and competence in scholarly exposition.
• Represent a significant contribution to knowledge, present in a scholarly manner, reveal an ability on the part of the learner to do independent research of high quality, and indicate considerable experience in using a variety of research techniques.
• Demonstrate and understand the current theories of the discipline, in addition, demonstrate a high level of competence in a particular subject.
• Apply the techniques and findings of independent research as far as they bear upon the subject matter.
• Demonstrate understanding and contribution to the technical and professional literature in the field, and criticise learned procedures in the light of historical trends and practices in this and other countries.
• Demonstrate both commands of the tools for a thorough study of the problems of the area of research and appropriate competence in the use of quantitative and qualitative methods.

Integrated Assessment

The integration of knowledge and skills learnt in the PhD is assessed by means of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words. Evidence of a high degree of scholarship, competence in scholarly exposition, and the ability to select, organise, and apply knowledge must be presented by the learner in the form of a written thesis. The learner must demonstrate a capacity for independent thought, as well as ability and originality in the application of principles or in the development of a new generalisation under scientific controls. A thesis may be based upon a product or project of a professional nature, provided scholarly research is involved. However, in order to command as a thesis, the professional project must be accompanied by a written discourse demonstrating the nature of the research and including such theories, experiments, and other rational processes as were used in effecting the final result.

The examination is by three independent examiners, and the reports are considered by a Committee of Assessors appointed by the Doctoral Degree Board.