Doctor of Philosophy

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Philosophy. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is to develop the competencies of the Postgraduate student in a chosen field of specialisation on an advanced level. It requires a student to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels, which will be evident in the acceptance of a thesis. This qualification enables the student to make a direct and original academic contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the area of specialisation.

Rationale

In developing a consolidated Programme Qualification Mix (PQM), University of Johannesburg (UJ) decided to work with a generic qualification as opposed to multiple qualifications. In specific fields, specialised Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs) have been developed (for example, Doctor of Philosophy in Art and Design, etc.). The chosen field of study includes sub-disciplines of Arts, Design, Finance, Economics, Education, Engineering, Health Science, Law, Management and Science.

A PhD offers graduates with Master's Degrees an opportunity to advance to the highest academic level in a chosen field of specialisation. These students will demonstrate high- level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution to the chosen field of specialisation. The aim is to prepare students for an academic career and requires a candidate to undertake research that culminates in a thesis. Furthermore, the research that is produced should be of a publishable standard, thereby demonstrating an original contribution to the body of knowledge. This implies that there is no assessed coursework component, although coursework may be included to facilitate the completion of the Degree.

Each Classification of Educational Subject Matter (CESM) addition has been carefully considered by relevant recognised professional bodies where applicable, and the different quality structures within the faculty involved and the University. The specialisations represent developed areas of competence at the University and in some cases are niche areas. They also provide articulation for graduates from within the University as well as external applicants who wish to pursue their interests in the designated qualifications.

Given the generic nature of the qualification, students would have demonstrated mastery in the specific area that they elect to pursue through this qualification.

The nature of the qualification ensures that students will contribute new knowledge to the specific discipline, enhance research skills and tangibly impact on the University's research output.

Recognition of Recognition (RPL)

The University of Johannesburg has an RPL policy. Given the nature of this qualification, students must be able to demonstrate that they have the required assumptions of learning to undertake the level of advanced intellectual study required for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This includes

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirements are an appropriate Master's Degree in the designated field of specialisation as per the rules and regulations of the University. Provision is made for alternate forms of access to the qualification based on the rules and regulations of the University.

Doctoral students will be allowed to proceed with their thesis after completion of a research proposal. The thesis should take a maximum of 4 years or a minimum of 2 years to complete.

1. Demonstrate a high level research capability; in depth knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area or across multiple areas.
2. Make a significant an original academic contribution in the discipline, within academic, professional and/or defined ethics.
3. Conduct independent self-generated research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex, unfamiliar territories.
• Apply knowledge and theory accurately to new contexts.
• Interrogate existing knowledge boundaries and practices and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
• Unique contribution to the discipline and provide research leadership within a field or across disciplines.
• Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability intellectual independence.
• Challenge complexities and contradictions in the knowledge base.

Integrated Assessment

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

Each student is assigned a supervisor based on their area of specialisation. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Policy: Student-supervisor relationship outlines the rights and obligations of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students and supervisors and co-supervisors. It gives a clear and concise outline of the expectations of both parties with the aim of aiding the development and maintenance of a sound and productive relationship between student and supervisor.