Doctor of Philosophy

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

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to equip students with the necessary critical insight, maturity of judgement and experience to undertake independent advanced study and original research in a specialised field of knowledge.

The (second) purpose is to broaden and deepen the knowledge base of the chosen field of specialisation by the generation of new knowledge or insight and the exploration of uncharted territory.

The (third ) purpose is to enable students, as members of the international community of scholars, to participate in and contribute to the universal pursuit of knowledge and by doing so, advance the frontiers of science.

The (fourth) purpose is to produce leaders in their respective fields who will take responsibility for the training of the next generation of scholars and for ensuring quality higher education in future.

The (fifth) purpose is to provide South Africa with a sufficient number of highly qualified people to maintain its leadership position on the continent and ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition.

Master's degree.

An appropriate Master' degree or qualification approved by Senate for this purpose. Depending on the chosen field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may be required.

The PhD graduate will have

a) expert and advanced knowledge of the chosen field of study;

b) an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the problems involved; cognisance of the latest developments on the international research scene as far as the specific subject is concerned;

c) an expert understanding of the relevance and applicability of proposed solutions.

The PhD graduate will be able to

d) do independent research,

e) produce a dissertation that places research within the broader context of the field and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny;

f) contribute to original knowledge in the field; undertake further research at an advanced level;

g) deal with complexity, lacunae and/or contradictions in the knowledge base; select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence;

h) synthesise and evaluate information autonomously;

i) make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria;

j) Communicate fully and professionally with other colleagues working in the field.

The PhD graduate will demonstrate

k) intellectual independence;

l) mature and sound judgement; accountable and reliable assessment of the views of others;

m) transcendence of personal prejudice and/or parochial views;

n) high levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability;

o) an enquiring mind and an innovative spirit;

p) adherence to professional or self-defined ethics; academic integrity;

q) dedication to the ideals of scholarship.

i) The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

ii) A dissertation and oral examinations are used.

iii) The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8b.

Integrated Assessment

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