Doctor of Philosophy in Communication

To equip learners as advanced, Doctoral-Level, producers of scholarly knowledge in the discipline of Communication studies.

Rationale

This qualification enables learners to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, and methods of Communication as an academic discipline. They will develop advanced research competencies that involve the capacity to independently plan,

implement and manage the research process and to write a research proposal and a Doctoral thesis that reflects the ability to engage in scholarly debate in the generation and validation of knowledge in the broad field of Communication studies or related fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University of South Africa (Unisa) RPL Policy. This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The Unisa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

A Master's Degree in Communication Studies or Communication-related field/subfield at NQF Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Communication consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

Learners completing this qualification are expected to

1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Communication studies and Communication-related fields.
2. Rigorously critique and evaluate current research in Communication studies or related subfields.
3. Identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global Communication studies issues and debates.
4. Demonstrate advanced skills in information retrieval and processing.
5. Rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of Communication studies.
6. Undertake a research project and apply relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
7. Produce a research-based Doctoral thesis, which meets the standards of required academic writing.
8. Demonstrate a capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
9. Manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Assess, evaluate, measure, analyse and critique local, national and global situations that may have an impact on Communication and related problems of communities, groups and individuals by applying relevant and sustainable solutions based on scientific findings.
• Manage their workload as strategic leaders in the field and to manage and develop pre-selected competencies of those reporting to them.
• Collect information from various sources, to collate and synthesise the information for visioning purposes and to use the information effectively at strategic level.
• Communicate the managerial competencies to be established and practical leadership to be applied in organisational situations and at planning and policy making levels by using qualitative data, thick descriptions, visual, graphical and tabular representations to obtain support for insight and recommendation.
• Use technology effectively but sustainably to understand communication studies and related challenges and disseminate this information in a responsible manner, while maintaining ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect for others.
• Show how knowledge from various sources and relevant to various contexts can be integrated in terms of a systems approach for sound value creation and decision-making.

Integrated Assessment

• All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.
• Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.
• After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.
• Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least one should be from a county other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.
• The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.
• After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Communication in an integrative way, dealing with mathematical challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.