Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
North West University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language
Subfield
Communication Studies
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2021-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Communications Sciences is to provide training for an academic career in the field of Communication Sciences. It requires a candidate to research the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. The learner may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements.
Through the qualification, learners will be provided with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area, building on knowledge normally gained at Masters or an equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of Communication Sciences through original research that meets international standards.
Rationale
The rationale of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Communication Science that presents opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.
The qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the field of Communication Sciences to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes also the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of Communication Sciences.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution TLA policies. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Humanities. Through its RPL policy and that of the institution, the Faculty of Humanities will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 9 competencies.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Master's Degree in the related field, NQF Level 9.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 10
- Thesis, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area in the field of Communication Sciences and/or across specialised or applied areas.
- Apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Communication Sciences and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant to a transforming South African society as well as across disciplines.
- Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of Communication Sciences.
- Autonomously generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
- Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices in the field of Communication Sciences and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
- Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area within the field of Communication Sciences.
- Demonstrate research leadership within the field, including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts.
- Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, concerning the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts.
- Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
- Work in a disciplinary and/or inter-disciplinary manner as a member of a team, group, organisation or community in both the public and private sectors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological perspective by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context.
- Demonstrate the effective utilisation of technology for strategies aimed at the development of the field of Communication Sciences and science in general.
- Develop a comprehensive and systematic report on a research project in the format of a doctoral thesis, and the competence to write research articles suitable for publication in refereed journals and/or other scientific reports.
- Communicate effectively with people of all target groups, using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
Associated assessment criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes
- Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Communication Sciences and/or across specialised or applied areas.
- Make an original contribution to the knowledge society in the discipline they are researching on.
- Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Communication Sciences.
- Apply and develop competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines in the field of Communication Sciences.
- Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
- Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of the field of Communication Sciences.
- Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Communication Sciences.
Integrated Assessment
Formative assessment will be undertaken through research proposal defence and feedback from the Research Committee and other feedbacks from the promoter (supervisor). Learners will submit a thesis on discrete research that was conducted under supervision in which the student is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation for summative assessment.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Doctor of Philosophy in Languages and Literature, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Communication Technologies, NQF Level 10.
International comparability
The following international qualifications were identified as being comparable to this qualification
Country: Spain.
Institution: Pompeu Fabra University.
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication.
This qualification is similar to the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication offered by the above country in terms of the following:
Both qualifications share a similar entry requirement, purpose and programme outline. As in this qualification, the PhD in Communication requires a master degree in related programmes for admission to the doctoral qualification. Both qualifications are focused on human behaviour, through the impact and influence on mass media and messages to people and culture. However, the focus of the research in both qualifications are contextually defined.
Both qualifications are offered in a full-time course duration of 3-years and are offered as research-only programmes. In terms of qualification outline, learners in both qualifications are offered the chance to write and present a doctoral thesis consisting of original research work on different research focus areas of the doctorate. Common available research areas include Communication and Advertising, Aesthetics of Audiovisual Media, Digital Documentation, Interactive Communication, Ethics and excellence in Journalism, Politics and History, Analysis of Internet Journalism (online media), Political and Audiovisual Communication, Audiovisual Production, Communications Policies in the Digital age, Television and Quality, Communication and Interculturality, Communication and Lobby groups, transmedia storytelling/media literacy, and Scientific communication.
This qualification compares favourably with the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication offered at the Pompeu Fabra University. However, this qualification is unique as it focuses more on the South African context.
Country: United States of America.
Institution: Colorado State University.
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication.
This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following
Both qualifications share a similar purpose of training scholars, teachers, and professionals to engage social, political, and professional challenges using advanced expertise in the field of communication. Both qualifications share an interest in the research expertise areas of Interpersonal, Intercultural, and Organisational Communication, and Media and Visual Culture. However, while this qualification is designed as research-only, the PhD in Communication in the Colorado State University is designed to include coursework and research. Although a post-high school collegiate is also acceptable as an admission requirement for the PhD in Communication from the Colorado State University, a Master Degree is given preference. The Master Degree is also the admission requirement for this qualification.
This qualification compares favourably with the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication offered at the Colorado State University. However, this qualification is unique as it focuses more on the South African context.
Providers currently listed
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