Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences is to provide training for an academic career in the field of Computer and Information Sciences. It requires a learner to research the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. A learner may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements.

The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area within the field of Computer and Information Sciences. Learners build on knowledge normally gained at Masters or equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in Computer and Information Sciences through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Computer and Information Sciences. This provision 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 provides South Africa with significant numbers of experts in Computer and Information Sciences ensuring the international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is broad. The activity includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of Computer and Information Sciences in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The institution applies RPL according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the RPL policy. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences manages the process.

• Using the RPL policy, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences implements quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems.
• Learners must demonstrate NQF Level 9 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module(s) at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 10, 360 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

After completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences, learners should be able to demonstrate the achievement of the following specific and critical cross-field outcomes:

Specific outcomes

• Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area of Computer and Information Sciences.
• Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Computer and Information Sciences and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
• Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of Computer and Information Sciences.
• Autonomously generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
• Question and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
• Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area.
• Demonstrate research leadership within a field or across disciplines, including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research 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.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Computer and Information Sciences and across specialised or applied areas and 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 Computer and Information 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 Computer and Information 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 Computer and Information Sciences.
• Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Computer and Information Sciences.

Integrated Assessment

Research proposal defence and feedback from the Research Committee and other feedback from the promoter (supervisor) forms part of Formative Assessment. For Summative Assessment, learners present a thesis in the form of integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation.