Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to produce professionals with the necessary skills that will enable them in using their highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in addressing complex and challenging problems within the field of Computer Science.

Furthermore, the qualification will enable holders to either develop or propose new solutions through models or theoretical amendments to Computer Science and computing-related problems for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society. Another purpose of the qualification is to produce specialists in the discipline to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. A final purpose of the qualification is to produce leaders with advanced intellectual capacity for South Africa (and other countries).

Rationale

The institution has a strategic plan to promote research, advocate and raise awareness on the value of innovation via intense postgraduate training. To this end, the Faculty of Science and Agriculture has a pivotal role to play in imparting knowledge and skills for the knowledge economy, generating new knowledge, capacity building and driving innovation in the fields of physical, mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences. The production of Postgraduate learners is crucial in achieving this task. The shortage of highly skilled people in most professions, particularly in computing and computer science, is well known. The institution therefore endeavours to contribute by providing professionals with competent skills and capabilities to ensure sustainable development and enhancement of the computing field. The Faculty plans to address the current shortage of the necessary skills, particularly specialised skills and research skills in the country, with its doctorate qualification in Computer Science. Learners should be able to undertake rigorous research and to communicate the results using a thesis that meets internationally acceptable standards of high-quality scholarship.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning in this qualification will be conducted in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the Institution. RPL is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the Institution.

This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a learner to a learning qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met, but the candidate has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.

All potential learners who are not in possession of a Masters qualification in Computer Science need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Head of the Department of Computer Science for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Computer Science clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this should not be to the detriment of the potential student and that his/her chances of success are reasonable.

The RPL Committee will assess the competencies of these learners.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Science in Computer Science or Computing, NQF Level 9.

Compulsory Modules at Level 10, 360 Credits

• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in their area of research.
2. Engage in highly advanced critical thinking and creative problem solving within a focussed research context.
3. Apply principles of sound research practice in collecting, organising and critically evaluating information
4. Communicate the contents of the discipline and the results of the research effectively.
5. Display technical accuracy in an area of study or within an interdisciplinary context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Existing knowledge within the broader context of the field of inter/multi-disciplinary fields are expanded, redefined and reconfigured.
• Recognition of the research thesis or project experts in the field.
• Produce and publish a research thesis entirety or part.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Achieve a high degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesising information within areas such as Computing, Data Communication or Information Systems
• Attain high level of epistemological sophistication when reflecting on information within an area of research
• Make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
• Design new creative systems based on sound principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Document the problem statement, aims and objectives.
• Present the research design or plan, modus operandi, results and conclusions in an academically respectable and acceptable manner.
• Analyse data.
• Apply theory to practice.
• Show critical acumen in evaluating sources, the specific primary material.
• Develop a logical argument.
• Display expert, innovative and highly specialised knowledge in the area of research or within an interdisciplinary context

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Present material clearly and systematically.
• Argue findings logically.
• Use acceptable style and presentation.
• Provide an advanced critical overview of the material.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

- Document research with complete accuracy

> Use systematic and consistent approach to technical issues such as the layout of the dissertation or other required project.

Integrated Assessment

1. At least two non-supervising reviewers assess submitted proposals and subsequently recommended by the supervisor to be orally presented before a Faculty Panel.
2. The accepted proposal is then ethically cleared before being recommended to the Institution Higher Degrees Committee via the Faculty Board of Science and Agriculture.
3. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.
4. Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least two should be from a country other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with the institution.
5. All examiners are recommended by the Department Head in consultation with Supervisor/co-supervisor(s), and their names are forwarded for appointment by the Higher Degrees Committee on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Science and Agriculture.
6. The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on an accurate appraisal of the examiners' reports. After the Faculty Examiners Committee has approved the result of the learner's thesis, the Faculty Dean makes the examiners' report available to the Head of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.