Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
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
University of Fort Hare
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
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
This qualification aims to develop world class computer science researchers who are experts and specialists in their field and who are:
- Equipped and skilled to apply scientific methods to new problem areas.
- Able to make a knowledgeable contribution to their field (via peer-validated publications and engagements at relevant forums).
- Able to contribute to the development of computer science (from the African/South African context and perspective).
Rationale
The following factors motivate for the provisioning of this qualification
- The need to advance the pursuit of knowledge in the field of Computer Science (with a particular perspective on providing solutions that are sensitive to the African and South African context).
- The need to develop advanced ICT skills within the country (as articulated in the Department of Labour scarce skills document).
- ICT skills remain paramount for any country seeking to remain competitive in the global knowledge society.
- It is a logical growth strategy both for the department and the university, which enables effectiveness in knowledge production.
Entry requirements and RPL
It is assumed that the following skills and competencies are in place
- Ability to apply rigorous scientific methodologies to a research problem.
- Ability to interrogate current literature and relevant technologies around the computer science domain.
- Research project management skills.
- Team-work competencies which are necessary to undertake research with a team of researchers.
- Good spoken and written communication skills which are necessary for presenting the research work at conferences and in written mediums (journal papers, research, reports and thesis).
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied on an individual basis and will be conducted in accordance with the Institutions' accredited RPL policy and in agreement with the relevant ETQA. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent accredited assessors.
Access to the Qualification
A Masters Degree in Computer Science or in a related ICT field.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
All Exit-Level Outcomes are to be met in the carrying out of the research project and in the writing of a research thesis.
Exit level outcomes
- Approach problems in a scientific manner and apply the scientific method to new areas of research.
- Produce a thesis according to the institutional research policies and procedural criteria.
- Present the research work in a logical and comprehensive manner demonstrating the relevant level of expertise in the subject domain.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Evaluate, analyse and justify the research topic in a research report.
- Gather relevant and recent information on the research area from a wide variety of accredited sources.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Write up the dissertation according to the institutional research policies and procedural criteria.
- Apply information technology skills effectively in the production of the thesis.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Apply language and numerical skills effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.
- Publish new knowledge, or technology or solution to a problem in appropriate accredited journals and present these at appropriate conferences.
- Clearly interpret the implications of the research findings for knowledge, theory and practice in computer science and related fields in an original manner.
Integrated Assessment
The assessment of the candidates is carried out on the basis of the PhD thesis that is submitted at the end of the research.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
There are no articulation possibilities in terms of further vertical progression, as the doctoral degree represents the final academic level of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework.
In terms of horizontal articulation, the PhD in Computer Science Degree provides candidates with the possibility to specialize in other ICT fields (e.g. Information Technology and Information Systems).
International comparability
This qualification is comparable to other international PhD offerings, which are also undertaken through research (i.e. no coursework).
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.
NOTES
This qualification replaces qualification 19222, "Doctor of Philosophy: Computer Science", Level 8 and above, 216 credits.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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