Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable an academic career. This qualification allows the learner to undertake independent research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. The thesis is done under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area within the field of Engineering, building on knowledge normally gained at Master's or equivalent level. The thesis and research presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in Engineering through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale

Engineering is a discipline and profession that serves the needs of society and the economy. The qualification is meant to equip qualified learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in several specialist areas in Engineering. These provisions create opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, the pursuit of gainful economic activity, and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

Furthermore, the industry needs engineers with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to infrastructure and economic growth, to the benefit of the community at large. This qualification produces qualified learners who play an important role in the specialist-consulting sphere. The ultimate rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the field of Engineering, ensuring that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity extends. Included here, is the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of engineering in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, the institution uses RPL 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 institution's RPL policy.

The Faculty of Engineering manages the RPL process

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

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Philosophy in Engineering, NQF Level 9.

This qualification comprises of compulsory thesis at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 360 Credits

Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Understand expertise and critical knowledge and high levels of theory in a complex and specialised area of Engineering.
2. Apply Intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in a specific field of Engineering and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
3. Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of Engineering.
4. Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
5. Communicate and defend the research problem, research process, research results and the originality of the contribution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Provide clear and convincing evidence of original work and make a significant, novel contribution to knowledge in the field of study concerned.
• Identify and solve problems where responses display that responsible decision-making and critical and creative thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Develop a comprehensive and systematic report on a research project in the format of a doctoral thesis.
• Write research articles suitable for publication in refereed journals and other scientific reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and solve problems where responses display that responsible decision-making and critical and creative thinking.
• Produce a clear and systematic presentation of the material and logical exposition of the argument.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Execute autonomous, independent judgments about information and concepts at highly abstract levels.
• Make evaluations of research results based on independently generated criteria and confirm that the proposed solution solves the research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Compile an appropriately structured and coherent written thesis to communicate and defend the research problem, research process, research results and originality of the contribution.
• Present in traditional monograph format, or as a thesis based on a series of journal articles authored by the candidate.
• Disseminate some research results employing academic journals or conferences.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Monitoring of the research progress occurs via regular discussions between the supervisor and the respective learner. A progress report, signed by the learner and supervisor, is periodically submitted to the research director. Final assessment, according to the institution's policy for the assessment of the qualification theses, involves the submission of a written dissertation, examined by at least three unattached examiners.

Summative Assessment

Final assessment is aligned with the institution's policy for the assessment of the qualification theses and involves the submission of a written dissertation, examined by at least three unattached examiners.