Doctor of Philosophy in Geo-Informatics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline/field of Geo-Informatics.

The outcome is a dissertation which places the research in a disciplinary context and contributes to the creation of new knowledge.

Rationale

Based on the general need that has been expressed by the public and private Information Technology (IT) sectors, this qualification builds on the undergraduate, Honours and Masters qualifications in Geo-Informatics. Geo-Informatics is the science and the technology which develops and uses information science infrastructure to address the problems of geography, geosciences and related branches of engineering. This encompasses geographic information systems, satellite earth observation, aerial photogrammetry, spatial modelling and analysis, satellite navigation, web mapping and cartography. The content, aims and objectives of all GIT qualifications have been workshopped nationally and are driven by the needs of the industry and international academic standards. This qualification provides specialised analytical knowledge, high level skills in how to do research design, conduct, complete and publish research, as well as tool development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Due to the specialised nature of the degree and a fairly small number of students admitted to this program, recent theoretical experience in the form of a recently completed MSc is required. RPL procedures are applied to the intake of new Master of Science (MSc) students only; not to the intake of new Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students for this particular programme.

Entry Requirements

Minimum entrance requirements are

• A Master's Degree in Geo-Informatics or a related discipline.

Or

• A Master's Degree approved by Senate.

This qualification consists of a dissertation at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits

• Geo-Informatics Dissertation, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the field, discipline or practice and the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives, and create new knowledge or practice.
2. Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of study or practice.
3. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts.
4. Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
5. Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
6. Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas, information or issues.
7. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and make a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practice; and develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of an academic and professional or occupational discourse.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a clear, systematic and logical presentation of the material and an adequate command of the relevant literature.
• Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the field, discipline or practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Defend the thesis during the oral examination.
• Demonstrate a thorough grasp of the current scholarly debates in an area of study or practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an adequate command of the relevant research methodology, applied in an appropriate and potentially innovative way.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Make an original contribution to knowledge in the subject area concerned.
• Work independently and develop the intellectual rigour to complete a well-managed research project and dissertation.
• Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field or practice (management of learning).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Follow appropriate ethical clearance processes.
• Obtain ethical clearance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Substantiate the results of the research with proper documentation and a clear, systematic and logical presentation of the material.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate an adequate demarcation and conceptualisation of the field of research and of the research topic.
• Use acceptable linguistic and stylistic editing.
• Answer the research question positively to ensure it makes an original contribution to knowledge in the subject.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Display an in-depth mastery of the research process, and original, independent work, appropriately defended under scrutiny by peers.
• Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate to lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification is by means of a thesis and is assessed by an examination panel. In accordance with Faculty the doctoral examination panel consists of one unattached internal examiner and at least two unattached external examiners, of which one preferably should be from overseas. Learners are required to complete at least two journal articles to be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.