Doctor of Philosophy in Geography

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for careers in research, policy, and practice related to understanding the relationships between people, places, and the environment. Learners will benefit from:

• High level research skills: Develop expertise in geographic theories, methods, and techniques.
• Specialization: Focus on areas like waste management, tourism, rural development, geographic information systems (GIS), or climate change.
• Career advancement: Enhance job prospects in government, consulting, non-profit, or private sectors.
• Interdisciplinary approaches: Combine geography with fields like urban and rural studies, environmental science, or agricultural economics.
• Addressing global challenges: Apply geographic knowledge to tackle issues like sustainability, inequality, and social justice.
• Developing analytical and problem-solving skills: Learn to analyze complex spatial data and develop effective solutions.

Target learners for this degree are typically holders of a master's degree in geography or a related field, seeking advanced knowledge and skills. They may be professionals in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and GIS or those interested in pursuing a career in research, policy, or academia related to geography and environmental issues. Upon completion of this degree, there are several career options, such as:

• Urban planner
• Environmental consultant
• GIS analyst
• Climate change researcher
• Transportation planner
• Emergency management specialist
• International development professional
• Academic

Since it is a doctoral-by-research degree, a learner's activities will consist of selection of a research topic and supervisor(s), development and presentation of a research proposal, performing a literature review, data collection, data analysis, presentation and interpretation of the results, writing a thesis and a publication. In all of this, the learner is guided by his/her supervisor(s), and (s)he will also be offered training in writing, data analysis and other relevant skills. Performing research trains the learners to find useful information, think analytically, interpret information and solve problems. It furthermore teaches them to write reports and communicate their results, both to experts and the layman. Learners are expected to deliver two major products, namely a research proposal, which they must defend to the department first before they may continue with the research, and a thesis. From a doctoral learner, it is expected that their proposal and, finally, their thesis will contain an element of novelty. The doctoral learner must publish at least one article before graduation.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Understand the scientific literature within his/her field of specialisation
• Write a literature review
• Identify a researchable problem and devise a problem statement
• Formulate feasible aims and objectives
• Design an experiment or sampling strategy in line with the objective
• Collect, safely store and process data
• Perform appropriate data analyses
• Interpret remote sensing images
• Process spatial data with GIS software
• Interpret results in the context of existing knowledge and formulate valid conclusions
• Write and present a scientific report
• Cite literature correctly
• Understand the ethical aspects of his/her research

In addition,graduate attributes, including

• problem-solving skills
• self-reliance
• teamwork ability
• time management
• planning will be integrated in the learning process.

Rationale

This qualification descriptor replaces an existing descriptor on the HEQF which had become outdated. There is no similar qualification on the NQF.

A doctorate in Geography benefits society in various ways. Some examples are

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainable Resource Management: Geographers help optimize resource usage, conserving water, land, and ecosystems.
• Climate Change Mitigation: They analyze and develop strategies to reduce climate change impacts.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Geographers identify areas prone to natural disasters, informing emergency preparedness and response.
• Environmental Policy Development: They contribute to policy formation, ensuring sustainable development.

Economic Benefits

• Urban Planning and Development: Geographers design efficient urban spaces, promoting economic growth.
• Infrastructure Development: They optimize transportation networks, enhancing connectivity and trade.
• Location-Based Services: Geographers develop GIS solutions for businesses, improving market research and customer engagement.
• Tourism Development: They identify and promote sustainable tourism opportunities.

Social Benefits

• Community Development: Geographers work with communities to identify needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Social Justice and Equity: They analyze and address spatial disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
• Cultural Preservation: Geographers help preserve cultural heritage sites and traditions.
• Public Health: They study disease patterns, informing health policy and intervention strategies.

Technological Advancements

• GIS and Remote Sensing: Geographers develop and apply geospatial technologies.
• Data Analysis and Visualization: They interpret complex data, communicating insights effectively.
• Spatial Modelling: Geographers create predictive models for urban planning, climate change, and disaster response.
• Cartography and Mapping: They produce accurate, informative maps for various applications.

Policy and Governance Benefits

• Informed Decision-Making: Geographers provide data-driven insights for policymakers.
• Spatial Planning: They develop and implement effective spatial plans.
• Emergency Response: Geographers contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts.
• International Cooperation: They collaborate on global initiatives, addressing shared challenges.

Education and Research Benefits

• Knowledge Advancement: Geographers contribute to academic research, expanding understanding of geographic concepts.
• Teaching and Mentorship: They educate future generations of geographers.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Geographers work with experts from other fields, fostering innovative solutions.
• Community Engagement: They share geographic knowledge with the public, promoting awareness and stewardship.

Typical learners in this qualification have passed a Master's in Geography degree or related fields and have a genuine interest in research in the knowledge field of Geography. Research encompasses a multitude of skills such as information gathering, structuring, summarizing, logical thinking, data analysis, budgeting, project management, reporting, scientific writing, evaluating evidence, interpretation and contextualization of results as well as drawing valid conclusions. Added to this are practical skills such as word processing, data manipulation and representation, use of many different software packages. Learners also learn to be goal-oriented and to work independently. Typical occupations for graduates would be lecturer at a HEI, researcher, environmental consultant, GIS technician, planner or policy developer, or entrepreneur. The qualification will equip students with skills, knowledge and competencies which will make them employable in higher education institutions, research institutes, government and the private sector. The competencies acquired will contribute to sustainable development and enhance the wellbeing of the society and economic growth.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which may be used for access RPL therefore offers alternate entry and admission, credit and exemption.

RPL for access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

No exemptions for modules are available in this qualification because there are no taught courses offered. In addition, no credits for or towards attainment of the qualification will be granted for RPL candidates.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Science in Geography, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10, totalling 360 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 10, 360 Credits

• Dissertation, 360 Credits.

1. Develop critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of geography and conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
2. Ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts.
3. Ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
4. Ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the field of geography; and the ability to 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevance of the proposed research.
• Cited literature relevant, up-to-date and correctly interpreted.
• All key publications have been cited.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Coherence between the elements of the proposal: problem statement, aim, objectives and methodology.
• Feasibility of the project.
• Realistic work plan and budget.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Planning and execution of a research project.
• Novelty of the approaches used.
• Research project management.
• Data gathering and analysis.
• Dealing with contingencies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Representation and interpretation of results.
• Scientific writing ability.
• Interpretation of results in the context of existing knowledge.
• Clarity of reasoning.
• Validity of conclusions.
• Presentation skills.

Integrated Assessment

PhD learners are assessed on their final product, which is their thesis. The thesis is examined by two external examiners (at least one from international university or research institution). Furthermore, they are assessed on their ability to defend the thesis through viva voce.

Formative Assessment

Through the supervisor ongoing research feedback to the learner to guide their learning, development of research skills, and the refinement of their dissertation work. The Learner will participate in protocol development workshops focusing on study design, data management, and ethics. Learners will be able to develop a realistic plan of action for the research project and complete within residency time.

Summative Assessment

PhD learners are assessed on their final product, which is their thesis. The thesis is examined by two external examiners (at least one from international university or research institution). Furthermore, they are assessed on their ability to defend the thesis through viva voce.