Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy: Health Sciences is to promote the career advancement of students in the area of Health Sciences by enabling students to conduct independent, novel research within a specific discipline or in a multidisciplinary manner in Health Sciences.

It is intended that the student will undertake original research that will contribute to the knowledge and practice in the area of Health Sciences and will submit a thesis reporting the results of the research.

Rationale

This Doctoral qualification in Health Sciences will provide students with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation, thereby contributing to the development of the field Health Sciences. The outcome of this multidisciplinary Doctoral qualification is a comprehensive and systematic grasp of an in-depth body of knowledge in the area of Health Sciences with the development of specialist expert knowledge in this area, thereby supporting evidence based professional practice at the forefront of this area.

It is assumed that the student

• Has advanced expertise in research methodology.
• Is knowledgeable of ethical considerations in Health Sciences research.
• Is competent in research proposal writing.
• Is competent to undertake research.
• Is competent in report writing and dissemination.
• Has expertise in the area to be investigated.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used for access to this Doctoral Degree for an applicant not in possession of a Master's Degree at the discretion of the Institution and in agreement with the relevant Quality Council policy and procedures.

Access to Qualification

The student must be in possession of an appropriate Master's Degree in the area of Health Sciences or a related area, or conferment of status granted through an internal evaluation process in alignment with institutional policies, or recognition of prior learning granted through an internal process.

This is a research-based qualification which culminates in the submission of a thesis.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the domain of Health Sciences and a mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with the domain of Health Sciences.
2. Conceive, design, implement and disseminate a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity.
3. Make a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work in an area of Health Sciences, some of which merits national or international refereed publication.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Knowledge and experience is used to analyse the national and local community in terms of needs and to offer suggestions for solving problems; problems are solved by exploring and critically assessing direct and indirect factors relevant to practice within a given context and alternative strategies to deal with those problems are generated.
• Evidence is shown of interpersonal skills (tolerance, empathy, listening skills and respect for the opinion of others) in group situations; active participation in the group is shown and self and others are organised into effective working groups.
• Creative and various learning strategies which suit personal and professional situations and contexts are used; assesses own strengths and weaknesses and develops coping strategies especially in emergency and traumatic situations.
• Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated and synthesised and the library and other resources are used effectively to suit own academic and professional needs.
• The language conventions, written and/or spoken are used in health related disciplines, issues, policies and reports and research findings in oral or written formats are described and critically interpreted.
• The scientific method of investigation, testing and evaluation is used and appropriate health related technology to suit own needs or those of the group are selected.
• Consideration for the ethics involved in health science and technology issues is demonstrated; prior knowledge and experience (personal and professional) as appropriate in the relevant field/discipline is drawn upon knowledge of the interconnectedness of factors influencing the achievement of the objectives is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Expertise and critical knowledge in the domain of health sciences is demonstrated.
• The ability to conceptualise new research initiatives, and create new knowledge or practice in health sciences is demonstrated.
• Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in an ethical and accountable manner in Health Sciences is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within health sciences is clearly demonstrated.
• Specialist knowledge and theory is applied in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in health sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work that meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers and makes a significant contribution to health sciences is produced.

Integrated Assessment

Students may choose one of two options for assessment

• Through a thesis, in which the student is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation.

Or

• Students may submit a thesis containing five or more previously published outstanding original peer-reviewed articles based on the research project.

Both these routes of assessment will be conducted in accordance with Durban University of Technology's assessment policies, procedures and rules.