Doctor of Philosophy in History

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to reward Graduates who are capable of making an original contribution to the discipline of History. Learners are expected to demonstrate:

• Originality and independence in their thinking and approach.
• Make a substantial contribution in their chosen field.
• The capacity to undertake independent primary and secondary research.
• The ability to evaluate a variety of sources critically.
• The competence to assess, analyse and compare data.
• Skills of communication and articulation in developing sustained and logical argument.
• Professional academic literary and technical presentation of their work.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to enable learners to conduct research and to write an acceptable research thesis at Doctoral level in the field of History based on primary and secondary sources. The thesis should present evidence of their mastery of the research method and process and research findings in line with academic recognised standards within the field of History. The thesis should deal critically with scholarly work in the field, and make an original contribution to existing knowledge in the field, becoming an historian in the process.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University of South Africa RPL Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The University of South Africa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

A Master's Degree in History at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%.

The Doctor of Philosophy in History consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

Learners completing this Degree are expected to demonstrate

• The ability to conduct research through employing a range of advanced analytical and problem-solving skill to the contexts specific to the discipline.
• Investigate a sustainable and viable research problem, and integrate results within a cohesive and coherent argument.
• Display a coherent and critical understanding of the research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in the discipline.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and skilled application of the research methodologies and techniques in the focus area of the discipline.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in rigorously critiquing and evaluating relevant research.
• Participate actively in scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in History.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate theory to practice and vice versa and to think epistemologically.
• Demonstrate advanced information retrieval and processing skills of both primary and secondary historical sources and the ability to undertake a study of the literature and current research in an area of specialization under supervision.
• Demonstrate the ability to pursue a career relating to History.

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
• Demonstrate cultural and ethical sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
• Lay the foundation for life-long learning and on-going competency.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.

Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least one should be from a county other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.

The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of History in an integrative way, dealing with mathematical challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.