Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science is to produce scholars, who will contribute to the practices of physical activity for health and wellness. By disseminating their findings, more knowledge gained could assist communities and health practitioners in promoting health awareness and sport consultants in sport clubs. The qualification would expose PhD learners to multiple learning scenarios that will improve their experiential knowledge, creativity, innovation, and perpetuate responsibility to their work.

Rationale

International organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises the contribution of human movement science. Physical activity is a requirement for health benefits, and reduction of mortality from non-communicable diseases (WHO) chronic diseases are estimated to account for 60% of all deaths and 80% of these deaths will be in low to middle-income countries, such as South Africa (WHO). The WHO is assisting members (South Africa included) in the development and implementation of a national physical activity plan to provide guidance and policy options for effective promotion of physical activity at the national and sub-national level. The objectives of the Guide to Physical Activity and public health (2005) objectives include:

• To conduct national monitoring of levels of physical activity using standardised surveillance tools.
• To raise awareness and knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity in adult population by 10%.
• To increase physical activity in adults.
• To increase awareness of the importance of physical activity among key stakeholders.
• Ascertain commitments from local councils or governments to increase the amount of parks and recreational facilities for physical activity.
• To increase the proportion of children and adolescent that participate in daily school physical education by 20% by 2020.

The national department of Sport and Recreation (SRSA) has also aligned their strategic plan according to the International organisations such as the UN and the objectives outlined by WHO. The national white paper of the Department of Sport and recreation states (2011) the following as strategic objectives:

"Maximise sport and recreation in every school in South Africa. Provide customised qualifications to encourage participation in sport and recreation. Improve the health and well-being of the nation by offering active recreation opportunities. Support the identification and development of talented athletes. Support the development of South African sport through the establishment of an academy system. Assist athletes to perform optimally through the provision of world-class scientific support services. Have a human resource base empowered through the provision of accredited education and training. Support and empower South African coaches. Provide National Federations with administrative and governance support through the medium of a Sports House."

These strategic objectives highlight two CESM categories

(i) 0914- which is the improvement of health through physical activity.

(ii) 1308- which is the improvement of sport performance.

Due to the nature of the field of Human Movement Science and the promotion of transdisciplinary research in this field, it is necessary to allow PhD research to address both these CESM categories. To implement these strategic objectives and to evaluate their impact on South Africans, intensive research need to take place to contribute to the knowledge base in the field of human movement science and kinesiology in South Africa. The qualification allows for the development of specialised and advanced knowledge, applied skills, attitudes and values, as researchers in Human Movement Sciences and Kinesiology, specialising in areas such as physical activity for health promotion, exercise physiology-and science, recreation, sport management, biomechanics, motor learning and - development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL policy of the University serves as guidelines in this regard.

Prior accredited learning at HET level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for admission to qualifications, and, if appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

An applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal qualification in question, but who can demonstrate appropriate ways, through an assessment designed by the institution to which application is made, that she/he has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to the qualification. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable qualification prior to admission, or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Relevant Master's Degree and/RPL within the relevant field, NQF 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 360 Credits

• Thesis in Human Movement Science, 360 Credits.

1. Expertise in a section of the field demonstrated through an independent scientific study.
2. Contribute to the existing field of knowledge through an original scientific study that could be transdisciplinary.

3 Display research competence in methodology and critical written communication of the research findings.

1. Write a coherent and integrated research report, which communicate the research process and findings clearly to inform members of society.

Associated Assessment Criteria is applied in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Conduct original and independent research in a field of Human Movement Science that contributes to the existing field of knowledge.
• Identify, assess and critically discuss a scientific problem grounded in an appropriate theoretical framework in a research proposal.
• Critically review a presentation on the proposed scientific study.
• Follow a systematic, logical, empirical, reliable, valid, and ethical process in research.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data to achieve the research objectives.
• Review and improve research sub-sections/chapters.
• Regular review of progress reports from the supervisor.
• Critical review of the written report on the thesis.

Integrated Assessment

Three external examiners will evaluate the PhD dissertation works. Two external examiners must be foreign and one local national. This measure has been necessary to benchmark the candidate's performance with international standards.