Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology

Purpose

The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology provides training for an academic career. It requires a learner to research the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. Further, learners may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements. Coursework may be required as preparation or value addition to the research but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the learner is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of Information technology. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The qualification may be earned through pure IT discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. This qualification requires a minimum of two years' full-time or a maximum of six years of full-time or part-time study, usually after completing a Master's qualification. A learner should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the IT field.

Rationale

The PhD in Information technology is multidisciplinary; this allows for accommodation of learners from (1) computer science; (2) software engineering (3) information systems; and (4) telecommunications. Although the main research area is Computer and Information Science; interdisciplinary areas that have the main focus in IT are also included.

The qualification is designed to fit with the institution's mission, strategic goals and core values summed up by the Vision 2020.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution will apply its RPL policy to address learners who do not meet the admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Information Science, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Science in Information Systems, NQF Level 9.

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

Compulsory Modules NQF 10, 360 Credits

• Research thesis/dissertation, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific body of knowledge relevant to the topic where a learner must:
2. Understand and explain the fundamentals of the relevant subjects.
3. Identify and discuss the areas of conflict and consensus, and the gaps in an existing body of knowledge and what bearing they have on the topic.
4. Formulate an appropriate research design and a clear research plan.
5. Independently formulate, investigate and resolve research issues.
6. Discuss the relationship between the existing relevant body of knowledge and the proposed research.
7. Make a distinct (significant and original) contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the area of specialisation.
8. Draw meaningful conclusions and make generalisations.
9. Validate and contextualise his or her research contribution.
10. Identify and discuss questions raised and how they could be investigated in future research.
11. Demonstrate the ability to work independently.
12. Demonstrate proficiency in inappropriate research methodology and scientific writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Develop and defend a formal research proposal seminar.
• Produce at least one progress report, and one published article band submit to a reputable journal or conference.

Integrated Assessment

The research thesis will be examined by at least three recognised examiners (at least one of them should be from outside of South Africa); this will be followed by an oral defence if required. Learners may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements. Further assessment will be applied as stipulated by the Institution's regulations.