Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Nelson Mandela University
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology is to provide an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their competence with research methods through the application of theory. It also provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in Information Technology through independent and original research.
Rationale
This qualification is designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, technical and leadership skills in the context of which they function. It will serve to generate new knowledge that is needed in Information Technology to help build a better society and to improve the human condition in South Africa and the world. The qualification holds graduates to the highest theoretical standards and embeds intellectual rigour. It serves to grow Information Technology, an important undertaking in the knowledge economy and the 4IR age.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL will be done according to the institution's RPL Policy.
RPL for access
- Applicants who do not meet the direct admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification plus suitable experiential- or work-based learning, which has taken the applicant to an equivalent of the entry level of the qualification specified above.
- Such candidates may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a portfolio of evidence of the prior learning been done and ratified by the Faculty Committee. > Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their experience by enrolling for preliminary modules prior to admission or parallel modules after admission.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Master of Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
Or
- Master of Information Science, NQF Level 9.
Or
- Master of Science in Computer Science, NQF Level 9.
Or
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 9.
Or
- Master of Science in Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10, totalling 360 credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits
- Thesis, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the broad field of theory and practice and the location of the specialised study within the specialised field of study.
- Demonstrate an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of a specialised field of study.
- Demonstrate a developed capacity for intellectual independence in the specialised field of study and across disciplinary boundaries.
- Demonstrate an ability to advise others in respect to the specialised field of study research by producing a thesis which systematically investigates a substantial research problem and satisfies international standards of research and scholarship in the relevant field.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Apply knowledge and theory accurately in a specialised field
- Interrogate existing knowledge boundaries and practices and create responses to problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Demonstrate high levels of self-reflexivity and intellectual independence.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Challenge complexities and contradictions in the knowledge base.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Assessment Practice: Formative
- Regular meetings with promoter(s) to provide feedback and guidance on the theoretical and practical aspects of the research project.
- Draft submissions of any written work.
- Oral presentations made to the Department to obtain a broader perspective.
- The preparation of at least one research paper on the research for publication in a scientific journal or presentation at a scientific conference, with recognition of intellectual property rights.
Assessment Practice: Summative
- A thesis describing the research methods used, the research and conclusions drawn from the research.
- Upon request, the learner may be required to defend the research project to test communication, understanding, capacity to think quickly under pressure and knowledge of procedures.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation
Horizontal Articulation
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Systems, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology Management, NQF Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science, NQF Level 10.
International comparability
As a process of best practice, it is important to compare the qualification with similar qualifications offered by other higher education institutions across the world.
Country: Norway
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Duration: Three years full time
Entry Requirements
- Completed at least five years of higher education that includes a master's degree or other equivalent degree.
And
- A strong academic record and a weighted average for the last two years of your master's degree equivalent to a B or higher on NTNU's grading scale.
Purpose
The qualification creates independent researchers with the skills needed for succeeding in the international research world. The qualification consists of a coursework part of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits and a doctoral thesis.
The coursework and the work on the thesis are carried out in parallel. It is recommended, however, that the coursework be completed early during study. All the coursework must have been completed and approved before submission of the thesis with a nominal length of 2.5 years.
Similarities
- The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years.
- The NUST and SA qualifications accept applicants who have completed a master's degree in IT or a related field.
- Graduates who completed both qualifications are expected to submit the final thesis which contributes to the development of new academic knowledge and of a high international standard within the discipline.
Differences
- The NUST has 30 ECTS credits of coursework, whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.
- The NUST qualification consists of coursework and a thesis, while the SA qualification consists of the research thesis only and no coursework
Country: United States of America
Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha
Qualification Title: Ph.D. in Information Technology
Credits: 90 credit hours
Duration: Three directed study
Entry Requirements
- Master's degrees in IT-related field
Purpose
The qualification is research-intensive, multidisciplinary focused around the core areas of computer science, management information systems and interdisciplinary informatics. The qualification admits exceptional learners who have demonstrated a strong foundation in the core areas with high potential and commitment towards future academic achievement and success.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to
- Interpret and synthesize research literature from multiple areas of the IT discipline.
- Identify open research questions and design appropriate approaches to investigate them.
- Contribute to scholarly literature.
- Effectively engage learners in learning about IT content.
Applied Research
Faculty members are very productive in their research and compete for funding from competitive sources such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defence. Most faculty conduct research in one of the three disciplines (computer science, management information systems, interdisciplinary informatics) that comprise the qualification. Within these areas, research interests include artificial intelligence, data and text mining, software engineering, biomedical informatics, cybersecurity, data analytics, database management, IT infrastructure and many more.
Similarities
- The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full time.
- The UNO and SA qualifications require applicants who have completed Master's degrees in an IT-related field.
- Both qualifications share similar learning outcomes.
- Both qualifications culminate into the research thesis.
Difference
- The UNO qualification has 90 credit hours, whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.
Conclusion
The Doctor of Philosophy in IT compares favourably with the two qualifications stated above. Similar to the SA qualification, these qualifications are focussed on preparing Doctoral learners to become productive researchers. Another common element is that a final thesis is submitted at the end of the study period.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide DAdmin graduates who are capable of advancing knowledge in and providing an original contribution to a major discipline or specialized field of study.
The qualification aims to:
The purpose of the qualification is: - To provide an opportunity for learners to obtain detailed knowledge of the discipline concerned and to create an awareness of the variety of institutional contexts in which it is applied.
Registered-data under construction
The purpose of this qualification is to create and develop technological innovations and to further technological advancements in the field of agriculture. The person achieving this qualification will be competent to complete a specialised independent research project in the field of agricultural technology. The qualifying learner will be an authority on previous research and the latest technology and techniques in the appropriate field of expertise.
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.