Doctor of Philosophy in Language

Purpose

The Doctor of Philosophy in Language, provides training for an academic career. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. 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 Language.

The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multi-disciplinary research or applied research. A graduate should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of Language.

Rationale

The rationale of this Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is to provide an opportunity for students to present extensive research and publications with a specific focus within the field of Language. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that, in addition to the demonstration of high level research capability, it requires the ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts and that must be proven through a collection of publications. This qualification aims to provide the learner with the opportunity to prove her/his ability to plan and do research independently and to report the results. In addition, this qualification should enable the candidate to make an original contribution to the discipline of Language.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Language Practice, Level 9.

The learner must complete one of the elective modules listed below at Level 10 worth 360 credits each

Elective Modules, 360 Credits (Choose one)

• Thesis Sign Language, 360 Credits.
• Thesis French, 360 Credits.
• Thesis Classical Languages Greek/Latin/Classical Studies, 360 Credits.
• Thesis Hebrew, 360 Credits.
• Thesis German, 369 Credits.
• Thesis Sesotho, 360 Credits.
• Thesis Afrikaans and/or Dutch, 360 Credits.
• Thesis English, 360 Credits.

1. Engage with and critique of current research or practices in the field of Language.
2. Evaluate current processes of information production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry in the field of Language.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to research complex practical and theoretical problems in the field of Language.
4. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Language.
5. Undertake and present original research in chosen specialised area/discipline.
6. Manage the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within the Language context.
7. Use the resources of academic, professional/occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in the Language specialisation area.
8. Use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to Language, to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of information/expertise.
9. Develop own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
10. Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate accountability for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• A doctoral thesis containing the report of the learner's research is compiled, which meets all the standards and requirements of a doctoral dissertation.
• Proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contribution(s) of the study to Language is demonstrated.
• Complexities, reasoning skills and integration of knowledge and skills are demonstrated.
• Existing themes, critical arguments and current debates in own area of specialisation are drawn upon and their scholarly relevance to the field of specialisation communicated orally and in writing to fellow students, peers and other academics.
• Possible problem areas and areas for development in the discipline are identified and explained.
• Areas where ethical issues may arise from the work are identified and strategies for dealing with the issues are formulated.
• The relationships between knowledge, problems and practices outside the field of study and those in the field are recognised and the potential of the research to make a contribution to the development of new knowledge or new application of theory and methodology.

Integrated Assessment

Learners must submit a doctoral thesis containing the report of their research. The dissertation has to meet all the standards and requirements of a doctoral dissertation - which include proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contribution(s) of the study to Language. Complexities, reasoning skills and integration of knowledge and skills are developed through a range of face-to-face and/or online supervision and feedback strategies. The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.