Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications 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
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Venda
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Mathematical 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
2027-06-30
Last date for achievement
2029-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies provide training for an Academic career. A candidate is required to undertake research at the most advanced academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. However, candidates may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements.
The major purpose of this qualification is that, on completion of the studies a candidate is expected to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field in Mathematical Sciences.
Rationale
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the area of Mathematical Sciences provides training for an academic career. It requires a student to undertake research at the highest academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.
This Degree provides the opportunities for students to explore the field of Mathematical Sciences and broaden their expertise in the area. It is aligned with the National Skills Development guidelines to produce more Postgraduate students in Sciences. This Degree opens the door for students to become experts in the field of Mathematical Sciences. The duration of the Degree studies is normally three years on full-time study and is usually undertaken after completing a Master's Degree or its equivalent in the chosen area of Mathematical Sciences.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
University RPL policies for entry into specific qualifications are applicable to this programme. Candidates with previous experience and relevant Degrees/Diplomas are taken into consideration.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Mathematical Sciences, a candidate normally must have obtained a score of 60% or above in an approved Master of Science (MSc) Degree in the area a student wishes to do his/her PhD studies.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The Master's Degree in Mathematical Sciences has a total Credit of 360 by a thesis.
A graduate of this qualification should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of Mathematical Sciences.
The assessment of a thesis in Mathematical Sciences shall be in two parts
- Thesis is marked by at least three examiners two of whom must be external.
- Oral examination.
Exit level outcomes
- High level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field in Mathematical Sciences.
- Ability to produce quality work to satisfy reviewers and merit publication.
- Ability to produce a thesis through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Adequate existing knowledge.
- Be able to identify strengths and weaknesses of research articles.
- Be able to determine research work's trustworthiness, value and relevance.
- Determine research work's applicability.
- Make sound judgments using data and available information and communicate findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Accepted thesis by reviewers.
- Publications from the thesis.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Clear objectives that underpin category of research.
- Accepted thesis by reviewers.
Integrated Assessment
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis must demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply relevant scientific methodologies in a specific topic of his/her choice and to carry out research at international level required for PhD qualification in the subject area in Mathematical Sciences. A department assessment committee oversees the implementation of all the PhD processes and ensures that formal requirements for the qualification which underpin academic merit of the thesis in question have been met.
The assessment of the thesis is in two major components. Once the thesis is ready it must be marked by both internal and external examiners in accordance with the school's regulations. Secondly, a public defence is conducted to conclude the assessment process.
Finally, the School's assessment committee makes its recommendations to the university assessment committee which then makes the final recommendations to SENEX for approval.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate of this programme can continue with a Post-Doctoral research in any of the Mathematical Sciences fields for which he/she qualifies or embark on teaching programmes at universities or join industry.
International comparability
The standard of this programme is comparable to local, regional and international standards in terms of quality and best practices. This qualification is similar to others offered at:
- University of South Africa, South Africa.
- Brunel University of London, United Kingdom.
- University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
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.
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