Doctor of Philosophy in Military Geography

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable suitable candidates working in the Military Geography sphere, to undertake advanced reflection and study development trends by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in an area of specialisation within the field of Military Geography. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement, thorough observation, and intellectual independence and or collaboration, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to various contexts (local, meso and macro). In the realisation of this, learners should be highly professional and produce excellent academic outputs.

The qualification will equip learners with knowledge, skills and values which include the development of attributes to require future military leaders to apply critical thinking on military-related challenges and provide possible solutions during military operations, as well as operations other than war.

On successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of study or practice (knowledge literacy).
• Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts (method and procedure).
• Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems (problem-solving).
• Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate (ethics and professional practice).
• Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas, information or issues (accessing, processing and managing information).
• Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, is new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practice.
• Develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse (producing and communicating information).
• Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change; and an ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems (context and systems).
• Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field or practice (management of learning)
• Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and where appropriate lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems (accountability).

Throughout this qualification learners will be supported to develop the following graduate attributes

• An enquiring mind, whereby learners will be developing further skills in becoming critical and creative thinkers who are also, in the pursuit of in-depth knowledge in the field of military geography becoming lifelong learners.
• An engaged citizen who can, through their in-depth knowledge and skills in military geography, act as effective military leaders and collaborators in diverse environments
• A dynamic professional who is an innovative problem solver who can use sustainable military geography technology, such as GIS or relevant statistical software, effectively
• Well-rounded individuals, enrolled learners will take the necessary responsibility for their own development (developing better research or academic writing skills) and can critically evaluate information and/or data to make informed and considered decisions.

Rationale

There is an urgent need to investigate the physical, economic and social challenges of the world. Through the introduction of this qualification, geographers can share their findings as widely as possible. The qualification provides opportunities for graduate learners to gain practical experience through service as departmental teaching or research assistants. Graduate learners often present their research at professional conferences and publish their work in academic journals. These presentations and papers can be the product of independent research or research projects led by a faculty member.

The qualification focuses on investigating the environmental consequences of military actions/decisions, the social and economic implications of environmental change on the security of a nation(s), and providing academic output to institutions and the global academic audience, specifically military-related. It also emphasises ecosystems (biotic and abiotic components) and how military factors influence ecosystems. Central to the studies in Military Geography are theories, methods of investigation, and models of environmental, social and economic geography. Military Geography covers various subfields, for example, environmental science, economic, social and human geography, as well as soil science. All these subfields are closely interrelated and interdependent on one another. In understanding all these close relationships between living and non-living components, learners will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of Military Geography and how it can be applied.

There is a greater interest in Military Geography in gaining accurate knowledge about countries regarding their region's physical, social, and economic spaces. Geographical knowledge contributes to the preparation and intelligence estimate either for military activities or military support activities. Therefore, Military Geography is the foundation for the development of military strategies and or intelligence.

The qualification will make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline and Military Geography. Graduates will be able to demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge at the forefront of Military Geography conceptualise new research initiatives, create new knowledge or practice, and develop critical thinking skills on military-related challenges and possible solutions during military operations, as well as operations and other than war focusing on the environmental consequences of human decisions relating to military actions such as conflicts and peace missions.

The qualification reflects a critical element not only in preparing the Department of Defence (DoD) on how to deal with conflicts and peace missions, especially on the African continent but also in ploughing back into the teaching and preparation of under- and postgraduate learners. All military operations have distinct natural characteristics in terms of knowing the topography, climate, water, air, soil, and the prevailing economic and social environments. Hence, it is paramount to know and understand these phenomena and how to contextualise them. The importance and the dynamic emergence of Military Geography as a subfield of Geography stimulates the development of new tools and techniques of geographical inquiry (both human, economic, and physical) to be promoted in the quest for military objectives.

Learners are equipped with various military geography theories and techniques that place the Military Geography Department in a position to disseminate knowledge and transfer techniques to junior and senior officers. Exposure to the Military Geography of learners is a powerful tool to prepare learners for potential military operations and peacekeeping missions. The mastering of technology, particularly the development of detection methods (radars, satellites) and the use of computerised geographical information systems, map interpretation, climate and socio-economic diversity of places and, cultures as well as to link it with the subfields of Military Geography, will be an asset for learners.

The need for the qualification was identified by the Master of Military Science in Military Geography graduates who wanted to further their research and enhance their research skills in the military geography field due to increased international interest in which geographical knowledge contributes to military strategies. There is an urgent need worldwide for undergraduate officers (learners) to enhance their careers. The well-known West-Point Military Unit only offered a three-year qualification in Military Geography.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL are done in accordance with the institution's Policy and regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT). Procedures for RPL considerations within the Faculty of Military Science are regulated by the Faculty of Military Science Procedure for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

RPL for access

A learner who has an honours qualification and has worked for the SANDF or similar military organisation in a military strategy department can provide at least evidence of 5 years of experience in a Military Geography field and will be considered for RPL for access.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Military Science in Military Geography, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Military Science, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Military Science in Organisation and Resource Management, NQF Level 9.

Or

• A related discipline, NQF Level 9 with a minimum final mark of 60%.

and

• Employment within the South African Government in a military position.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Military Geography Dissertation, 360 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Communicate effectively using visual, verbal and non-verbal skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
2. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards peers and subordinates within the military environment.
3. Manage time and resources efficiently in research study.
4. Demonstrate military professionalism and decision-making skills.
5. Apply basic knowledge and skills to efficiently manage study and research related to military aspects.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the world (military domain) as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of:

• Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
• Participate as responsible citizens (and military members) in the life of local, national and global military and civilian communities.
• Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Explore military promotional opportunities.
• Develop military leadership opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret and write to produce common formats of written communication.
• Listen to, interpret and produce common formats of oral communication.
• Produce common formats of non-verbal communication.
• Take personal responsibility for learning within a supervised environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice focusing on the environmental consequences of human decisions relating to military actions such as conflicts and peace missions.
• Apply critical thinking to military-related challenges and provide possible solutions during military operations, as well as operations other than war.
• Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in Military Geography practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Correctly plan the research activity and decide on the research topic.
• Clarify key concepts.
• Conduct independent scientific research, data analysis, and review and apply theory to the research problem.
• Outline the organisation of time and resources.
• Indicate control measures.
• Correctly apply supervisor/learner interaction and skills.
• Apply the basic management functions in a small research group activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Make decisions about and responsibility for actions.
• Analyse and implement strategic geographic decisions on macro and micro level.
• Develop and manage systems as well as perform effective decision-making regarding integrated training area management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Evaluate and apply basic military principles and policies.
• Assist in the organisation of military management functions.
• Clearly state the premise and support with literature.
• Show sensitivity to important implications and consequences.
• Give an in-depth analysis of questions and problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate sensitivity to important military and security implications and consequences.
• Internalise basic military concepts and principles.
• Apply specialist knowledge and theory in military geography in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems related to topics in military geography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Evaluate their personal performance against given criteria
• Take the initiative to address any shortcomings they find.
• Identify realistic potential improvements to military aspects.
• Contribute to relieving security-related issues.
• Identify potential impacts of research and plans to deliver them in the SANDF, nationally and globally.