Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science
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
Stellenbosch University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security
Subfield
Safety in Society
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 Faculty of Military Science is unique in South Africa and Africa. The Faculty offers post graduate studies in Military Science to satisfy security needs and challenges in South Africa and the continent. These post graduate qualifications are currently at a Master's Degree level. In this regard, learners with Masters' Degrees request to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science with the Faculty of Military Science. Faculty specialists from their different fields of expertise in Military Science can contribute to a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science. The Doctor of Philosophy will contribute to the academic depth of the theoretical knowledge, will develop an academic vibrancy and will support the research output of the Faculty and Stellenbosch University.
The purpose of the Doctoral Degree is to make a significant and original academic contribution on national and international level at the frontiers of the Military Science field.
Rationale
There is a great need for a Doctor of Philosophy programme in Military Science, with a focus on the complexity of the security challenges and environment, looking for peace in Africa and the world. This Qualification will contribute to addressing the need for additional researchers to meet the growing needs of organisational research and to address security challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills. Further, the qualification will develop both their research skills and their specialist knowledge in these subject fields.
It is expected that a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science will assist learners to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within local and international communities through the application of knowledge base and the subject field of Military Science.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Previous Masters or Doctor of Philosophy level learners will go through a RPL process by the PhD Committee according to Stellenbosch University's policy on Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).
Entry Requirements
A Master's Degree in Military Science or any other related field/discipline deemed appropriate by Senate and the Doctor of Philosophy Committee. The learner also needs to compile and submit a research proposal for selection for the Doctor of Philosophy Committee.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The qualification consists of one compulsory module with a credit value of 360.
Compulsory Module
- Dissertation.
Exit level outcomes
- Apply skill and experience in appraisal of research findings, both in terms of the strength of the methodology and the application value.
- Collect knowledge of research methodology to guide successful planning and execution of research in both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.
- Demonstrate high level moral reasoning and adherence to professional ethics.
Associated assessment criteria
The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way to determine competence in the Exit Level Outcomes
- Critical knowledge and expertise in the field in Military Science is used and demonstrated.
- Intellectual independence, research leadership and professional management of high level scientific research are applied in an ethical and accountable manner.
- The necessary cognitive and analytical ability for high level research is demonstrated.
- Competency in scientific writing skills is applied.
- Academic materials are assessed.
- New methods, techniques, processes, systems and technologies are developed that are attuned to the complex military security issues dealt with, specifically in Africa.
- Research with a wide-ranging spectrum of challenges facing the world, Africa, South Africa and the local community is conducted.
- Appropriate and sustainable approaches to the development of Africa are investigated and innovatively implemented.
- Significant and original academic contributions are made on national and international level at the frontiers of the discipline/field of Military Science.
Integrated Assessment
The only credit-bearing assessment is that of the doctoral dissertation and the oral which accompanies it. It is examined internally and externally.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification articulates horizontally with any Doctor of Philosophy in related fields at NQF Level 10.
International comparability
The Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science aligns well with the following international offerings
Doctor of Philosophy in Military Sociology Studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with fundamental knowledge from their research disciplines in different fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences, while developing the competences required for independent research and the application of knowledge at an internationally comparable level.
This qualification combines theoretical and practical elements from the chosen research disciplines and incorporates various contemporary didactic approaches, individual and team methods of acquisition, and application of knowledge to develop the certain critical competences. These competences include: Analytical abilities, Application of methodological tools, Knowledge of the environment of the selected discipline or field, Strategic focus on the selected field, Communication, Team and group work abilities, Expertise, Conflict resolution, Flexible approach to change, Networking, Ethics and values, wide humanistic and social horizon.
The qualification consists of organised classes (60 Credits) and individual research work for the doctoral thesis (120 Credits).
In the first year, the curriculum requires registration of two compulsory core courses (Theories of society and Methodology and epistemology of the Social Sciences) worth 20 ECTS, two elective seminar courses adjusted to the study field worth 20 ECTS. Learners will thus obtain a thorough overview of methods and theory from the chosen research field, and also some subject-specific knowledge closely related to their field of interest, which should help in the preparation of the doctoral thesis. Individual research work in the first year focuses mainly on preparing the doctoral thesis proposal. The completion of 40 ECTS in organised forms of study is required for progression to the second year of study.
In the second year, learners choose an external course worth 10 ECTS, providing for external electivity and international mobility. The rest of the second year programme is implemented in the form of individual research, intended for the preparation of the doctoral thesis and the authored academic article. The approval of the doctoral thesis topic by the University of Ljubljana, which is processed during the second year of doctoral study, is required for enrolment in the third year of the doctoral programme.
The study process in the third year is implemented entirely in the form of individual research activity, opening with the presentation of research results by the end of study year. An authored academic article must be accepted for publication or be already published in an adequately assessed and relevant scientific journal prior to the announcement of the defence of the doctoral thesis. The doctoral learner has to be the first author of the article.
Doctor of Philosophy in War Studies Research at the Kings College London, United Kingdom
A comprehensive programme of individual research training is offered to ensure that learners develop the skills necessary to complete their research projects and fulfil their career goals. In year one, learners will draw up a programme of research training and personal development in consultation with their supervisors. Ongoing research training needs are assessed in years two and three. The Department of War Studies offer additional training as required.
All Doctor of Philosophy candidates undertake a tailored programme of research training and development through all three years of the programme. The Department of War Studies which offers additional training is interested in receiving applications from learners planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the department's research groups, centres and programmes. The Department assumes that learners will be attached to one or more of these and that in all cases will enhance research culture and be consistent with the War Studies research strategy. In addition to the Kings College staff, academic staff for research supervision based at the Defence Studies Department (DSD) at the Joint Services Command and Staff College will also render support to learners.
Doctor of Philosophy students are allocated a primary and secondary supervisor. Research students have access to a small workspace in the Department of War Studies; this workspace contains PCs with internet connections and printers. Learners also have access to the collections in the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.
Conclusion
In terms of focus and standard the qualification compares well with other Doctor of Philosophy programmes worldwide.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
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