Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide highly skilled human capital in the field of occupational therapy and occupational science research and to enable graduates to effectively compete in the global information/knowledge economy.

At the end of the PhD qualification the learner will be able to demonstrate that he/she has/is

• Made an original contribution in a specific area of specialisation in the field of occupational therapy.
• Capable of independently initiating and conducting research in the chosen area of specialisation in occupational therapy.
• Excellent literature skills and the ability to perform critical reading of scientific research papers.
• Acquired specialist knowledge in an identified field of occupational therapy.
• Capable of producing a dissertation which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy qualification will allow for an international hub for the innovative discovery and development of occupational therapy practices and techniques to improve wellness and health. It will create an extensive regional and international network through which occupational therapy researchers can collaborate to develop new knowledge and provide scientific evidence for practice and/or education. It will build important bridges of learning within occupational therapy, between the developing and the developed worlds to the benefit of people everywhere. It will enable occupational science to develop as a transformative science that facilitates new ways of thinking about and acting in relation to occupational therapy practice and occupational inequities within local, regional, national and global contexts. Finally the PhD qualification will marry excellence in research with the needs of people and communities in South Africa (as well as Africa and other developing countries) by promoting in-depth investigation of occupational therapy and occupational science topics to the benefit of the country, the region, the profession and health care. The introduction of a PhD at the Institution will contribute to alleviating the skills shortage and thus realising the goals of government.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the Institution Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in OT as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition an application can be made in terms of rule A.2 via Senate.

Entry Requirements

A Masters' Degree qualification in Occupational Therapy.

This qualification is a Doctoral Degree by dissertation at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

1. Contribute to academic knowledge in the field of occupational therapy through research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An original contribution in a specific area of specialisation in the field of occupational therapy is made.
• The ability to independently initiate and conducting research in the chosen are of specialisation in occupational therapy is displayed.
• Excellent literature skills and the ability to perform critical reading of scientific research papers are demonstrated.
• Specialist knowledge in an identified field of occupational therapy is acquired.
• A dissertation which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing is produced.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge of Occupational Therapy will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members via a formal proposal for PhD research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three professors, one of which must be external. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out by Faculty members and international examiners.