Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to deliver a graduate who can undertake research at the most advanced academic level, culminating in a research thesis that is acceptable to the Political Sciences community.

Coursework may be required as preparation or be value addition to the research. The qualification intends to produce a Graduate who can make significant and original academic/scientific contributions at the frontiers of the discipline or field. That work should meet the requirements of peer review processes and be acceptable for publications of merit.

Rationale

The qualification is the culmination of a study and learning process commencing with a Bachelor's Degree and proceeding to a Master's Degree. The focus of the learning process changes during the course of this process. At National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 9 and 10, the emphasis is on acquiring and demonstrating the necessary research knowledge and skills in order to become an advanced researcher in the Political Sciences disciplines, specifically in Politics, African Politics and International Politics.

The over-arching rationale for the Political Sciences is already well-established but the specific rationale for the Doctoral Degree is to serve as the final opportunity for a learner to be supervised in addressing at the highest level, research questions or uncertainties, and therefore knowledge gaps, regarding political issues, policy matters, international political challenges, and theoretical or philosophical questions. Its rationale is therefore to contribute towards knowledge production, to offer policy recommendations on the researched topic or to conscientise, the public about issues of a political nature within the three fields identified.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University of South Africa (UNISA) RPL Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The UNISA RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

An appropriate Master's Degree (preferably in the Political Sciences) at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9, with an average of 60%.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

Learners completing this qualification are expected to demonstrate

• Expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the discipline and the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
• Knowledge literacy, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of the discipline.
• Problem solving, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in the Political Sciences in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
• Ethics and professional practice in the Political Sciences, in respect of which a graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
• Accessing, processing and managing information, in respect of which a learner is able to demonstrate the ability to 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.
• Producing and communicating information, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work that meets international standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
• Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, as well as ethically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

When a learner's thesis is nearing completion, he/she informs the Registrar of his/her intention to submit if for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit.

Assessment will include input from three external examiners, and all must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. At least one of the external examiners should be from a county other than South Africa. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.

The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the learner and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Political Science in an integrative way, dealing with Information Science challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.