Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Purpose

To equip learners as advanced, Doctoral-level, producers of scholarly knowledge in the discipline and profession of Sociology.

Rationale

This qualification enables learners to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, and methods of Sociology as an academic discipline and/or as a professional practice.

They will develop advanced research competency that involves the capacity to independently plan, implement and manage the research process, and to write a research proposal and a doctoral thesis that reflects the ability to engage in scholarly debate in the generation and validation of knowledge in Sociology.

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

A Master's Degree in Sociology or related field at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work consists of two 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 programme are expected to demonstrate

1. A coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Sociology and Sociology-related fields.
2. An ability to rigorously critique and evaluate current research in Sociology.
3. An ability to identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global Sociological issues.
4. An advanced skill in information retrieval and processing.
5. An ability to rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of Sociology.
6. Mastery in undertaking a research project and applying relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
7. An ability to produce a research-based thesis, which meets the standards of professional writing.
8. A capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
9. A capacity to manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.

• Assess, measure, analyse and critique local, national and global situations that may have an impact on the sociological health status of communities, groups and individuals by applying relevant and sustainable solutions based on scientific findings.
• Manage their workload as strategic leaders in the field and manage and develop pre-selected competencies of those reporting to them.
• Collect collate and synthesise information from various sources, for visioning purposes and use the information effectively at strategic level.
• Communicate the managerial competencies to be established and practical leadership to be applied in organisational situations and at planning and policy making levels by using, spoken words, graphical and tabular representations to obtain support for insight and recommendations.
• Demonstrate the effective but sustainable and effective use of technology to measure health status and to communicate this information in a responsible manner, while maintaining ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect for others.
• Show how knowledge from various sources and relevant to various contexts can be integrated into sound value creation and decision-making.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the 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 Sociology 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.