Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology is to offer specialised training in theories, concepts and research methods appropriate to the emerging field of enquiry. This will contribute to the further development and strengthening of engaged scholarship on issues of great relevance to societies and in Africa in particular. Thus another purpose that the qualification will serve is to build capacity for effective societal responses to social change.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology provides a high level of theoretical and empirical understanding of issues and debates in Sociology and offers the chance to carry out a piece of original research. The qualification provides a wide range of transferable skills for work in areas in which an understanding of our own and other cultures is applicable, such as in the tourist or heritage and museum sectors, or in academic and applied research. Graduates will go on to many different careers both inside and outside academic life.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition, in the RPL process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in in the discipline 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

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Master's Degree in Sociology or any equivalent discipline.
• Students should have achieved a minimum average mark of 65% in the relevant Master's Degree.

There are no rules of combination, the student must submit a thesis for external examination.

1. Understanding of research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
2. Ability to identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
3. Ability to present a well-structured and developed piece of research which is of publishable standards.
4. Critically demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
5. Demonstrate the ability to coherently and logically structure and organise his/her study.
6. Demonstrate the ability to analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
7. Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Critically engage with the key scholarly debates, key theories in the relevant field.
• Make an original contribution in a specific area of specialisation in the field of Sociology.
• Capable of independently initiating and conducting research in the chosen area of specialisation in Sociology.
• Have the specialist knowledge in the field of Sociology.
• Capable of producing a dissertation, which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.

Integrated Assessment

The students' knowledge in the area of research will be assessed the supervisor and faculty members a formal proposal for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three external professors. Students will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.