Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide training for an academic career in the field of Visual and Performing Arts. It requires a learner to research the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. A learner may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements. The qualification allows learners to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area. They build on knowledge normally gained at Masters or an equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of the Visual and Performing Arts through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Visual and Performing Arts. These competences present opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity. Learners also attain the ability to make rewarding contributions to society. The qualification provides South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the Visual and Performing Arts to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity expands. This expansion also includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of the Visual and Performing Arts in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The institution applies RPL according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the NWU RPL policy. The Faculty of Humanities manages the process.

• Using the RPL policy, the Faculty of Humanities implements quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems
• Learners must demonstrate NQF Level 9 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Philosophy in Arts, NQF Level 9.

This qualification comprises of compulsory thesis at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

• Compulsory thesis, 360 Credits.

The achievement of this qualification means that the qualified learner can

1. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area in the field of the Visual and Performing Arts and across specialised or applied areas.
2. Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of the Visual and Performing Arts and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
3. Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of the Visual and Performing Arts.
4. Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
5. Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices in the field of the Visual and Performing Arts. Create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
6. Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area within the field of the Visual and Performing Arts.
7. Demonstrate research leadership within the field, including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts.
8. Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, concerning the ethical implications of research, preferably the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Visual and Performing Arts and across specialised or applied areas and make an original contribution to the knowledge society in the discipline they are researching on;
• Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of visual and Performing Arts;
• Apply and develop competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines in the field of Visual and Performing Arts;
• Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria;
• Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of the field of Visual and Performing Arts;
• Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and emerging contexts in the field of Visual and Performing Arts.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment happens through research proposal defence and feedback from the Research Committee and other feedbacks from the promoter (supervisor). Learners submit a thesis on discrete research conducted under supervision. In it, the learner is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation for summative assessment.