Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to

• Provide South Africa with highly skilled human capital in the field of Population Studies to help ensure that the country will be able to effectively analyse and interpret data related to various fields in population studies and national censuses.
• Continuously research ways of improving the collection of data for censuses and household surveys.
• Train researchers in this scarce skills field and build human capacity for the future.
• Build important bridges of learning between developing and developed countries with regard to the use of census information and survey results to eventually benefit people everywhere.
• Marry excellence in research with the needs of South Africa (as well as the rest of Africa and other developing countries) by promoting in-depth investigations of Population Studies topics to the benefit of the country and the continent.

Rationale

The collection, analysis and interpretation of data and information are a major aspect of any governmental office at regional or national level. Unfortunately, limited research at an advanced Doctor of Philosophy level is being done in the field of Population Studies which incorporates a holistic approach to data collection, analyses and interpretation of findings for future planning. The Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies will address the lack of research in this field.

The qualification aims to augment the critical shortage of Population Studies scientists and Demographers in the country. Occupations in this field have been identified as scarce skills which are needed within the South African labour market. The 2001 National Plan for Higher Education emphasised the need for increased enrolment and graduation in science, engineering and technology qualifications.

The introduction of a Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies will contribute to alleviating the skills shortage and thus realising the goals of government, the NQF and the country as a whole.

A learner should have a

• Good knowledge of Statistical Analysis, Population Studies and Demography.
• Clear understanding of the environment in a social or academic setting.
• Firm basis to manage information and carry out research.
• Good oral and writing skills.

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 the RPL process learners can also opt to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in Population Studies General Statistics or Demography as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

Access to the Qualification

Learners who have completed a Masters Degree: Population Studies or equivalent will be granted access to this Doctor of Philosophy qualification in Population Studies.

The qualification comprises a thesis or dissertation worth 360 Credits.

The qualifying learner should, upon completion of this qualification, be able to demonstrate

• An ability to undertake self directed study.
• An understanding of demographic and socio-economic processes which inform population and development policy.
• An understanding of the stakeholders involved in the policy process.
• A knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, their impact on social and economic development.
• An ability to identify policy related issues and evaluate their importance.
• An understanding of the social context in which development policies are constructed demonstrate a concern with enhancing the life chances of all persons.
• An ability to present arguments and perspectives orally and in written form.
• An understanding of the diversity of most contemporary societies and causes of population dynamics between and within societies.
• Ability to summarise and evaluate a substantial body of information.
• An ability to engage with the concepts, philosophies and a multiplicity of approaches to population studies.
• An ability to work both individually and as a member of a group (field sampling).
• Familiarity with information technology to make use of the internet in conducting research.
• Ability to undertake and interpret demographic data analysis.
• Competence in developing appropriate strategies and methods for population policy related research.
• An ability to monitor the effectiveness of policy implementation in line with the goals of social development and reconstruction.
• An ability to undertake concise and clear presentations in the field of population studies to non-academic practitioners and lay members of the public.
• The capacity to use the skills, knowledge and values obtained in the qualification to advise policy related bodies and institutions in both the public and private sector.
• The ability to compile a thesis/dissertation, which indicates a further ability to conduct independent research, illustrate originality and creativity, become familiar with the identified area of study and present novel knowledge.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification.

Assessors should assess the following competencies in an integrated manner to address all the Exit Level Outcomes

• The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research undertaken.
• Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarity of reasoning and arguments.
• Sound knowledge and theoretical base of the research.
• Use of statistical data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative research method) in line with requirements in this regard.
• Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations made.
• Methods used to ensure validity of the research.
• International comparability of the research.
• Ability to present the results of research that comply with criteria supported by the research community.
• Use of technology in presenting information and statistical data analysis.
• The design of the research product meets standards set by the research community.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of the researched problem and the possible solutions to the problem.
• Ability to defend academically own analysis and recommendations made.
• Integration of resources with research undertaken and coverage of all relevant sources.
• Information gathering using appropriate data collecting methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic, other retrieval methods.
• Methods used to report relevant sources are in line with research standards for verification such as triangulation.
• Recording of relevant sources (avoidance of plagiarism, Harvard method).
• Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge so that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and biasness.
• Ability to critically relate own analysis to existing theories.
• Ability to engage epistemologically with the chosen field of study and the problem identified for the research.
• Ability to engender the values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness.

Integrated Assessment

Learner knowledge of Population Studies will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members via a formal proposal for Doctor of Philosophy research. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis/dissertation. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out by faculty members and international external examiners.