Master of Philosophy in Defence Studies

Purpose

The successful learner will possess the relevant knowledge, understanding and insight of the scientific methods and skills to:

• Analyse national and international security issues in a systematic, coherent, and logical manner, and thereby be able to make a significant contribution towards the development of a credible defence.
• Formulate clearly, and unambiguously, own critical viewpoint and present it logically.
• Present balanced arguments aimed at problem-solving, while considering all available options and solutions.
• Conduct independent research at an advanced level.
• Produce technically well-prepared texts.
• Communicate research findings in scientifically acceptable research reports.
• Demonstrate an understanding of group dynamics, plan and use resources optimally to achieve a particular objective.

Rationale

The institution consult the chief client, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the design of the qualification and consequently focused on the articulated educational needs of that institution. It is designed to provide the Department of Defence and other defence forces with better equipped and better-educated middle and top-level officers/managers through postgraduate education at Master's Degree level that will enhance their managerial competencies in the realm of defence and security management. It capitalises on formal and informal learning opportunities pertaining to military professional development provided to middle and top-level managers.

The qualification contributes to the efficient management of national and regional security, which will ensure a stable platform for sustained socio-economic development and upliftment on the African continent. The qualification focuses on a selection of themes from international, African, Southern African and security domains. It covers aspects of civil/military relations, South Africa (SA) and the international community, human security, armed forces and society, military culture, diversity, laws of armed conflict and human rights, therefore it promotes cultural tolerance and a collective commitment to a charitable, non-racial, and non-sexist social order by inculcating learners with a consciousness of the interdependence of cultures and societies.

Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution acknowledges the value of RPL as embodied in its purpose, which is to increase the accessibility of higher education institutions in general, and the qualifications of the Faculty in particular, within a framework of quality assurance. Increased accessibility in this regard refers specifically to individuals who were previously deprived of opportunities to have access to formal learning environments, whether as a result of systemic or other restrictions, but who can now provide proof that they can participate in such learning opportunities at a specific level or can be recognised in retrospect for achieving such level of learning.

Although access is a primary objective, the following vital objectives of RPL have more relevance to the Faculty of Military Science:

• Placing - to determine, using assessment, an appropriate level of access to a learning or teaching programme for an individual;
• Accelerated status - to grant an individual access to a learning or teaching programme at an NQF level that is higher than a qualification already obtained;
• Accelerated stance - to award credits for a part of a learning programme for which an individual is registered based on ARPL;
• Crediting - to award transferable credits, within the bounds of specified restrictions, for learning that meets the requirements of a module as a whole or partially meets the requirements for a learning programme or a qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is.

• An appropriate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma qualification in a related field at NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 150 Credits

• Defence and International Politics, 30 Credits.
• Defence Policy and Strategy, 30 Credits.
• The History of Defence in South Africa, 30 Credits.
• Research Assignments, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 9, 30 Credits (Choose two modules).

• Defence Management, 15 Credits.
• Military Sociology, 15 Credits.
• Defence Economics, 15 Credits.
• Military Organisational Behaviour, 15 Credits.
• International Law: From Human rights to Humanitarian Law, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist theoretical knowledge of the nature and dynamics of defence policy and strategy, specifically in a South African context.
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse national and international security issues (including the socio-economic, political and economic considerations of SSA) in a systematic, coherent and logical manner and make a significant contribution towards the development of a credible defence.
3. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the practice of the military organisation environment and understand the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within this context.
4. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
5. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect organisational or professional issues, specifically through an understanding of the capita selecta of human rights and humanitarian law concepts, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in the context of Military Defence.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research at an advanced level and manage information to produce significant insights.
7. Demonstrate the ability to use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the product of research specialisation in the field of military defence studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the nexus between national security, defence and strategy.
• Outline the concepts associated with the debate on security, strategy, defence and defence policy.
• Analyse South African strategic thinking and defence policy since 1994.
• Examine the structural dimensions of the South African defence domain.
• Explain how individual, group and organisational level factors affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the military.
• Explain and interpret at a postgraduate level the interaction between humankind and the environment and to relate this to military and intelligence-oriented decision making in Southern Africa.
• Understand the key fields, terms, rules, concepts, principles, and theories within the field of Defence using historical, South African case studies.
• Describe the unique determinants of fit in the military at personality/job/organizational level.
• Identify unique elements of power and politics in the military and provide suggestions for avoiding abuse of power in the military.
• Describe why the military environment is particularly resistant to change.
• Debate whether values, attitudes and beliefs have any substantive effect on military operations.
• Contrast the organisational culture of the various arms of service in the South African National Defence Force.
• Analyse sociological theories and concepts and apply them within the military context.
• Analyse military sociology, its history, impact and global use.
• Analyse the socialisation of officers in the military culture.
• Evaluate the relationship between armed forces and society.
• Debate the nexus between the military and democratic intuitions.
• Evaluate the role of military sociology in South Africa.
• Discuss the formation of African National Borders and associated migration issues, developments and conflicts.
• Analyse the physical, social and natural environments of sub-Sahara Africa.
• Develop an appreciation of military operations with and along with other National Militaries and International Security Forces.
• Identify and critically assess the organisational structure of a selected military unit.
• Examine the economic theory of alliances and arms races.
• Analyse the economic impact on defence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically view the environment in which South African forces were deployment and in which they operated during different historical timeframes and approach contemporary Defence and Africa questions in this light.
• Systematically explain South African Defence themes on a scientific basis, and present existing knowledge on Defence issues.
• Examine the nature of security and the theory of strategy and defence policy.
• Analyse the political, strategic and defence planning processes.
• Identify unique elements of power and politics in the military and provide suggestions for avoiding abuse of power in the military.
• Critically discuss the formation of African National Borders and associated migration issues, developments and conflicts.
• Critically analyse the physical, social and natural environments of sub-Sahara Africa.
• Critically discuss military operations with and along with other National Militaries and International Security Forces.
• Design Security Policy plans for Security operations.
• Develop a unique leadership model for the South African Military.
• Compile a Strategic Plan by formulating vision and mission statement, formulating short, long term goals and objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate the effectiveness of an existing communication system in a selected military unit.
• Conduct an organizational climate survey and make practical recommendations for improving organisational climate.
• Outline the steps involved in effecting organizational change in the military environment.
• Examine the nature of security and the theory of strategy and defence policy.
• Analyse the political, strategic and defence planning processes.
• Analyse South African strategic thinking and defence policy since 1994.
• Understand and interpret the development of Defence and of Defence Policy in South Africa from an historical perspective.
• Interpret the development of South African Defence structures and organisations and analyse the strategic environment, the threat perceptions, and the conduct of operations, and the interaction between these operations and regional conflict, and view this in relation to contemporary African issues.
• Systematically analyse historical case studies of South African operations and be able to apply the knowledge to contemporary issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use military theory to analyse and interpret African defence issues and link this to the formulation of South African defence policy and strategy.
• Analyse Strategic Leadership and Ethics.
• Compile a Strategic Plan by formulating vision and mission statement, formulating short, long term goals and objectives.
• Conduct a thorough Environmental Analysis.
• Debate the resource dimensions of a range of national security issues, defence spending and budgeting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Interpret and systematically describe, at post graduate level the various sources of International law, specifically in the International Human Rights, International Humanitarian and Peace Operations law.
• Evaluate the place and function of International Law in the South African domestic law context, with specific reference to matters pertaining to Constitutional Law.
• Critically reflect on the issues regarding jurisdiction, immunity from jurisdiction and state sovereignty as it relates to International Law.
• Explain and interpret the state's responsibility and obligations pertaining to international law.
• Explain and interpret diplomatic protection in the context of International Law.
• Analyse the key concepts, terms, rules and principles pertaining to International Human Rights Law.
• Analyse the key concepts, terms, rules and principles pertaining to International Humanitarian Law.
• Analyse the key concepts, terms, rules and principles pertaining to Peace and Military Operations.
• Analyse and interpret the challenges created by the convergence between International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, specifically during peace operations.
• Understand the operation of the United Nations and its role in International Law.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Interpret the defence industry and the economic effects of defence expenditure.
• Analyse the impact of global macroeconomics on the defence sector.
• Analyse the defence industry and the effects of defence spending on economic growth and development.
• Conduct a thorough Environmental Analysis.
• Research the various sources of International law, specifically in the International Human Rights, International Humanitarian and Peace Operations law.
• Research the challenges created by the convergence between International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, specifically during peace operations.
• Execute research in amethodologically sound and ethical way.
• Conduct an organizational climate survey and make practical recommendations for improving organizational climate.
• Conduct a thorough Environmental Analysis.

Integrated Assessment

Learner assessment is integrated into the whole system of a qualification approach to teaching and learning and as such forms part of the institutional context.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Defence Studies is assessed through formative assessment of learner seminar papers, presentations and on-line activities and timely feedback is provided. The performance is measured progressively through the formative assessment to make interventions where required. There is also a summative assessment in the form of formal examination of the taught modules.

The thesis based on an approved topic will be submitted and examined by two examiners, one internal and one external.