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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112927  Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences is to provide training for an academic career in the field of Computer and Information Sciences. 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 provides learners with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area within the field of Computer and Information Sciences. Learners build on knowledge normally gained at Masters or equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in Computer and Information Sciences through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale:
The rationale of the qualification is to provide learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Computer and Information Sciences. This provision presents opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society. The qualification provides South Africa with significant numbers of experts in Computer and Information Sciences ensuring the international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is broad. The activity includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of Computer and Information Sciences in general. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
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 RPL policy. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences manages the process.
  • Using the RPL policy, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences 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 Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module(s) at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    After completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences, learners should be able to demonstrate the achievement of the following specific and critical cross-field outcomes:
    Specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area of Computer and Information Sciences.
  • 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 Computer and Information Sciences and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
  • Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of Computer and Information Sciences.
  • Autonomously generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
  • Question and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
  • Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area.
  • Demonstrate research leadership within a field or across disciplines, including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts.
  • Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, concerning the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    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 Computer and Information Sciences 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 Computer and Information Sciences.
  • 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 Computer and Information Sciences.
  • 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 Computer and Information Sciences.
  • Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Computer and Information Sciences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Research proposal defence and feedback from the Research Committee and other feedback from the promoter (supervisor) forms part of Formative Assessment. For Summative Assessment, learners present a thesis in the form of integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    1. Country: Italy.
    Institution: Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

    This qualification is similar to the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications share the purpose of training future scientists with a strong professional background who are capable of working in an international and highly competitive environment. The scientists contribute to broadening the knowledge area of computer science through research. In both qualifications, learners are exposed to the abilities to research and understand theoretical and applied research. However, in the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, learners are only allowed to research three key areas (Knowledge Representation and Data Management area, Software Engineering area, Information and Database Systems area). Whereas with this PhD in Computer and Information Sciences, learners can research all the three mentioned-above areas and more depending on the expertise of promoters which is currently very varied. Moreover, in the PhD in Computer Science, learners must spend at least 6-12 months on a national or international research centre before completing the qualification. In the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences, that does not apply.
  • Both qualifications expect a minimum of a Master's qualification as an entry requirement. However, the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences is open to Masters from different specialities depending on what the learners want to research on at the PhD qualification. Whereas the PhD in Computer Sciences is restrictive to only Masters in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electronics or in a related discipline. Moreover, the duration for the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences for full-time is three years while for the PhD in Computer Sciences is four years.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science offered at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. However, this qualification is unique as it focuses more on the South African context.

    2. Country: Croatia.
    Institution: University of Rijeka.
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications expect a minimum of a Master's qualification as an entry requirement. They both accept learners with Masters from different specialities depending on what the learners want to research on at the PhD qualification. Moreover, the duration for the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences for full-time is three years while for the PhD in Computer Sciences is four years. The PhD in Computer and Information Sciences is research only while the PhD in Computer Science is coursework and research. The PhD in Computer and Information Sciences is unique in its ability to provide learners with the necessary skills and abilities to become successful academics. These learners demonstrate an excellence in research and make a significant contribution to the local community in the field of Computer Science. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.