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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Geology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115320  Doctor of Philosophy in Geology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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  Physical 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 
The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Geology is to train learners studying towards this qualification to develop new knowledge and skills for the benefit of the society in general, but mainly in various fields of Geology. The qualified learner acquires appropriate knowledge and competence in this field of study. Learners will also be able to solve diverse problems in the country related to Earth's science through theories developed by a learner who has achieved this geology qualification. The second purpose is to motivate and orient the learner to be engaged in the academic sector to train and assist in producing Masters and doctoral learners.

A learner who achieves this qualification in geology is essentially oriented to be a specialist and is equipped with the knowledge to solve diverse problems in the mining, academic, research and governmental sector.

Rationale:
There is a need to meet the demand for scarce skills in the country and to develop advanced skills to remain competitive in the global knowledge society. He or She will obtain the qualification by research and is or will subsequently be either a member of the Geological Society of South Africa or be registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Newly developed or acquired knowledge can be put into practice for discoveries that are useful for the economy of the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a:
  • Master of Science in Geology, NQF Level 9.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The MSc qualification in any area of Geology, Applied Geology or other equivalent qualification subject to the approval of the Head of Department. Generally, the university policy adheres to objectives set by the national RPL policy, which assesses knowledge and skills acquired by the candidate. Documents submitted for assessment or evaluation must reflect the authenticity and must be valid. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, 360 Credits.
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of major principles of Geology and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
    2. Demonstrate ability as an established scholar and researcher, capable of technically proposing solutions to posed problems.
    3. Demonstrate competence as a geoscientist who can confront any situation, is a good communicator, and able to deliver acquired knowledge. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment assesses the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Take part in seminars and demonstrate a clear understanding of a concept, principle, or new theory.
  • Disseminate results through publications.
  • Present a thesis with new findings for assessment.
  • Ensure that the thesis reflects the results of independent and original research and that it contributes to the body of knowledge in the chosen field of specialisation.
  • Develop and propose a topic on the research.
  • Propose a time framework for the research; this will include data collection, data analysis, data interpretation.
  • Develop and propose new techniques to solve problems.
  • Follow ethical standards related to research.
  • Present the findings at one national conference and one international conference.
  • Publish two papers in accredited journals emanating from the research.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
    The learner must produce progress reports quarterly.

    Summative Assessment:
    Evaluation of thesis by three external examiners. Two examiners from outside South Africa and one examiner from South Africa. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers possibilities of horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Geology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Environmental Geology, 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. University of Fort Hare 


    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.