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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109539  Doctor of Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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:
To equip learners as advanced, doctoral-level, producers of scholarly knowledge in the discipline and profession of Psychology.

Rationale:
This qualification enables learners to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, and methods of Psychology as an academic discipline and/or as a professional practice. They will develop advanced research competency that involves the capacity to independently plan, implement and manage the research process, and to write a research proposal and a doctoral thesis that reflects the ability to engage in scholarly debate in the generation and validation of knowledge in Psychology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University of South Africa (UNISA)'s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. Due cognisance need to be take of the requirements of professional affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in certain fields such as Clinical Psychology.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master's Degree in Psychology at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Thesis, 360 Credits.
  • Research proposal module, 0 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in the field of Psychology.
    2. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the local, national and international context of Psychology.
    3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a range of research methods, techniques and technologies and an ability to select these appropriately for a particular research problem in the area of Psychology.
    4. Ability to identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    5. Demonstrate an efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills.
    5. Ability to present and communicate academic work effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Psychology and Psychology-related fields.
  • Ability to rigorously critique and evaluate current research in Psychology.
  • Ability to identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global Psychological issues.
  • Ability to rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of Psychology and an advanced skill in information retrieval and processing.
  • Demonstrate mastery in undertaking a research project and applying relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
  • Ability to produce a research-based thesis which meets the standards of professional writing.
  • Demonstrate capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
  • Demonstrate capacity to manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.

    Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    Assessment will be done by three external examiners. External examiners are recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.
    Before awarding of the qualification, a candidate must achieve the completion of a research proposal typically within one academic year and completion of research and a research thesis typically within three years and approved by at least three external moderators of whom at least one should be international. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Rigorous and ethical scientific research processes are internationally determined. Assessment of the thesis will be conducted by three examiners, of whom at least one will be an international examiner with an in-depth knowledge of the field and with a proven record of research. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for Vertical Articulation:
  • Postdoctoral studies. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.