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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111049  Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology 
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  Traditions, History and Legacies 
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 purpose of this qualification is to develop researchers who can make independent and innovative contributions to the advanced development of knowledge in Archaeology. This is done through the successful production of a research project wherein adequate understanding of the sub-discipline(s) under study are demonstrated through the two-fold process of developing a research proposal and secondly, an extended length research project in the form of a thesis. In the thesis, the learner must demonstrate that they can pursue research through the scientific methods of enquiry, interpretation, analysis of relevant data, critical reflection and other discipline-specific techniques, all of which must be in keeping with recognised academic standards, linguistic skills and data collection competencies.

Rationale:
This qualification develops learner expertise in the theories, methodologies and practice of Archaeology in both the academic and professional realms. In particular, the qualification prepares learners for an academic career in archaeology. It requires them to make an original contribution to knowledge in archaeology or one of its associated sub-disciplines in such a way that it demonstrates their competence in their chosen field of specialisation and their ability to work independently in the field and/or laboratory and/or theory production. This contribution to knowledge and disciplinary competence is evidenced in the production of innovative knowledge and/or methodologies and/or theoretical perspectives. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa RPL Policy. This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The University of South Africa (Unisa) RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements:
A Master's Degree in Archaeology, Level 9 with at least 60% for the dissertation. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules:
  • Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
  • Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learners completing this programme are expected to demonstrate:
    1. Expertise and critical knowledge in the current theoretical and methodological trends in archaeology or specified archaeological sub-discipline; the ability to situate their own work with regard to these trends; and, ultimately to contribute to local and international scholarly debates in archaeology.
    2. The ability to formulate new research questions that will contribute new knowledge to the discipline, and to design and implement innovative methods and techniques or to use existing techniques in a novel way, where appropriate.
    3. Leadership and decision-making in the management and organisation of data collection, possibly through the supervision of field and/or laboratory assistants.
    4. The capacity to apply archaeological theories and techniques to gather relevant data in order to address complex practical and theoretical problems in archaeology.
    5. The ability to conduct archaeological research in an ethical and professional manner that will characterise their mode of practice, interaction with the authorities and engagement with relevant stakeholders. Learners should be able to anticipate and proactively address emerging ethical concerns.
    6. The ability to conduct research on an advanced topic in archaeology or a specified archaeological sub-discipline which is publishable in peer reviewed journals. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Pro-actively solve problems when designing and implementing research methodology, in the analysis and presentation of data and in interactions with stakeholders.
  • Work co-operatively and manage relations with supervisor(s), field crews, laboratory assistants, stakeholders (communities, landowners, government agencies) as well as, where relevant, fellow members of a joint research team.
  • Show initiative in working independently in data collection, analysis and research write-up.
  • Assume responsibility for reporting to research funding agencies, communities, landowners, heritage institutions and government agencies.
  • Collect, analyse and store knowledge from a variety of sources.
  • Communicate with peers and other interested parties.
  • Write up and graphically represent research results in the form of the thesis.
  • Develop presentation and communication skills through conference and seminar presentations.
  • Use a broad range of comparative and holistic analyses.
  • Be familiar with the local, national and global significance of heritage contexts and contribute to the overall protection of these contexts and show respect to the wishes of those with a vested interest in specific contexts.
  • Working with people from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • All assessments are 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.
  • After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.
  • Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least one should be from a county other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.
  • The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.
  • After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

    In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Archaeology in an integrative way, dealing with mathematical challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Archaeology comprises a wide range of sub-disciplines with many universities around the world offering a Doctoral programme in archaeology or in a related discipline with an archaeological focus.
  • Institutions in the United States of America (USA) often include a coursework component as a requirement for the Degree which is not included in this particular qualification.
  • A comparable qualification is offered at United Kingdom (UK) universities where a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Archaeology is based on the production of a Doctoral thesis.

    Many universities in Africa have similar requirements:
  • Since archaeology is a cross-disciplinary field with researchers actively working on topics that cover various geographic regions and subjects, rigorous and ethical scientific research processes are internationally determined.
  • University of South Africa (Unisa) forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with others at Level 10 within the subfield.
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology is the final step on the academic ladder. No further upward articulation is possible although learners may choose to pursue their studies at any level of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to suit their personal and professional needs. 

    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.