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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111051  Doctor of Philosophy in Arts 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Visual Arts 
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 
This qualification requires learners to undertake independent research at the most advanced academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that learners will demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline and practice of Visual Arts.

Rationale:
This qualification enables qualified learners to further develop as advanced Visual Art theorists and practitioners. They will acquire advanced research competencies that involve 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 and practice, making an original contribution in the generation and validation of knowledge and expression in Visual Arts. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University of South Africa (UNISA) policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. Recognition of Prior Learning may be applied for learners to gain access to the qualification. Knowledge and experience acquired through non-formal and informal learning may be assessed though RPL processes. Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive Credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant institution. This qualification recognises formal prior learning. Learners' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Master's Degree in Visual Art or a related field at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 with an average of minimum 60%.
  • For admission to the practice-led Doctoral research option in Art requiring a creative component, learners are required to submit a digitised portfolio of their practical art. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of a research proposal module and a thesis to the value of 360 Credits.

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learners completing this qualification are expected to demonstrate:
    1. A coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Visual Art and related fields.
    2. An ability to rigorously critique and evaluate current research and trends in art.
    3. An ability to identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global art issues.
    4. Advanced skills in information retrieval and processing.
    5. An ability to rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of art.
    6. Mastery in undertaking a research project and applying relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
    7. An ability to produce a research-based thesis which meets the standards of professional.
    8. Academic writing and in the case of a practice-led research, original artistic expression.
    9. A capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
    10. A capacity to manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
  • Demonstrate high-level networking and intersubjective skills.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Demonstrate cultural and ethical sensitivity in dealings with subjects, colleagues and communities.
  • Demonstrate critical, ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Lay the foundation for life-long learning and ongoing competency.

    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.
  • When a learner's thesis is nearing completion, he/she should inform the Registrar of his/her intention to submit if for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit.
  • Assessment will include input from three external examiners, and all must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. At least one of the external examiners should be from a county other than South Africa. 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 learner and the other examiners if requested.

    In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Arts in an integrative way, dealing with art 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 
    Apart from the necessity of a regional focus, rigorous research processes are internationally comparable and this qualification complies with those standards.

    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 in the subfield.
    The Doctor of Philosophy 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.