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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111071  Doctor of Philosophy in Communication 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Media Studies 
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 
To equip learners as advanced, Doctoral-Level, producers of scholarly knowledge in the discipline of Communication studies.

Rationale:
This qualification enables learners to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, and methods of Communication as an academic discipline. They will develop 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 in the generation and validation of knowledge in the broad field of Communication studies or related fields. 

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 University of South Africa (Unisa) RPL Policy. This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The 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 Communication Studies or Communication-related field/subfield at NQF Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Doctor of Philosophy in Communication 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 qualification are expected to:
    1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Communication studies and Communication-related fields.
    2. Rigorously critique and evaluate current research in Communication studies or related subfields.
    3. Identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global Communication studies issues and debates.
    4. Demonstrate advanced skills in information retrieval and processing.
    5. Rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of Communication studies.
    6. Undertake a research project and apply relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
    7. Produce a research-based Doctoral thesis, which meets the standards of required academic writing.
    8. Demonstrate a capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
    9. Manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Assess, evaluate, measure, analyse and critique local, national and global situations that may have an impact on Communication and related problems of communities, groups and individuals by applying relevant and sustainable solutions based on scientific findings.
  • Manage their workload as strategic leaders in the field and to manage and develop pre-selected competencies of those reporting to them.
  • Collect information from various sources, to collate and synthesise the information for visioning purposes and to use the information effectively at strategic level.
  • Communicate the managerial competencies to be established and practical leadership to be applied in organisational situations and at planning and policy making levels by using qualitative data, thick descriptions, visual, graphical and tabular representations to obtain support for insight and recommendation.
  • Use technology effectively but sustainably to understand communication studies and related challenges and disseminate this information in a responsible manner, while maintaining ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect for others.
  • Show how knowledge from various sources and relevant to various contexts can be integrated in terms of a systems approach for sound value creation and decision-making.

    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 Communication 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 
    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 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.