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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in History 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111075  Doctor of Philosophy in History 
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to reward Graduates who are capable of making an original contribution to the discipline of History. Learners are expected to demonstrate:
  • Originality and independence in their thinking and approach.
  • Make a substantial contribution in their chosen field.
  • The capacity to undertake independent primary and secondary research.
  • The ability to evaluate a variety of sources critically.
  • The competence to assess, analyse and compare data.
  • Skills of communication and articulation in developing sustained and logical argument.
  • Professional academic literary and technical presentation of their work.

    Rationale:
    The rationale of this qualification is to enable learners to conduct research and to write an acceptable research thesis at Doctoral level in the field of History based on primary and secondary sources. The thesis should present evidence of their mastery of the research method and process and research findings in line with academic recognised standards within the field of History. The thesis should deal critically with scholarly work in the field, and make an original contribution to existing knowledge in the field, becoming an historian in the process. 

  • 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 RPL Policy.

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.
    The University of South Africa 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 History at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in History 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 Degree are expected to demonstrate:
  • The ability to conduct research through employing a range of advanced analytical and problem-solving skill to the contexts specific to the discipline.
  • Investigate a sustainable and viable research problem, and integrate results within a cohesive and coherent argument.
  • Display a coherent and critical understanding of the research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in the discipline.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and skilled application of the research methodologies and techniques in the focus area of the discipline.
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in rigorously critiquing and evaluating relevant research.
  • Participate actively in scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in History.
  • Demonstrate the ability to relate theory to practice and vice versa and to think epistemologically.
  • Demonstrate advanced information retrieval and processing skills of both primary and secondary historical sources and the ability to undertake a study of the literature and current research in an area of specialization under supervision.
  • Demonstrate the ability to pursue a career relating to History. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Demonstrate cultural and ethical sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Lay the foundation for life-long learning and on-going competency.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa 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 History 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 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 (PhD) 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. 

    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.