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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111082  Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science 
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  Information 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 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science Graduates in using highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the field of Information Science. This Postgraduate Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science qualification aims to create an opportunity for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional research in the field of Information Science. The Degree will be conferred on learners that have demonstrated the capacity for independent thinking and sustained original research that contributes to the development of well-grounded new knowledge in the field of Information Science. The second purpose of the qualification is to provide specialists in the field of Information Science in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovation is extended to the development of a knowledge-based economy that will widen scholarly activities. This qualification is aimed at creating opportunities for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional study of and research into an aspect of Information Science.

Rationale:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Graduates in the field of Information Science to use their highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the information and other related sectors for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society. Information and knowledge play an essential role in the knowledge-based economy; therefore, experts in this field will widen the leadership base for innovative, knowledge based economic and scholarly activity. The successful learner will have specialised knowledge of the theory and methodology of Information Science and related fields. Such knowledge will culminate in an original contribution to the field of Information Science where the learner will prepare and finalise a research thesis on the undertaken research. Competencies inclusive of intellectual knowledge, critical reasoning, problem-solving, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, synthesise of information and communication are to be developed and displayed. The rationale for the qualification is to enable learners to develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously research these problems and their possible solutions. The goal is to produce rising academics that make original and meaningful contributions to the field of Information Science. 

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 Information Science, Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science 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 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of Information Science and relevant fields.
    2. Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems related to Information Science and relevant fields.
    3. Identify, conceptualise, design and implement ethical research that addresses complex, well-defined problems at the cutting edge of information science and report results in the form of a thesis in line with academically recognised standards.
    4. Act as academic leader and expert in the field of study by effectively presenting and communicating the results of research to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of resources for academic/professional discourse. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Use expertise and knowledge to resolve contextual abstract problems that expand or reconfigure existing knowledge.
  • Draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience, as appropriate, when investigating and analysing issues related to the field of Information Science.
  • Show evidence of highly advanced and research skill, selection, analysis and evaluation.
  • Use the knowledge, skills and attributes gained in studying towards the Doctorate in the service of the Information Science community and community at large - locally and globally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Organise own study plans and engage in effective time management.
  • Evolve strategies best suited to own and others' situations and contexts.
  • Think independently and offer sustained theoretical and research evidence to support own decisions.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Expand, redefine and reconfigure existing knowledge within the broader context of the field of Information Science.
  • Attain a high level of epistemological sophistication when reflecting on information within an area of interest in the field of Information Science.
  • Exhibit academic integrity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Direct research projects and successfully engage with others.
  • Organise and effectively lead a research project, either as an individual, or as part of a group in a professional, research and management context.
  • Communicate the evidence of the interactions through a written report.
  • Integrate complex and specialised information from a variety of sources.
  • Produce a thesis which is publishable entirely or in part.
  • Use a systematic and consistent approach to technical issues such as the layout of the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Completely handle methods, techniques and methodological approaches in a research context.
  • Generate ideas at a complex level as well as use the ideas of others in support of own ideas.
  • Generate and evaluate conclusions and premises in r own research.
  • Act responsibly and ethically as a researcher and scholar, example avoid plagiarism and ensure the appropriate and accurate referencing of sources.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the role of Information Science as applied in the information industry.
  • Acquire employment-seeking skills towards the development of leadership in different areas of the information industry 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.

    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 Information Science in an integrative way, dealing with Information Science 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 
    The 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, the UNISA qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook.

    Similar doctoral degrees in international countries are:
    1. The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Information Management School (IMS) in Lisbon, Portugal offers a Doctoral programme in information management aimed at promoting knowledge and information in information management as a sub-field of Information Science. This is a three-year full-time Degree.
    2. The University of Wolverhampton offers a Doctorate in Library and Information Management aimed at developing research skills and also to support the development of each learner's research related skills such as Information Technology (IT), presentation and career planning skills. This is a four-year Degree.
    3. The McGill University in Quebec, Canada offers a full-time three-year Doctoral Degree in Information Studies. The focus of the qualification is to encourage learners to engage in high-level academic research so as to develop information professionals that can promote scholarly research in the context of information studies. The qualification is different from the qualification offered by University of South Africa (UNISA) in that it is founded on the premise of learners completing a set of common courses and proceeds to specialisation through dissertation topics focused on various fields of information studies. The programme offered by UNISA is designed as a full research programme with no coursework included.
    4. The University of Oklahoma Norman in the United States offers a three-year full-time Doctorate Degree. The focus of this Degree is also to offer a structured qualification with a dissertation on the specialisation area of choice to learners.
    5. The University of Washington offers a coursework Doctoral Degree aimed at identifying critical problems and rigorously researching their solutions. The goal of the Degree is to prepare graduates for a career as a scholar, researcher, change agent and leader in the field of information science.
    6. The Cornell University in Ithaca, New York offers a five-year full-time Doctoral research-based Degree. The qualification is similar to the Degree offered at UNISA in that learners can engage with the Degree in an online environment, implying that a distance education methodology is applied in the execution of the Degree.
    7. The City University of London offers a Doctoral Degree in library and information science. Research areas include information literacy, information behaviour, information history, information ethics and new technologies as they relate to library and information science. These areas of interest are similar to the Degree offered by UNISA in that learners are given an opportunity to select their field of interest similar to those identified by the City University of London, and more. The Doctoral Degree offered by UNISA extends its sub-fields of interests to include archive and records management interests. Also similar to the Degree offered by UNISA, the City University of London requires learners to complete a proposal and full research dissertation.

    From the above it is evident that the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science offered by UNISA aligns well with other Doctoral Degrees. The focus, as with other Doctoral Degrees, is on conducting research that will enhance scholarly research. The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science as a part time qualification align to the time limitations offered by other institutions who offer this Degree as full-time and part-time Degrees. 

    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.