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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111107  Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences 
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  General Social Science 
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 deliver a graduate who can undertake research at the most advanced academic level, culminating in a research thesis that is acceptable to the Political Sciences community.

Coursework may be required as preparation or be value addition to the research. The qualification intends to produce a Graduate who can make significant and original academic/scientific contributions at the frontiers of the discipline or field. That work should meet the requirements of peer review processes and be acceptable for publications of merit.

Rationale:
The qualification is the culmination of a study and learning process commencing with a Bachelor's Degree and proceeding to a Master's Degree. The focus of the learning process changes during the course of this process. At National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 9 and 10, the emphasis is on acquiring and demonstrating the necessary research knowledge and skills in order to become an advanced researcher in the Political Sciences disciplines, specifically in Politics, African Politics and International Politics.

The over-arching rationale for the Political Sciences is already well-established but the specific rationale for the Doctoral Degree is to serve as the final opportunity for a learner to be supervised in addressing at the highest level, research questions or uncertainties, and therefore knowledge gaps, regarding political issues, policy matters, international political challenges, and theoretical or philosophical questions. Its rationale is therefore to contribute towards knowledge production, to offer policy recommendations on the researched topic or to conscientise, the public about issues of a political nature within the three fields identified. 

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:
An appropriate Master's Degree (preferably in the Political Sciences) at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9, with an average of 60%. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Doctor of Philosophy in Political 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 
    Learners completing this qualification are expected to demonstrate:
  • Expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the discipline and the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
  • Knowledge literacy, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of the discipline.
  • Problem solving, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in the Political Sciences in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
  • Ethics and professional practice in the Political Sciences, in respect of which a graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
  • Accessing, processing and managing information, in respect of which a learner is able to demonstrate the ability to make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, information or issues.
  • Producing and communicating information, in respect of which a Graduate is able to demonstrate the ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work that meets international standards. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, as well as ethically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    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 informs 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 Political 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences is comparable with the research/thesis component of most Doctoral programmes in many parts of the world. The research requirements (such as research proposal, research design and methodology, theoretical or conceptual requirements, ethical considerations and the originality of research) are the same as those in leading universities in other parts of the world.

    At least one of the external examiners has to be a person from outside South Africa, for the reason that it should guarantee an international peer-review component in the assessment process. All theses at University of South Africa (UNISA) will be available on the Institutional Repository and will also be accessible by means of most online search engines. Public exposure to the international academic community will therefore contribute towards more academic accountability at an international level for the work delivered by UNISA Graduates.

    Furthermore, 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.