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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112106  Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
16765  Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Level 10 is to extend the learner's critical insight, maturity of judgement and experience by advanced study and original research in architecture. Secondly, it broadens and deepens the fundamental base of the chosen field of specialisation through the generation of new knowledge or insight. It aims to enhance the position of learners as members of the international community of scholars, through their contributions to the universal pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of the frontiers of architecture. It aims to produce international leaders in their respective fields who can take responsibility for the training of the next generation of scholars and for ensuring quality higher education in future at its highest level.

Rationale:
The Doctor of Philosophy, Level 8 will provide an opportunity for learners to present extensive research and publications with a specific focus in the field of architecture. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that, in addition to the demonstration of high-level research capability, it requires the ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts and that must be proven.

Through a collection of publications. This qualification aims to provide the learner with the opportunity to prove her/his ability to plan and do research independently and to report the results. In addition, this qualification should enable the learner to make an original contribution to the discipline. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Architecture, Level 9. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
  • Architecture, Thesis, 360 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Do independent research at the highest international level by applying and implementing original and highly specialised knowledge of the area of study.
    2. Produce a dissertation that places research within the broader context of the field and which will be recognised internationally as a significant contribution to the field.
    3. Accurately assess and critically evaluate literature and original contributions (new knowledge) pertaining to architecture.
    4. Contribute to original knowledge in the field.
    5. Identify, define and provide solutions to complex problems and advise authoritatively on such problems/matters at all levels of predictability pertaining to the specialised area of study, as a leader in the profession.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the latest developments in the international research scene as far as the specific specialised area is concerned.
    6. Deal with complexity, lacunae and/or contradictions in the knowledge base and confidently deploy well-developed advanced research skills and methods, implementing the newest technology in the area of study.
    7. Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
    8. Make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
    9. Communicate internationally and professionally with other colleagues working in the field.
    10. Lead and motivate others in the specialised area of research, working with and within a group towards defined outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Research is carried out in accordance with Doctoral Degree requirements.
  • The research provides evidence of a professional and ethical approach to the research.
  • A thesis is drawn up that shows a high-level of competence and knowledge in a specialised area of architecture.
  • The thesis includes proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central theme and contribution(s) of the study.
  • Complexities, reasoning skills and integration of knowledge and skills are evident in the thesis.
  • Research findings, conclusions and recommendations are communicated in the appropriate format and language to a range of audiences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. It involves on-going assessment of the research as it progresses (formative assessment) and evaluation of the thesis and of oral presentations to diverse groups on the research and its findings (summative assessment). 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for articulation into Postdoctoral studies. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.