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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112118  Doctor of Philosophy in Music 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural 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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods as an advanced musician and/or music educationist and/or in other advanced music related occupation with regard to advanced research, comparable with international standards. Qualifiers will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to allow musicians to attain the highest-level of academic excellence in their field, with advanced research competence. A doctorate is essential for an academic career in music and is enrolled for by staff members at academic institutions, but there is also learner intake from other sectors of music practice (both private and public), of individuals who wish to develop specialised skill in music research and practice. 

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.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of elective modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 360 Credits (Choose one):
  • An integrated study of creative and research work that culminates in a thesis, 360 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 360 Credits.
  • Five thematically related, publishable articles, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage, control and conduct research procedures by applying advanced research methods and complete an independent original research project(s).
    2. Reflect critically on theory and its application.
    3. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
    4. Design and critically appraise research.
    5. Make sound judgments using available data and information.
    6. Communicate research conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    7. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:

    Learners will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through:
  • A research report for the fulfilment of the overall requirements as set for the qualification.
  • Conducting a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
  • Preparing the resources of academic and professional/occupational discourse to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Through the production of a thesis various assessment methods and types are integrated demonstrating applied competence. Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across Exit Level Outcomes.
    Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes.
    These concepts are especially applicable to the option for this qualification where the learner presents an integrated study of creative work and research.

    Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. . Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the particular Exit Level Outcome of the qualification. At the doctoral level, the highest competencies of musical and Music-cognitive insight are expected. 
    		•

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

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for 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.