SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
113356	Doctor of Philosophy
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
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	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 10	Historical
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30		2029-06-30

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 Doctor of Philosophy is to provide training for an academic career in the field of Health Sciences. The qualification provides candidates with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a promotor in a particular subject area within the Health Sciences (including candidates in the Health Professions and related Medical Clinical Sciences, Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Counselling Psychology). The PhD requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels, culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis and publication that makes a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of their discipline or field in the national or international context. A learner may also present a portfolio of peer-reviewed scholarly articles fulfilling the research requirements.

The thesis presented must substantially contribute to the national and global advancement of knowledge and understanding in the Health Sciences through original research that meets international standards. Qualifying learners will be expertly skilled in knowledge production that is discipline-based, multidisciplinary, or applied research. The PhD will allow them to demonstrate a high level of accomplishment in contributing to, conserving, and transforming their discipline, thereby developing and embodying the requisite knowledge and characteristics to become a field steward.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Broaden a systematic understanding of and mastery of the field and speciality and the skills and methods of research associated with the discipline.

Conceive, design, conduct, and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity that makes a unique contribution and meets the standards of credible work in the discipline.

Contribute through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication.

Conduct critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas applicable to the field.

Contribute significantly through original research to the conservation of the field - that is, the maintenance of the continuity, stability, and vitality of the field.

Add value to the transformation of the field - that is, the ability to represent and communicate the ideas of the discipline effectively through teaching in higher education or other work settings with their peers, the larger scholarly community, and society in general about their areas of expertise

Promote technological, social, or cultural advancements toward a knowledge-based society within academic and professional contexts, thereby developing and embodying the requisite knowledge and characteristics to become a field steward.

Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity, and adaptability concerning ethical research and related social concerns and needs; ability to identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues culminating from research and advance ethical decision-making processes, including monitoring and evaluating the consequences of these decisions where appropriate in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts.

Rationale:
The rationale of the qualification is to provide learners in the Health Professions and related fields who are already qualified at a master's or equivalent level the opportunity to further their academic career through achieving highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a specialist area. These attributes provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society. The qualification provides South Africa with a significant number of experts in the Health Sciences to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is broad. The qualification includes the development of new knowledge frameworks that may be discipline-specific, multidisciplinary, or applied to expand the field of health sciences in general.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution applies RPL according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and its RPL policy.

Using the RPL policy, the quality assurance processes will address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems).

RPL for access:
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by the Senate.

Prospective PhD candidates must have NQF Level 9 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Master of Philosophy in Clinical Pharmacology, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Philosophy in Clinical Research Administration, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Medicine in Clinical Pharmacology, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology, NQF Level 9.
And

Have a draft concept for the research field acknowledged and supported by the relevant departmental head and selection committee.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 10, 360 Credits:

A completed thesis in monograph format and at least one article drawn from the research accepted for publication in an accredited journal, 360 Credits.
Or

A publication format, 360 Credits.

This qualification includes the following specialisations:

Anatomy (PhD Thesis)

Anaesthesiology (PhD Thesis)

Anatomical Pathology (PhD Thesis)

Cardiology (PhD Thesis)

Chemical Pathology (PhD Thesis)

Cardio-thoracic Surgery (PhD Thesis)

Clinical Pathology (PhD Thesis)

Clinical Pharmacology (PhD Thesis)

Clinical Psychology (PhD Thesis)

Counselling Psychology (PhD Thesis)

Community Health Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Dermatology (PhD Thesis)

Diagnostic Radiography (PhD Thesis)

Diagnostic Radiology (PhD Thesis)

Emergency Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Family Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Forensic Pathology (PhD Thesis)

Haematological Pathology (PhD Thesis)

Hand & Microsurgery (PhD Thesis)

Internal Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Medical Biochemistry (PhD Thesis)

Medical Microbiology (PhD Thesis)

Medical Physics (PhD Thesis)

Medical Virology (PhD Thesis)

Neurology (PhD Thesis)

Neurosurgery (PhD Thesis)

Nuclear Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (PhD Thesis)

Ophthalmology (PhD Thesis)

Orthopaedic Surgery (PhD Thesis)

Otorhinolaryngology (PhD Thesis)

Paediatrics & Child Health (PhD Thesis)

Pharmacology (PhD Thesis)

Physiology (PhD Thesis)

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PhD Thesis)

Psychiatry (PhD Thesis)

Psychology (PhD Thesis)

Public Health Medicine (PhD Thesis)

Surgery (General) (PhD Thesis)

Urology (PhD Thesis.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Broaden a systematic understanding of and mastery of the field and speciality and the skills and methods of research associated with the discipline.
2. Conceive, design, conduct and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity that makes a unique contribution and meets the standards of credible work in the discipline.
3. Contribute through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication.
4. Conduct critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas applicable to the field.
5. Contribute significantly through original research to the conservation of the field - that is, the maintenance of the continuity, stability, and vitality of the field.
6. Add value to the transformation of the field - that is, the ability to represent and communicate the ideas of the discipline effectively through teaching in higher education or other work settings with their peers, the larger scholarly community and society in general about their areas of expertise
7. Promote technological, social, or cultural advancements toward a knowledge-based society within academic and professional contexts, thereby developing and embodying the requisite knowledge and characteristics to become a field steward.
8. Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity, and adaptability concerning ethical research and related social concerns and needs; ability to identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues culminating from research and advance ethical decision-making processes, including monitoring and evaluating the consequences of these decisions where appropriate in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria assesses the Exit Level Outcome in an integrated manner:

Demonstrate a high level of independent research capability, making a significant and original academic contribution to the frontiers of the discipline or field.

Demonstrate high quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Conduct pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research.

Demonstrate the ability to teach, supervise, and evaluate others' research in the speciality area.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment:

PhD candidates must submit a departmentally approved research proposal to the School of Medicine Research Committee (SReC) within 6 months after the first registration. Failing to do so may result in exclusion from the programme.

PhD candidates who do not have University Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) approval within 12 months of their first registration may be excluded from the programme.

The research proposal defence and feedback from the Scientific Committee form part of the Formative Assessment.

Articles submitted for publication, allowing the work to enter the public domain for scrutiny before the thesis is examined, also contribute toward formative assessment.

Summative Assessment:
Submission of a unitary thesis based on the research results of an original, approved and supervised research project at the most advanced academic levels (NQF level 10) in the field of a speciality, presented in a thesis-monograph format of 40-100 000 words with at least one article suitable for publication; OR a publication format (set of three (3) publications, including a scoping review) presented as a portfolio of a series of publishable papers of which the candidate is the main author, and at least one accredited publication

On the recommendation of the promoter and the faculty concerned, the Executive Committee of the Senate appoints an assessment panel consisting of the promoter, the co-promoter(s) (if any) as internal assessor(s), and at least two external assessors to evaluate the thesis. (A co-promoter may not act as an external assessor). Should the Senate's Executive Committee consider it necessary, it may appoint one additional member who is not an assessor to act as chairperson of the assessment panel. The candidate will present the findings to the assessment panel and sit for an oral thesis defence

Appointment of External examiners

In all cases, three external examiners from outside the University staff establishment with at least an equivalent qualification will be appointed on the recommendation of the School Board.

At least one of the three external examiners will be an external examiner from an institution outside of South Africa.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Doctor of Philosophy is compatible internationally with PhD research degrees. The following serve as examples:

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Cardiff University
Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree
Degree: 3-4 years Full-time

Purpose:
Cardiff University (CU) qualification provides research degrees in medical disciplines such as cancer, immunology, infection, immunity, neurosciences, mental health, population medicine, and medical education. Candidates include biological scientists, computational scientists, bioinformaticians, epidemiologists, statisticians, mathematicians, psychologists, social scientists, and physical scientists. The research is focused on interdisciplinary themes, each of which spans the spectrum from basic science to clinical practice in either hospital or community settings. Key research themes include Cancer and Genetics, Infection and Immunity, Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Population Medicine, and Medical Education. The underlying aim is to ensure the optimum 'translation' of fundamental knowledge to patient benefit, allowing candidates to work under field-leading researchers with truly first-class facilities. Candidates must make an original contribution to knowledge by conducting an independent research project and submitting a thesis (80,000 words for PhD).

Similarities:

Cardiff University (CU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full-time.

Both qualifications are research-focused on interdisciplinary themes and specialisation.

The CU and SA qualifications require candidates to make an original contribution to knowledge by conducting an independent research project and submitting a thesis

Country: Australia
Institution: Curtin University
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine, Health Sciences, and other sciences
Duration: Four years Full-time

Purpose:
The Doctoral research degree candidates will uncover new knowledge by discovering facts, formulating theories, or innovatively reinterpreting known data and established ideas. The candidate's research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems. The higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of the work will be a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). The thesis must be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through discovering new facts, formulating theories, or innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate the candidate's capacity to conceive, design, and complete independent research.

Similarities:

Curtin University (CU) and the South African (SA) qualifications will develop candidates' capacity to conceive, design, and complete independent research.

Both qualifications culminate in a thesis.

Difference:
The CU qualification is offered over four years of full-time study, whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years of full-time study

Country: USA:
Institution: Emory University offers research
Qualification Title: PhD in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis

Purpose:
This program emphasises research skills, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge studies that contribute to advancements in the field. Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles as immunologists, research scientists, or academics in university settings.
candidates do an in-depth exploration of immune system functions and molecular mechanisms underlying disease processes. Opportunities also exist in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare industries where expertise in immunology is increasingly vital.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for only horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Medical Clinical Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Medical Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Transdisciplinary Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Vertical Articulation:
This is the highest qualification.

Diagonal Articulation.
No diagonal articulation is possible at NQF level 10.

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.

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