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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115163  Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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
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:
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology is to produce a learner that is competent to conduct independent research, employing the most advanced methodology culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis and peer-reviewed articles. The qualification enables the learner to develop sophisticated research skills necessary for employment in a multidisciplinary setting or further research. It requires a learner to conduct research the most advanced academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.

Rationale:
The qualification provides learners with an opportunity to focus on a particular branch of psychology and develop a deeper understanding of the area they have selected through research. The qualification is aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and is responsive to the psychological needs of the South African population. The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology focuses on the development of advanced research expertise that is necessary to support evidence-based practice in psychology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet admission requirements need to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification plus suitable experiential or work-based learning.

The experience must be similar to the entry-level of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Such learners may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a Portfolio of Evidence of prior learning.

Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps:
  • The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence as indicated by the Department.
  • The internal assessor will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation, will be submitted to the HOD.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decision using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluating information.
    5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards others.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    8. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance to:
  • Reflect on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Explore education and career opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Understand and review the appropriate literature;
  • Formulate a scientific report on practical or academic work;
  • Plan and execute research work;
  • Report on such work;
  • Exhibit a level of understanding of scientific literature appropriate to the practice of the chosen discipline.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment methods before submission of a thesis will include some form of review of the research project proposal. As well as possible review by supervisor(s) of oral presentations, journal club and other activities aimed at professionally training a scientist in a particular discipline. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: UK.
  • Institution: Birmingham University.
  • Qualification Title: Psychology PhD.

    Admission requirements: Minimum 2:1 or above Honours Degree or an equivalent Degree in psychology.
    Qualification purpose: This qualification is designed to provide learners an opportunity to conduct original research and contribute to the knowledge base in psychology.
    Mode of assessment: A Research thesis of 50000 to 80000 words.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered in terms of the following:
  • Both promotes the development of research skills and equip learners to become independent researchers.
  • In both institutions, there are two routes: one is where a learner applies to be complete a PhD as part of an established project or where a learner proposes their research and identifies a supervisor.
  • The differences are that the Birmingham qualification is 3 years full time to 6 years part-time whereas the institution s' qualification is three years in duration.
  • Country: Amsterdam.
  • Institution: University of Amsterdam.
  • Qualification Title: PhD in Psychology.
    Admission requirements: Learners must meet an educational requirement to have a Dutch Master's Degree (or an old-style initial university Degree) or a foreign equivalent.
    Qualification purpose: Excelling in research.
    Mode of assessment: A research thesis which consists of a scientific treatise on a particular subject or a number of separate scientific papers that have been published, in whole or in part, provided that these demonstrate sufficient coherence in relation to a particular subject must be produced. As a guideline, the maximum length is 70,000 words (150 to 200 pages of text). Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the supervisor.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered in terms of the following:
    Both promote the development of research skills and equip learners to become independent researchers. The difference is that at the University of Amsterdam there are specific research areas. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Doctor, 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.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.