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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118681  Doctor of Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 fundamental purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with training for an academic career through the medium of an independent and original primary research project completed under supervision. Whilst undertaking the research project, learners will gain first-hand experience of all aspects of the research process. On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge. It provides practical experience and development of skills in all aspects of the scientific method including the identification of a problem, literature review, project planning, data collection and analysis, report writing and oral presentation of results.

After completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of the biological, geographical, or geological sciences.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of either the biological, geographical, or geological sciences, and an ability to critically evaluate these, and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.
  • Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in the biological, geographical, or geological sciences.
  • Use a wide range of appropriate knowledge and skills to identify a problem, conceptualize a research question, design, and undertake a research project to address the problem.

    Each of the intended outcomes is associated with at least one aspect of the research process and as a result, undertaking and completing a research project provides the necessary education and training, or learning space in which a learner will develop all the intended outcomes.

    Rationale:
    The ecosystems of the world are currently under greater threat than ever, from climate change, land-use change and land degradation, unsustainable land-use practices, and pollution. These and other anthropogenic and natural factors have driven major changes to ecosystems, ecosystem function, and biodiversity. The introduction of education and training at the doctoral level in the natural sciences will contribute to the production of the next generation of highly skilled people who will join the workforce as learning academics, scientists, and researchers and contribute to addressing these challenges; contributing to solutions for the sustainable use of natural resources including water; finding novel solutions to ecosystem rehabilitation; providing research-based support for biodiversity conservation and addressing the competing demands for land from people, agriculture and conservation. The qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers that can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing research projects which address complex and challenging problems within biodiversity conservation. The qualification will therefore develop both their research skills and their specialist knowledge in these fields.

    In addition, research is a very powerful tool for an institution that wishes to be relevant to its surroundings and engaged with its context; research and postgraduate learners assist in the creation of a research culture and act as role models for teaching learners; postgraduate learners serve as demonstrators and tutors and provide very important support for undergraduate teaching and learning.
    The qualification provides a progression pathway for qualified learners who wish to undertake doctoral studies in the biological and geographical sciences. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

    RPL for Access:
    Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:
  • Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
    OR
  • Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
  • In instances where RPL is applied for access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

    RPL for credits:
    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
    OR
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Science in the fields of geography, geology, biology including animal and plant biology, ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology, NQF level 9.
    OR
  • Master of Science in Biological Sciences, 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.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of the biological, geographical, or geological sciences.
    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of either the biological, geographical, or geological sciences, and an ability to critically evaluate these, and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.
    4. Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in the biological, geographical, or geological sciences.
    5. Use a wide range of appropriate knowledge and skills to identify a problem, conceptualize a research question, design, and undertake a research project to address the problem.
    6. Draw appropriate conclusions, and propose interventions at a policy or management level within the system being studied, and based on the outcomes of the research, address the problem, and fully discuss any possible consequences.
    7. Identify any ethical (human and animal) considerations associated with research in the chosen field of specialisation and propose solutions and/or mitigating measures.
    8. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility to the environment and health and welfare of others (humans and animals) and with due consideration to cultural differences.
    9. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to the field of specialisation in the biological, geographical or geological sciences.
    10. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data.
    11. Have responsible and effective personal organization skills, work independently (taking full responsibility for allocated resources) and incorporate feedback into one's work. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and justify the project question and scope.
  • Carefully and critically evaluate the literature review from multiple sources and materials.
  • Evaluate and apply a range of methods, including statistical methods and select the appropriate ones.
  • Identify ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.
  • Demonstrate the ability to collect, collate and analyse data.
  • Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
  • Demonstrate the ability to formulate recommendations.
  • Prepare the thesis according to the prescribed format write in the appropriate academic language, and include no plagiarism

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Include a full and critical engagement with the current literature in the thesis in the field of specialisation.
  • Critically review and apply relevant theories and practices to support the development of convincing arguments or positions in the thesis.
  • Carefully integrate results from the research project with the existing knowledge base.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature, strengths, and limitations of research.
  • Fully justify the chosen research paradigm for the research question with reference to current literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and apply the research methods to address the research question.
  • Carefully and correctly apply the research methods in the discipline context.
  • Incorporate statistical analysis and issues such as sample size and replication in the research design.
  • Fully justify and carefully and correctly apply statistical tests in the context of the discipline
  • Demonstrate the ability to correctly interpret statistical results.
  • Present statistical results in the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate the nature of complex problems in the specialisation.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the relevant theory and practice in specialisation to decide on the correct approach to address a complex research problem.
  • Correctly apply fundamental and specialist knowledge of the area of specialisation to address the research question.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Fully support the research results and formulate the recommendations.
  • Fully discuss recommendations and consider all possible outcomes, and propose mitigation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Make explicit ethical concerns or the lack thereof in the thesis.
  • Provide reference to an Ethical Approval Number in the thesis.
  • Indicate where ethical issues exist and how they have been mitigated in the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Inform the research question by a concern for environmental and animal health and welfare.
  • Consider and accommodate alternative viewpoints regarding the proposed research in the research proposal and thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Critically evaluate and access information from a wide range of sources, and include it in the thesis.
  • Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of specialisation.
  • Manage contradictory information, consider alternative viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
    Oral communication:
  • Communicate results from the research project to both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Debate oral arguments in a convincing manner.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
  • Deliver engaging, clear presentations and complete within the given time.
    Written communication:
  • Use appropriate language in the thesis presented in the approved style and adhere to the norms for academic scientific writing.
  • Use accurately and consistently a standard referencing style is in the thesis.
  • Communicate written arguments convincingly.
  • Demonstrate the ability to clearly present statistical results in the thesis.
  • Ability to include no plagiarism in the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Critically consider feedback and successfully incorporate it into iterative drafts of work.
  • Successfully implement the research plan, including a timeframe.
  • Use allocated resources in accordance with the approved research plan. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The PhD Degree by dissertation is comparable to those doctoral degrees through dissertation offered by the following international institutions.
    The following international qualifications are similar to the South African qualification (i.e., the qualification is by supervised, independent research thesis only. No coursework is offered:


    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Lethbridge
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (By Research Thesis).
    This qualification was selected as Lethbridge is considered one of Canada's leading universities.
    The qualification consists of:
    Thesis
    Coursework
    Comprehensive examination

    The PhD program is thesis-based and offered in several areas of study. Depending on the academic background, learners may be required to take up to six courses in their area of study; the number and details of the courses are determined in consultation with the supervisor at the time of admission to the program.
    The thesis forms the central requirement of the program which involves close collaboration between the supervisor and learner; as a result, learners need to be on campus to conduct research with their supervisor.

    Research in this program emphasises the interactions of organisms with both biotic and abiotic components of the environment. Areas of research include animal ecology, plant ecology, microbial ecology, parasitology, molecular systematics, biogeography, physiological ecology, remote sensing, environmental genetics, toxicology, developmental biology, phytochemistry, and plant physiology. In their programs, the researchers use a wide range of techniques to study a wide range of organisms, including animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Many research programs include a combination of laboratory and field studies.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (By Research Thesis).
    Duration: Full-time: 3 to 4 years and Part-time: 6 to 8 years
    Credits: 120 points per year of full-time study
    Entry requirements:
  • Candidates must have completed a significant research project such as a dissertation or thesis, at the university level.
    Or
  • Have completed a postgraduate bachelors (honours) degree with a University of Auckland equivalent B+ grade.
    Or
  • A masters degree with a University of Auckland equivalent B+ grade in a relevant field.

    Rationale:
    The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree learners can achieve. PhD learners are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.
    The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders. During doctoral studies, learners will have opportunities to expand and develop their personal, professional, and academic skills. The doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.

    PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives learners extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help learners to develop entrepreneurship skills to run their own startup. With focused development opportunities available throughout learners PhD study, and dedicated postgraduate career advice can help learners to explore and meet their own career goals, no matter what direction learners take.

    General Requirements
  • Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are required to undertake an original and coherent research project and to present the outcome of that research project for examination as a thesis.
  • The research project, which may include scholarly creative practice, must involve enquiry that is experimental and/or critical and be driven by an intellectual hypothesis, position, problem, or question(s) capable of being rigorously explored and of making an original and significant contribution to knowledge and/or understanding in the relevant field(s) of study.
  • The research project must be conducted under supervision and throughout enrolment in the PhD programme and must be conducted in accordance with the Research Code of Conduct Policy.
  • The thesis requirement at Regulation 1 must be satisfied by a cohesive written document, which shall not normally exceed 100,000 words. Scholarly creative work that is written, or otherwise that forms an integrated whole with the written document may be submitted for examination as part of the thesis requirement.
  • The thesis must be undertaken and completed in accordance with the doctoral thesis policy and procedures and, where scholarly creative work is (to be) presented for examination as part of the thesis requirement, with the policy and procedures for including scholarly creative work in a PhD.
  • In order for the PhD degree to be awarded, Regulation 47 must be satisfied, and the Board of Graduate Studies (or delegate[s]) must be satisfied that, subject to Regulation 43, the candidate has performed at the doctoral level in an oral examination held in accordance with this Statute and on the subject of the thesis and the field(s) to which the subject belongs, and satisfied, by the examination process prescribed by this Statute, that the thesis a makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge or understanding in its field(s), and meets internationally recognised standards for such work, and c demonstrates knowledge of the literature relevant to the subject and the field(s) to which the subject belongs and demonstrates the ability to exercise critical and analytical judgement of that literature, and is satisfactory in its methodology, in the quality and coherence of its expression, and its scholarly presentation and format.

    Duration
  • The thesis must be submitted within a maximum of 48 months of full-time equivalent enrolment from the initial date of enrolment in the PhD programme unless a later submission date is permitted by the Board of Graduate Studies (or delegate) in accordance with the policy and procedures for extension of doctoral enrolment. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions pertaining to the submission of the "thesis" in this regulation and the remainder of this statute apply to all work (to be) presented for examination in fulfilment of the thesis requirement at Regulation 1.
  • The thesis must not be submitted in less than 36 months of full-time equivalent enrolment from the initial date of enrolment in the PhD programme unless permission is granted by the Board of Graduate Studies (or delegate).
  • Permission for submission of the thesis must not be granted where a candidate has been enrolled for less than 24 months full-time equivalent from the initial date of enrolment in the PhD programme.
  • Part-time enrolment may be permitted, subject to the policy and procedures for full-time and part-time PhD enrolment.
  • A candidate may be permitted to suspend their enrolment subject to the policy and procedures for suspension of doctoral enrolment.
  • Unless permitted under the master's thesis transfer policy and procedures, the initial date of enrolment in the PhD programme may not be backdated except in exceptional circumstances as approved by the Board of Graduate Studies (or delegate) and up to a maximum of six months.

    The qualification was selected because the University of Auckland is ranked 179 on the world university rankings and is an internationally respected institution.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Glasgow
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (By Research Thesis).
    Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time
    Entry requirements:
    Upper Second-Class Honours degree in philosophy, although candidates will usually also have completed or have undertaken a Masters qualification in philosophy.

    Research proposal:
    Candidates are required to provide an outline of the proposed research subject in about 1000 words. This need not be a final thesis proposal but should include:
  • Straightforward, descriptive, and informative title.
  • The question that learners research will address.
  • An account of why this question is important and worth investigating.
  • An assessment of how learners own research will engage with recent studies in the subject.
  • A brief account of the methodology and approach learners will take.
  • A discussion of the primary sources that the research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums.
  • An indicative bibliography of secondary sources that have already consulted and/or are planning to consult.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of a wide range of the core areas of philosophy, including:
  • Aesthetics.
  • Ethics.
  • Epistemology.
  • History of analytic and early modern philosophy.
  • Logic and philosophy of logic.
  • Metaphysics.
  • Philosophy of language.
  • Philosophy of mathematics.
  • Philosophy of mind.
  • Political philosophy.

    The qualification was selected because the University of Glasgow is ranked 99 on the World University Rankings.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: La Trobe University
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (By Research Thesis).
    Duration: 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 10
    Entry requirements:
    To apply for candidature, learners must have completed:
  • Masters by research degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Master by research standard of 70 or above.
    Or
  • Bachelor (Honours), Masters by coursework or ungraded Masters by research degree completed within the last ten years with a weighted average mark of 70 or above across any coursework subjects in their qualifying degree and:
    their qualifying degree includes a research thesis of typically 15,000 - 20,000 words assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 above.
    OR
  • Their qualifying degree includes a written research component comprising at least 3/8 of one year of their qualifying degree assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above.
    OR
  • They are the lead author of a peer-reviewed publication or other research published within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above.
    Rationale:
    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is an internationally recognised advanced research qualification.
    Each PhD candidate undertakes a substantial piece of independent and sustained research on an original topic under academic supervision and leads to the submission of a thesis for examination. The research is expected to make a significantly new and innovative contribution to the discipline.

    Candidates are supported by at least two accredited supervisors with a demonstrated track record in the proposed area of investigation as outlined in the Graduate Research Supervision Policy. Progress throughout the degree is tracked and managed in keeping with the University's Graduate Research Progress Policy. Candidature may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, subject to the restrictions of the learner visa.

    The thesis must be submitted in no more than four years (or part-time equivalent) of commencement in the degree. All PhD programs are administered by the La Trobe Graduate Research School.
    The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 10 - PhD.
    The Doctor of Philosophy is an internationally recognised intensive research doctoral degree that will equip graduates for employment in a range of occupations and positions across academic, government, non-government, education, and private industries.
    On successful completion learners will be able to:
  • Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution.
  • Provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques.
  • A satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the scholarly community to which it is
    addressed.

    The qualification was selected because La Trobe University is one of the leading universities in the field of natural science.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is offered by the thesis.
    Qualification Feature consists of Work-Based learning and internships.

    Work-based learning (placement) requirements:
    A range of work-based learning opportunities is available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.

    Internships: Candidates who have successfully confirmed their candidature and who are making satisfactory progress may apply to participate in an internship at least one month before they submit their thesis.

    Candidates will apply separately to participate in an internship through a process detailed on the Graduate Research School website.

    Similarities:
    The international qualifications are comparable in terms of scope of content, duration, and the requirement of a research dissertation/thesis to complete the qualification.

    Differences:
    The South African qualification does not have any compulsory modules (coursework) as do the international qualifications, but all have a thesis/dissertation component.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and address the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture, NQF Level 10.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Post- Doctoral studies. 
    		•

    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.