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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118682  Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
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 primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies is to train learners to be capacitated to conduct high quality research and contribute towards increasing human knowledge on issues pertaining to Development Studies such as poverty alleviation, livelihood diversification, environmental planning, and management. The qualification is a multidisciplinary field which takes learners from other disciplines. This is in line with the institution's transdisciplinary programme of promoting learning across disciplinary boundaries.

The qualification is intended to provide training for an academic career in development by undertaking research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in submission of a thesis. A distinguishing trait will be the capacity for substantial independent scholarly research whereby a candidate will be expected to make an original contribution to knowledge that will be judged by independent experts applying contemporary standards of the discipline.

On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Identify, conceptualise, design, and conduct research independently in a relevant area of Development Studies, culminating in submission of a thesis.
  • Undertake research at the most advanced level and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis.
  • Defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
  • Engage critically with current research and apply advanced knowledge in a specialised field of development studies.
  • Examine the boundaries, interconnections, values, knowledge creation systems and research paradigms, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems, in development studies, and critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm for the research project.
  • Produce and present a thesis, which meets international standards of scholarly writing. Learners will produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work and disseminate in accredited journals.
  • Effectively present and communicate the results of research and opinion to specific audiences and be able to defend their research.
  • Identify ethical issues related to the research and field of study and practically observe and apply ethical considerations in the research undertaken.

    Rationale:
    The development of the qualification is a response to the call for expansion of South Africa's pool of highly qualified and skilled holders of doctorate degrees for global competitiveness. The South African government has in recent years advocated for an increased number of individuals with Doctoral Degrees with efforts particularly focused on creating opportunities for many previously disadvantaged individuals who were side-lined by the apartheid government. Some of the drivers of these efforts include activities facilitated by National Research Foundations (Research Funding) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (Higher Education Transformation) amongst others. In line with these efforts and government goals, the institution intends to offer high-quality Doctoral Studies that will create progression opportunities not only for its Master's learners but also learners from other universities.

    Development Studies is a field of study that deals with the multidimensional nature of the development process. This field of study emerged out of a need to gain an in-depth understanding and indeed offer possible solutions, to a wide range of social, economic, institutional, and environmental management challenges facing societies. Graduates with the qualification will be able to apply cutting edge research methods to address the many complex development problems that face South Africa and the world. They will also be able to take up positions in academia and educate the next generation of development practitioners. Faced with the triple threat of poverty, inequality, and unemployment the need for well-qualified researchers in development studies cannot be over-emphasised. The qualification will assist the South African nation with highly qualified professionals who are competent in research.

    Since Development Studies is a multidisciplinary study, the institution encourages and invites applications from learners, public servants, development practitioners, social activists, policy analysts and others. Career opportunities after completion include the following:
  • Educationists.
  • Policy Makers.
  • Diplomats.
  • Trade Union Officials.
  • Research Officers.
  • Planners, Social Impact Assessors.
  • Development consultants.
  • Civil and Human Rights Activists.
  • Employees of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.
  • Development Officers.
  • Rural extension officers.

    Learners will be able to deal with development planning and policy formulation towards addressing social transformation in South Africa and Southern Africa. The department is part of the South African Development Studies Association (SADSA). The research undertaken by learners in the qualification will generate new ideas and find new solutions to challenges in the development arena. The qualification will provide vertical articulation for learners who have a Master's degree in development studies and other related Master's fields. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied in line with the institution's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning. This policy is aligned with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019).

    The institution will use the RPL as important tools to widen access with success, to achieve inclusion and to overcome barriers to access in higher education. RPL plays important role in promoting lifelong learning and in redressing inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education.

    The National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019) indicates that there are two types of RPL, being RPL for access and RPL for credit. The former is applicable for this PhD. However, RPL for credit cannot be applicable since all 360 credits are allocated to the research thesis. The former will be used to provide alternative route/s into the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Development Studies, NQF level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Town and Regional Planning, NQF level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Public Administration, 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 associated thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, conceptualise, design, and conduct research independently in a relevant area of Development Studies, culminating in submission of a thesis. Learners will undertake research at the most advanced level and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, the ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialised field of development studies with an ability to engage critically with current research.
    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, interconnections, values, knowledge creation systems and research paradigms, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems, in development studies, and an ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm for the research project.
    4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced methodologies and techniques and apply these creatively to address complex practical, theoretical and epistemological problems in a specialised area of development studies.
    5. Use a wide range of appropriate knowledge and skills to identify a problem, conceptualize a research question, design, and independently undertake a research project to address the problem.
    6. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to the field of Development Studies.
    7. Produce and present a thesis, which meets international standards of scholarly writing. Learners will produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work and disseminate in accredited journals. Learners will also effectively present and communicate the results of research and opinion to specific audiences and be able to defend their research.
    8. Identify any ethical issues related to the research and field of study and practically observe and apply ethical considerations in the research undertaken.
    9. Within the specialised field of development studies being studied, and based on the outcomes of the research, draw appropriate conclusions, and propose interventions at a policy or management level that would address the problem being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.
    10. Apply effective personal organization skills, work independently, and incorporate feedback into one's work. Take full leadership in the research journey and management of research and research development in the discipline.
    11. Work independently and take full responsibility for allocated resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The thesis reports the outcome of original research including the following steps:
  • Identify and justify the projects question and scope.;
  • Conduct the literature review by drawing from multiple sources and carefully and critically evaluate materials.
  • Select and apply a range of methods, including statistical methods and choose the appropriate ones.
  • Identify ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.
  • Collect, collate and analyse data.
  • Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
  • Formulate recommendations.
  • Prepare the thesis is according to the prescribed format, write in appropriate academic language and includes no plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Include a full thesis and critical engagement with the current literature in the field of specialisation and incorporate own results into the existing knowledge base.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Clearly demonstrate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature, strengths, and limitations of research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse, justify, and apply appropriate research methods to address the research question.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The thesis will demonstrate that the learner is capable of original independent research, from the identification of a research question to the completion of the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The Introduction and discussion chapters of the thesis will include a full and critical analysis of the existing knowledge in the field of study, with this knowledge being drawn from a range of sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Adhere to the norms for style, format, academic language and referencing. Tables and Figures are professional in appearance and fully illustrate the results.
  • Avoid and/or eliminate plagiarism in research work.
  • Use a language and technology appropriate for the audience in oral presentations and defend ideas with logical argumentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Indicate ethical concerns, or the lack thereof, in the thesis.
  • Provide reference to ethical Approval Number and where ethical issues exist in the thesis, clearly indicate how they have been dealt with.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Discuss recommendations in the thesis and consider any possible negative outcomes and propose mitigation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Consider and incorporate critical feedback from supervisor and peers in the production process of the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Complete and submit the research project on time.
  • Ability to meet all deadlines. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally the norm for doctoral qualifications is that they have a minimum of two years to complete while conducting research only and such is comparable with the new qualification. This qualification has been compared with the following qualifications from two international institutions:

    Country: Germany
    Institution: Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB)
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Development Studies
    Purpose:
    The mission of the qualification is to prepare PhD graduates for careers in social science research, policy, and education related to international development issues. The target audience includes:
  • Young people who wish to prepare themselves for careers in international development.
  • Mid-career international development professionals who will return to their original employer or employment sector after earning a PhD.

    The International Development Studies (IDS) program is an interdisciplinary professional Doctoral degree that prepares learners for professional careers in the field of international development. It is designed to provide a broad understanding and appreciation of current development issues and theories, as well as the processes involved in formulating policy and implementing development projects.

    Qualification structure:
    The institution offers an international and interdisciplinary three-year PhD qualification in International Development Studies (IDS). The qualification which admits learners from different disciplines aims to prepare learners for writing a PhD thesis and contributing to knowledge and thus comparable to the objectives of the new qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Birmingham
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) International Development
    Qualification structure:
    The University of Birmingham offers PhD International Development by distance Learning through its International Development Department (IDD) and explore a wide variety of topics in international development and public management. The Department is situated within the School of Government and Society which brings together academic staff, research fellows and doctoral researchers across the Social Sciences. Some of the research area of interest which are like the proposed qualification include:
  • Natural resource governance.
  • Management and livelihoods.
  • Urban poverty and management.
  • Participatory approaches.
  • Public sector management.
  • Decentralisation.

    Conclusion:
    The new qualification is comparable to what is offered by the above-cited international institutions. The comparability will also allow for partnerships and exchange programme activities between the institution and other universities of knowledge and skills sharing. It can be concluded that this qualification compares with the international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration in Development Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Economics in Development Studies, 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.