SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118683	Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
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	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 develop a cadre of high-level researchers who can conduct empirical research and propose sustainable solutions to the current issues of development, including those facing South Africa. Development Studies is a discipline central to addressing aspects of the crisis of poverty, inequality, and the systematic damage to lives and livelihoods in the global South. Learners will pursue an integral analysis of a topic in this area at a high level of knowledge integration, conceptual innovation, and responsible leadership, and will explore solutions through creative applications of models of change such as the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, community development and a developmental state.

The learners will typically be involved in aspects of development and will possess a grounded understanding of relevant development issues. Qualifying learners will display the capacity for high-level multifactor, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary analysis and a high level of ability to provide new knowledge, new theory, and new perspectives as regards development problems. The learners will be able to provide academic and societal leadership (particularly in governance and in the leadership of civil society) in addressing development issues.

Rationale:
The national and political emphasis on development in democratic South Africa in the Constitution refers to sustainable development, economic and social development, and national, provincial urban and rural development; and in government programmes such as the RDP, industrial development plans, local economic development initiatives, and the National Development Plan. The awareness of development issues that South Africa and the rest of the global South face and the range of possible solutions is insufficiently developed and empirically investigated both in public and academic discourse.

This qualification is relevant to the core aims and transformation agenda of the country and region as a whole. Furthermore, it would help to focus academic attention and rigour on the interlinked and multi-inter-transdisciplinary nature of social, environmental, economic, and political issues and the synthetic, innovative, and sustainable ways of addressing interlinked issues related to development. Effective development practitioners need a range of skills, knowledge, and values, as well as expertise in their chosen fields of research specialization, combined with advanced knowledge and competence in development theory and its application to serve as change agents in the field of development studies.

Qualifying in this discipline will enable learners to hone their skills in research so that they will emerge as competent researchers who are able to gather, analyse and synthesise valid data in the field, and propose new solutions and contribute new knowledge in the field of development studies.

The qualification will equip learners with the skills, competencies, knowledge, attitudes, and values of conducting empirical research on establishing solutions and recommendations to problems related to the field of development studies in compliance with generally accepted protocols and procedures for social science research within the African context. These include research design and approach, theoretical frameworks, sampling, data gathering practices, data analysis, extended research writing and compliance with academic conventions of referencing and citation. Qualifying learners will demonstrate the ability to generate new theories and create new knowledge from a specifically African perspective, about development-related phenomena. The ethical considerations of research into development topics also form an important part of the qualification as some topics involve research on vulnerable groups, whose confidentiality and well-being must always be safeguarded.

The learners will typically be involved and employed in the field of development and will therefore have a grounded understanding of development challenges facing society, local communities, and national and local spheres of government. Qualifying Learners could be employed as government officials at national, provincial and local levels, community development workers, community activists, the NGO sector, policy-makers, project managers and corporate responsibility programmes. In these sites, learners will be able to take on tasks involving management, leadership, planning and project management.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the institution RPL Policy. Candidates with reasonable experience of further training and working in the fields of gender change and transformation may be considered for RPL. The Committee will assess learners' competencies to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to b), advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

RPL for access:

Applicants who do not have prior qualifications in Development Studies or a related discipline, or who do not have a master's degree or qualification equivalent to NQF level 9 are eligible for RPL for access.

RPL for credits:
Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the departmental chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the learner wishes to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

RPL for module exemption:
Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved. Recognition of Prior Learning learners must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institution RPL policy.

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

Master of Arts in Development Studies, NQF Level 9.
Or

A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

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:

Full thesis in development studies, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of Development Studies discipline or practice; and the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
2. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in Development Studies practice.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Scientific and academic standard of research procedures, methodology, scope, theoretical substantiation, exploration of the literature and grasp of the specified field within development studies.

Scientific and academic quality of processing and presentation of data, structure and logical development, and critical findings and recommendations which add to knowledge and insight in development studies.

Language and technical presentation.

Whether parts or the substance of the thesis is publishable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
The findings of the research are situated within the context of existing social and political conditions.

The research is contextualised within the field of existing knowledge in development studies.

The thesis demonstrates original contribution to the knowledge /practice of development studies

Participate actively in scholarly debates in the forefront of the field.

Identify and solve complex practical and theoretical problems using creative and specialist knowledge and theory

Work effectively with others.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively.

Access, process, synthesise and manage information for making independent judgements and development of significant original insights into new complex issues.

Manage complex systems underpinned by theory.

Produce and communicate information that contributes significantly to the field and meets international standards.

Manage emerging ethical issues and consequences in decision making.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Institute for Development Studies, Sussex, England
Qualification Title: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Studies by Research
Admission requirements: A prospective learner must have an average of 60% overall in a master's degree in a relevant social sciences subject. Must have substantial professional work experience in a developing country or development-related work. Must submit a 2-3-page outline research proposal.
The academic requirements for admission are similar to those of the South African qualification, as is the requirement to submit an outline for the proposed project.
Purpose: The course explores a range of topics in Asia, Africa, the Balkans, Latin America, and the Middle East. IDS is dedicated to research on processes of social, political, and economic development and change to understand problems of poverty and development-related issues in local, national and global realms. The Institute is interested in topics that investigate issues such as reducing inequalities, accelerating sustainability, building inclusive and secure societies. The overarching sentiments and goals towards development are similar to the new qualification.
Structure: First-year develops a detailed research plan and obtain ethical clearance. Undergo annual reviews to ascertain progress. Although there are no separate modules, the requirements in the first year are similar to the South African qualification.
Duration: The course takes three to four years (full-time), and 6 years (part-time). The duration is similar to that of South African qualification.

Country: Kenya
Institution: University of Nairobi,
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Studies

Admission requirements: A master's degree in Development Studies or any social science discipline from the University of Nairobi, or another discipline from the University of Nairobi, if there is evidence of social science-based study, or from other institutions recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate as of comparable status.
The requirements are similar to those of the South African qualification, including the submission of a research outline and CV. However, it differs in the sense that the South African qualification requires learners to register for a research proposal module, whereas the research proposal at Nairobi is concluded (with the assistance of a supervisor) before the learner is allowed to formally register for the degree. The difference here is in when the learner is allowed to register, rather than in the quality of the research proposal.
Purpose: The PhD offers learners already grounded in the social sciences an opportunity for advanced academic work in the field of development studies. The qualification blends development theories with development practice through research work, the central theoretical and methodological issues in development studies, to further knowledge on changing paradigms and their applicability to understanding the development process. The qualification aims to prepare learners for senior positions in the field of development studies both as researchers and policy analysis with the primary aim of making the development process meaningful, interactive, and sustainable. There are distinct similarities in the purpose of the qualification offered at Nairobi and the South African institution.

Qualifying learners will be working to address emerging issues that have implications for development in various capacities including:

Academic Professions

Monitoring & Evaluation Experts

Development Analysts

Project Managers

Business Development Experts

Community Development Experts

Development Researchers/Consultants

Programme Officers in Development Projects.

Structure: The new qualification requires learners to register for a separate module to complete the research proposal, Nairobi expects this to be done, under the guidance of an assigned supervisor, before registration is allowed.
Duration: The qualification has a minimum duration of 18 months. The normal duration is three years. Full-time learners may take no more than four years and part-time learners no more than five years.

Country: Uganda
Institution: Makerere University
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies
Admission requirements: At least a first- or second-class degree (master's degree in a field relevant to the area of further studies) or equivalent from a recognised and chartered university or institution at the time of completion. Applicants have to submit a 3-5 page outline.
This is similar to that of the South African qualification.
Structure: Learners are granted provisional admission for one year during which the learner has to develop a full research proposal. If the research proposal is approved, the learner is given full admission to the PhD by research only. This is similar to the South African qualification structure in the sense that the first year has to be passed before the learner may continue to register for the research component.
Duration: The minimum period of registration for a PhD by research is two calendar years. The first year is regarded as provisional admission. Thereafter the learner is given full admission for three years. The duration for full-time learners is three years and for part-time learners five years.
The duration is similar to that of the new qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Administration: Development Studies, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy: Land and Property Development Management, 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.

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