SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122228  Doctor of Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
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  EXCO 0922/24  2024-03-07  2027-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07   2031-03-07  

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 Doctor of Philosophy 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 this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge.
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of commerce.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology.
  • Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesize information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialization.

    Rationale:
    The introduction of education and training at the doctoral level at the institution will allow the university to contribute to the production of the next generation of highly skilled individuals who will join the workforce as young academics and researchers and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

    The need to develop high-level skills and research capacity across a wide breadth of commerce fields is widely accepted for various reasons including but not limited to producing relevant global citizens who can undertake independent and high-quality scholarly research that reflects originality, critical thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving to address contemporary and complex challenges. The current challenges of our time, which have been intensified by the COVID-19 crisis, include subdued economic growth prospects globally, reduced entrepreneurial activities, subdued business activities and shutdowns, high unemployment, economic hardships, inequality, political uncertainty, poor governance etc. In summary, commerce activities in South Africa and many countries around the world are constantly impacted negatively thus justifying this proposed qualification.

    South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan demonstrates the role doctoral learners in economics can play in the economy of South Africa. In this plan, the priority interventions include issues around employment, reindustrialization and export promotion, tourism recovery and growth, the green economy, and macro-economic interventions, all areas where the qualifying learners can be expected to contribute new ideas.

    It is envisaged that this proposed qualification will equip qualifying learners with advanced practical and applied understanding, knowledge and skills in specialised fields of commerce such as economics, entrepreneurship, business management, human resources management, marketing, accountancy, and others, thereby supporting the growth and development of key commercial sectors to be better drivers of commerce in South Africa and beyond. Initially, the qualification will only accept learners with a Master's degree in Economics as the Master of Commerce at the institution is currently accredited for CESM 040400. The University will apply to add additional CESMs to the Doctor of Philosophy once they have been added to the Master of Commerce.

    In addition to the above, research is a very powerful tool for a university that wishes to be relevant to its surroundings and engaged with its unique African context. Research and Postgraduate learners assist in the creation of a research culture and postgraduate learners act as role models for younger learners; postgraduate learners serve as tutors and provide very important support for undergraduate learning and teaching.

    The University plans for an initial enrolment of 6 learners and that this number will slowly grow in the following years. The number of Doctor of Philosophy learners will be determined by supervisory capacity and demand. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory module, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Doctor of Philosophy research project and thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Undertake independent original research at an advanced level 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 commerce.
    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of specialization.
    4. Select, and apply a research design and research methods, for data collection, data analysis and statistics, to address a particular research question in the field of specialization.
    5. Identify any ethical considerations associated with research in the chosen field of specialization and propose solutions and or mitigating measures.
    6. Use research effectively and critically, showing consideration for socio-economic development and a concern for the environment and the health and welfare of others.
    7. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesize information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialization.
    8. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology.
    9. Apply personal organizational skills, work independently and incorporate feedback. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and fully justify project questions and scope.
  • Carefully and critically evaluate the literature review drawn from multiple sources including primary literature, and materials.
  • Consider a range of methods, including statistical methods and choose the appropriate one.
  • Modify established methods where necessary.
  • Collect, collate, and analyse data according to an approved project plan.
  • Interpret and critically discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
  • Formulate recommendations that are supported by the results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically engage with current literature in the field of specialization.
  • Critically review and use relevant theories and practices to support the development of convincing arguments or positions in the thesis.
  • Skilfully integrate results from the research project with the existing knowledge base.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Clearly illustrate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature, strengths, and limitations of research in the thesis.
  • Fully justify the chosen research paradigm that is appropriate for the research question and with reference to current literature.
  • Critically evaluate and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use research methods that are appropriate to address the research question and that are justified with reference to published work.
  • Carefully and correctly apply research methods in the context of the discipline.
  • Fully justify appropriate statistical tests, in the context of the discipline.
  • Correctly interpret statistical results.
  • Clearly present statistical results in the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use ethical concerns explicit in the thesis.
  • Provide reference to an ethical approval number in the thesis.
  • Clearly indicate ethical issues, and how they have been mitigated.
  • Identify ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use the appropriate research question with concern for socio-economic development.
  • Consider and accommodate alternative viewpoints regarding the proposed research in the research proposal and thesis.
  • Fully discuss any recommendations in the thesis based on the results.
  • Critically evaluate potential environmental concerns that may result from the research and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
  • Critically evaluate any effects on the health and welfare of people and propose appropriate mitigation measures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Access, evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources in the thesis.
  • Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of specialization.
  • Manage contradictory information, alternative viewpoints considered, and a balanced conclusion reached.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Communicate results from the research project to both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Communicate oral arguments in a convincing manner.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
  • Use appropriate language in the thesis which is presented in the approved style and adheres to the norms for academic scientific writing in the discipline.
  • Use a standard referencing style accurately and consistently in the thesis.
  • Communicate written arguments convincingly.
  • Clearly present statistical results in the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Critically consider feedback actively, and successfully incorporate it into iterative drafts of work.
  • Successfully implement the research plan according to the approved plan.
  • Use allocated resources in accordance with the approved research plan. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: New Zealand (NZ)
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy
    Duration: 3 years to 4 years
    Credits: 120 points per year of full-time study, which is equal to 360

    Purpose/rational
    Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your start-up.

    Entry requirements
  • Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelor's degree with honours.
    And
  • Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study.

    Similarities
  • The New Zealand (NZ) and South African SA (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a master's degree qualification.
  • NZ and SA qualifications are offered over three years.
  • NZ and SA qualifications are at 360 credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: The University of Sydney (US)
    Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy (Business)
    Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time equivalent for domestic and international students.

    Entry requirements
  • Admission to the PhD program also requires prior completion of a 20,000-word honours or master's thesis.
    Or
  • Completion of an Australian honours (or equivalent) or a postgraduate degree with outstanding results (at least 80%) to be considered for an offer.

    Research areas:
    PhD candidates at the University of Sydney Business School may undertake supervised research with one of the following disciplines or research centres within the school:
  • Discipline of Accounting.
  • Discipline of Business Analytics.
  • Discipline of Business Information Systems.
  • Discipline of Business Law.
  • Discipline of Finance.

    Qualification Structure
    Modules
  • Research design.
  • Quantitative research methods.
  • Qualitative research methods.
  • Philosophy of Business Research.
  • Advanced quantitative methods.
  • Advanced qualitative methods.

    Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Gain a deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
  • Apply skills that are highly valued by prospective employers.
  • Pursue careers in industry, academia, and research organisations.

    Similarities
  • The University of Sydney (US) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three (3) years full-time.
  • US and SA qualifications share similar exit level outcomes which will allow learners to develop analytical, problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
  • US and SA qualifications allow learners who completed a master's degree.

    Deference
  • The University of Sydney (US) qualification offers coursework modules, while the South African (SA) qualification offers one module which is a Doctor of Philosophy research project and thesis (research). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • N/A

    Diagonal Articulation
  • No diagonal articulation options available. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.