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 in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122453  Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2031-06-04  

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 purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Arts is to make a significant and original contribution to interdisciplinary work in the arts. The skills developed through the independent study will help foster critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and innovative approaches required for interdisciplinary arts-based research. The interdisciplinary nature of the qualification will provide learners with an appreciation for collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to research and knowledge generation.

The qualification is aimed both at practicing artists and learners following a more conventional academic trajectory in the interdisciplinary study of visual arts, music, theatre, and performance studies, or historical, philosophical, sociological, or anthropological reflections on art practices. Learners of the qualification will benefit from this expanded definition of arts research with applicability in diverse industries and arts-related fields.

A doctoral degree requires a candidate to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a dissertation. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. This degree requires a minimum of two years of full-time study, usually after completing a master's degree. A qualified learner must be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the specialisation concerned.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in interdisciplinary arts research and practice.
  • Conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
  • Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in interdisciplinary arts research.
  • Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems, or technologies in original, creative, and innovative ways appropriate to specialized and complex contexts.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative, and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.

    Rationale:
    The PhD (Interdisciplinary Arts Studies) responds to the growing need for advanced training in interdisciplinary research in the arts that sits at the interstices of academic disciplines and incorporates artistic and practice-based approaches.
    The qualification in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies will contribute to a transformed and integrated academic community committed to exploring the role of the arts in public and intellectual discourse and debates on democracy, human rights, and social justice.

    The qualification is aimed both at practicing artists and learners following a more conventional academic trajectory in the interdisciplinary study of visual arts, music, theatre, and performance studies, or historical, philosophical, sociological, or anthropological reflections on art practices. Graduates of the programme will benefit from this expanded definition of arts research with applicability in diverse industries and arts-related fields. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Arts, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Arts in Music, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Arts in Drama, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
  • Interdisciplinary Arts Studies thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in interdisciplinary arts research and practice.
    2. Conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
    3. Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in interdisciplinary arts research.
    4. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems, or technologies in original, creative, and innovative ways appropriate to specialized and complex contexts.
    5. Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative, and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems
    6. Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
    7. Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas, information, or issues.
    8. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practice.
    9. Develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of an academic and professional or occupational discourse
    10. Manage complex systems to achieve systemic change; and independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.
    11. Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field, or practice.
    12. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and where appropriate lead, oversee and be accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Adequately delimitate and conceptualise the field and subject of research.
  • Adequately command the relevant research method and familiarise with the relevant literature.
  • Present a clear and systematic material and logical exposition of the argument.
  • Properly document and support the results of independent research.
  • Present research in an acceptable linguistic and stylistic manner.
  • Apply knowledge of and display the contribution made by the dissertation to knowledge in its field.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    This qualification will be assessed through a full dissertation. The dissertation aligns with the regulations for research modules of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and is offered in both the traditional monograph and the integrated arts-based format.

    The dissertation is assessed by an examination panel. In accordance with Faculty rules, the doctoral examination panel shall consist of one unattached internal examiner and at least two unattached external examiners, one of whom should preferably be based abroad.

    The traditional or monograph format applies to a dissertation as a report on research on one central and coherent research question that is examined as a single work.
  • A dissertation by monograph must be a project approved and planned in advance. Candidates are required to prepare, in consultation with their supervisor(s), and submit a research proposal in accordance with the prescribed faculty guidelines for doctoral proposals for dissertations by monograph. The research proposal must convince the Admissions Committee that the study has academic merit, is practically feasible and is capable eventually of being examined as a dissertation.
  • Only work produced after the date of the first registration of the doctoral candidate is permitted for this format.
  • Examiners submit a written report which is an independent evaluation of the dissertation in accordance with a set of general assessment criteria and are required to comment on the suitability of all or parts of the dissertation for publication.

    The integrated format, as artistic research, includes creative work as an integrated component of doctoral research.
    The creative work may include exhibition(s), installation(s), composition(s), performance(s), portfolio, literary work(s), translation(s) and/or any other form of creative work recognized as such by the faculty. In recognising integrated creative-critical research, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences aims to encourage and promote scholarship that integrates original, independent artistic research.
  • An integrated doctoral study must be a project approved and planned in advance. Candidates are required to prepare, in consultation with their supervisor(s), and submit a research proposal in accordance with the prescribed Faculty guidelines for doctoral proposals for integrated dissertations. The Admissions Committee will take into consideration that the research design and outcomes are flexible and potentially unique to every study. In addition, an individual project may be dependent on a research design that unfolds as the study progresses. The research proposal must convince the Admissions Committee that the study has academic merit, is practically feasible and can eventually be examined as a theoretical component integrated with creative work.
  • Only creative work produced after the date of the first registration of the doctoral candidate is permitted for this format. In exceptional cases, a small amount of creative work produced prior to the date of first registration may be considered provided that it is motivated in the research proposal. Such a request must be supported by the Admissions Committee and approved by the Higher Degrees and Research Committee.
  • In terms of examination, the body of research that comprises an integration of creative and scholarly work is examined in its totality and the study should therefore show evidence of its creative and conceptual integration. Examiners should be given access to those creative and conceptual components that demonstrate such integration. The examiners will evaluate whether the candidate's work has demonstrated independent research on a doctoral level, considering the overall project and will report on their findings in their examiners' reports. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States of America
    Institution name: Ohio University
    Qualification title: PhD in Interdisciplinary Arts

    Entry requirements:
  • Master's degree (for the scholar track)
    Or
  • Master's degree and creative portfolio (for the scholar artist track)

    Purpose:
    This PhD qualification attracts scholars and artists who are grounded in a single discipline and able to view that area through the lens of the other arts. It aims to educate scholars and artists to dissolve boundaries between specific academic and artistic disciplines in the creation of new knowledge.

    The qualification prepares learners for scholarly research, while also valuing creative activity through the arts. In addition, the cultural and intellectual contexts in which the works become significant are critical to the understanding of the works themselves.
    Following the American model, the PhD includes both coursework and a dissertation. A consortium of professors leads specific disciplines, offering a perspective on the interrelationships of the arts around the globe.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Visual Culture | Literature of the African World
  • Art | Architectural History
  • Ethnomusicology | Musicology
  • Film Studies | Comparative Literature
  • Theatre | Performance Studies
  • Interdisciplinary research, comparable with the Interdisciplinary Arts Studies thesis.

    Similarities:
  • The Ohio University (OH) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a master's degree in the relevant field.
  • The OU qualification prepares learners for scholarly research, while also valuing creative activity through the arts. In addition, the cultural and intellectual contexts in which the works become significant are critical to the understanding of the works themselves.
  • The SA qualification will develop learner skills through the independent study that will help foster the critical and creative thinking problem-solving and innovative approaches required for interdisciplinary arts-based research.
  • Both qualifications have research or a thesis in their curriculum.

    Differences:
  • The OU qualification includes both coursework and research dissertation and differs in this regard from the proposed SA qualification, which will consist only of a thesis or integrated research project.
  • The OU qualification is offered over four years, whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years.

    Country: Austria
    Institution name: University of Applied Arts
    Qualification title: PhD Programme Artistic Research (PhD in Art)
    Duration: Six years

    Entry requirements:
  • Master's degree

    Purpose:
    The Artistic Research PhD Qualification (PhD in Art) represents a postgraduate study qualification in the field of art, in which independent artistic research is generated to contribute to the development and appreciation of the arts. These studies situate artistic work as the basis of knowledge production. This doctoral qualification consists of coursework and colloquia attendance as well as a dissertation in the form of an artistic research thesis.
    The qualification prepares learners for scholarly research, while also valuing creative activity through the arts. In addition, the cultural and intellectual contexts in which the works become significant are critical to the understanding of the works themselves.
    The centrepiece of the qualification is a series of core interdisciplinary, team-taught seminars. Faculty and learner scholars come together to investigate intensively a selected topic from multiple perspectives and disciplines.

    In the contemporary world, the boundaries between arts are becoming increasingly permeable, and today's scholars recognize that discipline-based research can be inadequate to illuminate the arts, both present and past.

    Course structure

    Modules:
  • Transnational and Global Theories seminar
  • Two research/pedagogy courses
  • One dissertation proposal course, comparable with Interdisciplinary Arts Studies thesis.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Applied Arts (UAA) and the South African (SA) qualification are both offered at a doctoral level and accept learners who have completed a master's degree in the relevant field.
  • The UAA qualification enables the learner to conduct independent artistic research that is generated to contribute to the development and appreciation of the arts, such studies situate artistic work at the basis of knowledge production.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification, provides skills that are developed through independent study, which help foster the critical and creative thinking problem-solving and innovative approaches required for interdisciplinary arts-based research.
  • Both qualifications conduct a research study, for the UAA in the form of a dissertation proposal course and Interdisciplinary Arts Studies thesis for the SA qualification.

    Differences:
  • The UAA qualification maintains a strict division between "academic or scholarly" and "artistic" routes and formats, whereas the SA qualification actively encourages creative-critical research and following the regulations for doctoral degrees in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, allows for dissertations in the traditional/monograph and integrated arts-based format. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Music, 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. Stellenbosch 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.