SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124045	Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University
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		Information Technology and Computer 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
Registered		SAQA 05114/16	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 Information Technology is to provide an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their competence with research methods through the application of theory. It also provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in Information Technology through independent and original research.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, technical and leadership skills in the context of which they function. It will serve to generate new knowledge that is needed in Information Technology to help build a better society and to improve the human condition in South Africa and the world. The qualification holds graduates to the highest theoretical standards and embeds intellectual rigour. It serves to grow Information Technology, an important undertaking in the knowledge economy and the 4IR age.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be done according to the institution's RPL Policy.

RPL for access:

Applicants who do not meet the direct admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification plus suitable experiential- or work-based learning, which has taken the applicant to an equivalent of the entry level of the qualification specified above.

Such candidates may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a portfolio of evidence of the prior learning been done and ratified by the Faculty Committee. > Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their experience by enrolling for preliminary modules prior to admission or parallel modules after admission.

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

Master of Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Information Science, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Science in Computer Science, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Science in Information Technology, 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:

Thesis, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the broad field of theory and practice and the location of the specialised study within the specialised field of study.
2. Demonstrate an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of a specialised field of study.
3. Demonstrate a developed capacity for intellectual independence in the specialised field of study and across disciplinary boundaries.
4. Demonstrate an ability to advise others in respect to the specialised field of study research by producing a thesis which systematically investigates a substantial research problem and satisfies international standards of research and scholarship in the relevant field.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply knowledge and theory accurately in a specialised field

Interrogate existing knowledge boundaries and practices and create responses to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate high levels of self-reflexivity and intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Challenge complexities and contradictions in the knowledge base.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Assessment Practice: Formative

Regular meetings with promoter(s) to provide feedback and guidance on the theoretical and practical aspects of the research project.

Draft submissions of any written work.

Oral presentations made to the Department to obtain a broader perspective.

The preparation of at least one research paper on the research for publication in a scientific journal or presentation at a scientific conference, with recognition of intellectual property rights.

Assessment Practice: Summative

A thesis describing the research methods used, the research and conclusions drawn from the research.

Upon request, the learner may be required to defend the research project to test communication, understanding, capacity to think quickly under pressure and knowledge of procedures.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

As a process of best practice, it is important to compare the qualification with similar qualifications offered by other higher education institutions across the world.

Country: Norway
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Duration: Three years full time
Entry Requirements:

Completed at least five years of higher education that includes a master's degree or other equivalent degree.
And

A strong academic record and a weighted average for the last two years of your master's degree equivalent to a B or higher on NTNU's grading scale.

Purpose:
The qualification creates independent researchers with the skills needed for succeeding in the international research world. The qualification consists of a coursework part of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits and a doctoral thesis.

The coursework and the work on the thesis are carried out in parallel. It is recommended, however, that the coursework be completed early during study. All the coursework must have been completed and approved before submission of the thesis with a nominal length of 2.5 years.

Similarities:

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years.

The NUST and SA qualifications accept applicants who have completed a master's degree in IT or a related field.

Graduates who completed both qualifications are expected to submit the final thesis which contributes to the development of new academic knowledge and of a high international standard within the discipline.

Differences:

The NUST has 30 ECTS credits of coursework, whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.

The NUST qualification consists of coursework and a thesis, while the SA qualification consists of the research thesis only and no coursework

Country: United States of America
Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha
Qualification Title: Ph.D. in Information Technology
Credits: 90 credit hours
Duration: Three directed study
Entry Requirements:

Master's degrees in IT-related field

Purpose:
The qualification is research-intensive, multidisciplinary focused around the core areas of computer science, management information systems and interdisciplinary informatics. The qualification admits exceptional learners who have demonstrated a strong foundation in the core areas with high potential and commitment towards future academic achievement and success.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Interpret and synthesize research literature from multiple areas of the IT discipline.

Identify open research questions and design appropriate approaches to investigate them.

Contribute to scholarly literature.

Effectively engage learners in learning about IT content.

Applied Research
Faculty members are very productive in their research and compete for funding from competitive sources such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defence. Most faculty conduct research in one of the three disciplines (computer science, management information systems, interdisciplinary informatics) that comprise the qualification. Within these areas, research interests include artificial intelligence, data and text mining, software engineering, biomedical informatics, cybersecurity, data analytics, database management, IT infrastructure and many more.

Similarities:

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full time.

The UNO and SA qualifications require applicants who have completed Master's degrees in an IT-related field.

Both qualifications share similar learning outcomes.

Both qualifications culminate into the research thesis.

Difference:

The UNO qualification has 90 credit hours, whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.

Conclusion:
The Doctor of Philosophy in IT compares favourably with the two qualifications stated above. Similar to the SA qualification, these qualifications are focussed on preparing Doctoral learners to become productive researchers. Another common element is that a final thesis is submitted at the end of the study period.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation:

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Systems, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology Management, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science, 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.

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