SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124591	Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
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 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
Registered		EXCO 0633/25	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 Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs represents the highest qualification offered by the institution. In responding to the dynamic and complex nature of South Africa, the African continent and the international environment, the degree promotes innovative perspectives that conceptualise new research initiatives and new knowledge or practice befitting our interwoven national, continental, and international realities.

The purpose of this qualification is to produce doctoral graduates with the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of study or practice. This would require a candidate to undertake research at the most advanced academic level, culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that a learner is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and application and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of Public Policy and International Affairs. In this regard, coursework principally in research methodology will be required as preparation or value addition to the research, but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification.

The thesis work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. In addition, a graduate should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of specialisation concerned. The degree will be earned through transdisciplinary research and approaches. This degree requires a minimum of four years' part-time study.

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

Demonstrate expertise, conceptualise new research initiatives and critical knowledge in the field or area of public policy and international affairs.

Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of public policy and international affairs.

Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts in the field of public policy and international affairs.

To demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in public policy and international affairs.

Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues around public policy and international affairs.

Rationale:
The rationale behind the offering of a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs is informed by the need for scholars who appreciate the connection between national development and international affairs in the 21st century and beyond. Hence, the need to produce world-class qualifying learners conversant in the national, African continent and global dimensions of public policy analysis and international affairs. Such qualifying learners must be able to apply a transdisciplinary perspective to complex, practical and theoretical problems, challenges, and realities.

Pursuant to this, they will develop a heightened insight to be transformative and act as catalysts of change as thought leaders, defined by their potential to serve society at large. In addition, they will be recognised by scholars and their peers to be among the best in the world through their ability to merge knowledge from a globalised world to produce a new body of knowledge and paradigms on Public Policy and International Affairs. Critically, the qualification will allow for flexibility and mobility among the different sectors within Public Policy and International Affairs.

Three important developments inform the need for a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs, among others. Firstly, following the end of the apartheid-era system, South Africa still requires a citizenry and public service that defends the democratic structures and values created in a diverse society permeated by social inequalities. Secondly, in a fundamentally globalised world, there is the blurring of the local and global spheres. In this regard, local issues have major implications for global ones and vice versa. In this sense, the public and international have a symbiotic relationship. This requires substantive expert knowledge coupled with applied skills to address such issues locally and globally.

Thirdly, to cater to the demands of an emerging market economy that we currently find ourselves in and to deliver on its promise of equity, South African universities and public sector education more generally need to adapt. More recent challenges, such as COVID, for example, have had enormous repercussions on many sectors, including higher education in emerging markets such as South Africa. Many policies developed before the pandemic can no longer address these complex problems. The rather fluid higher education environment, characterised by student demand for free quality higher education, inclusivity and justice, presents opportunities for the institution to be a beacon of excellence in Public Policy and International Affairs, where relevant education is offered. These contemporary demands in societal problems put an urgent need on African universities for new spheres of knowledge, novel competencies and skills, as well as up-to-date forms of pedagogy.

A different and futuristic calibre of graduate is required to meet the challenges of the 21st century head-on: nimble lateral thinkers, who are mobile between the sectors, historically sensitive, grounded in a democratic ethos and globally competitive. The qualifying learners need skills and competencies to research, analyse and formulate theses acceptable by peers locally and globally. Moreover, both operative skills and transdisciplinary competencies are fundamental to ensuring that such qualifying learners are also competent enough to negotiate and function effectively in international environments such as being international civil servants, global business executives and transnational entrepreneurs. The degree thus offers a response to an intricate environment that has seen a shift in education demands, widening gaps of inequality, disruptions in economic growth and a loss of jobs, among others. In teaching both Public Policy and International Affairs in the same qualification, the Doctorate seeks to expand the horizons of our qualifying learners and increase their chances of employability in the public and private sectors, as well as NGOs at the national, continental and international level.

By means of its teaching approach, degree holders through the institution acquire expert knowledge of research methodologies, capabilities in application, analysis and implementation of integration of complex and innovative solutions. Specifically, the institution seeks to address disruptions in teaching and learning by transitioning from an open and distance learning (ODL) model to an open, distance and e-learning model (ODeL). It further endeavours to provide a SMART learning environment enabling global perspectives, interconnections, as well as collaborations. Finally, it utilises a transdisciplinary approach in its endeavours and continues to innovate and create top-notch curricula to address identified gaps.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be applied in line with the regulations of the Council on Higher Education and the RPL Policy and procedures of the institution.

RPL for Access:
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) without an appropriate master's degree should submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant work and research experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to the qualification. The portfolio of evidence will be assessed according to the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of the Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs.

RPL for exemption:
This is a PhD by Research, and no modules can be exempted through RPL.

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

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

Master of Arts in International Politics, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Arts in Police Science, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Arts in Politics, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Arts in the cognate field at NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory module:

Thesis in Public Policy and International Affairs, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate expertise, conceptualise new research initiatives and critical knowledge in the field or area of public policy and international affairs.
2. Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of public policy and international affairs.
3. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts in the field of public policy and international affairs.
4. To demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in public policy and international affairs.
5. Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues around public policy and international affairs.
6. Produce substantial, original, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards and makes a significant contribution to the discipline and field to develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research in public policy and international affairs.
7. Produce and communicate knowledge that adheres to international standards of scientific knowledge production, for strategic and policy initiatives in Public Policy and International Affairs.
8. Apply theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change through independent design, sustainment and management of change within Public Policy and International Affairs systems.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain the statement of the problem, rationale and purpose of the research in terms of the importance of the knowledge for government policy making and implementation.

Conceptualise new research initiatives to create new knowledge for academic analysis on government policy-making on scientific development.

Create critical and prevalent knowledge in Public Policy and International Affairs to inform governance strategies and practice.

Apply systemic approaches in research design and analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Display expert knowledge of seminal sources, including from African scholars, about state-of-the-art theoretical approaches relevant to conducting research in the area of study.

Align the literature review to the problem statement, objectives, hypotheses, and research questions.

Provide an appropriate research design and methodology for the research.

Select and employ qualitative and/or quantitative methods suitable for empirical studies.

Employ terminology and concepts used to forward theoretical positions and academic debates in social science, public policy and international affairs.

Illustrate knowledge of African philosophies and interlinkages in the theoretical underpinnings of literature.

Conceptualise research approaches and hypotheses relevant for particular research questions.

Develop research objectives from complex, practical and theoretical problems.

Apply African knowledge systems in local and global contexts in Public and International Affairs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Propose the development of new methods for Public Policy and International Affairs.

Propose the development of innovative techniques, technologies and processes in Public Policy and International Affairs practice.

Propose the development of systems that originate from research in Public Policy and International Affairs practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Critically reflect and identify a problem in Public Policy and International Affairs that requires a solution.

Identify the relationship between practical and theoretical problems in Public and International Affairs.

Present a clearly defined problem statement.

Present hypotheses as a tentative novel solution to the identified problem to guide scientific discovery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply all relevant policies and procedures of the university and professional bodies concerning ethical clearance for empirical studies.

Employ conventions of academic referencing and other best practices to avoid plagiarism in the use of secondary sources.

Indicate the obligation to obtain informed consent and similar permissions from participants and/or the respective bodies overseeing such ethical processes for the gathering, analysis and dissemination of data.

Explain the methodological and ethical processes, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Access and gather data and information from value-added, valid, and reputable sources.

Propose the processing of data into information by using appropriate methods and/or software for accurate document capturing, integration and retrieval to analyse and interpret the information within the context of existing social and policy conditions locally, nationally, and African regional and/or internationally.

State hypotheses or central arguments that underscore a novel contribution to public policy and international affairs scholarship and practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in the field of social science and specifically public policy and international affairs.

Display academic and scientific rigour, applicable to a doctoral degree in social and policy science research and writing, acceptable to peers.

Identify the intended Public Policy and International Affairs audiences (incl. specialist and non-specialist) to tailor research outputs to their needs.

Propose the intention to recommend policy changes and implementation strategies to respective policy science and social science audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Propose the application of theoretical implications of the research to complex systems and change in a specific Public Policy and International Affairs focus area.

Propose the application of design principles to sustain and manage change in a specific Public Policy and International Affairs focus area.

Propose the application of African theoretical underpinnings and principles to research and knowledge production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Gather existing knowledge in engagement with social communities and experts to complement the study.

Propose presentations in national and international collaborations, scholarly debates at the forefront of the field by attending seminars, round tables, colloquia, and conferences in any field related to Public Policy and International Affairs, including natural and physical science, to build workable knowledge to include in the study.

Propose publications to be submitted to accredited publications in engagement with communities and communities of practice.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United States of America
Institution name: Princeton University
Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public and International Affairs: Security Studies
Duration: Five years

Admission requirements:

Learners are required to complete an original research paper of publishable quality (Sample of written work, 25 pages maximum).

General exam in consultation with the faculty committee

Purpose/Rationale:
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public and International Affairs Security: Studies is to train top-quality researchers in critical areas of public policy. This qualification prepares learners for rigorous, policy-relevant research on major threats to international and national security. The institution offers a distinctive curriculum that strikes a careful balance between theory and practice. Qualifying students spend time developing analytical skills and acquiring substantive knowledge about the world's most important domestic and international issues.

Qualification structure:

A student in the Security cluster takes 12 courses during the first two years.

Similarities:

The Princeton University (UP) and the South African (SA) qualifications both seek to equip learners with analytical and research knowledge.

The overarching sentiments and goals towards public and international affairs are similar for both qualifications.

The SA qualification seeks to address and apply a transdisciplinary perspective to complex, practical and theoretical problems, challenges, and realities.

Similarly, the UP qualification equips learners with analytical skills and knowledge to address critical domestic and international issues.

Both qualifications prepare learners for rigorous, policy-relevant research at the most advanced academic level.

Differences:

The UP degree is offered through coursework, while the SA qualification is fully research-based.

The SA qualification is offered in three years, whereas the PU qualification is offered for the duration of five years.

At UP, a master's degree is not required; while the SA qualification allows for a master's degree as an entry requirement to the Ph.D.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution name: King's College
Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy Research
Duration: Three years

Admission requirements:

A Master's degree with a score of 75%

Purpose/Rationale:
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy Research is a postgraduate research degree focusing on in-depth, original research within the field of public policy. It's a terminal degree, signifying the highest academic achievement in the discipline. This PhD program aims to train researchers to study public policy in real-world contexts, exploring its influence and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. The qualification equips qualifying learners to be part of a vibrant and growing set of world-leading scholars, who are committed to understanding the intertwining of politics and economics and applying those insights to solving local, national and global policy problems.

Similarities:

The South African (SA) and King's College (KC) admission requirements are similar since a master's degree is an entry requirement.

The SA qualification is intended to prepare graduates who could contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of Public Policy and International Affairs at an advanced level.

The KC qualification equips learners with advanced knowledge in politics and economics, and applies those insights to solving local, national and global policy problems.

The SA qualification and KC qualification are both offered in 3 years.

Both qualifications are research-focused, with the KC focused on in-depth, original research within the field of public policy and the SA one offering research at the most advanced academic level.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for the following articulation possibilities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy: International Relations, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, NQF Level 10.

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 South Africa