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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
14815  Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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 05 - Education, Training and Development  Schooling 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 prime purpose of this qualification is to qualify the learner to identify, undertake and lead independent original research into the relevant problems which if solved lead to enhanced national prosperity. In the case of the PhD in Science Education this qualification aims to develop in South Africa a core of scientist/educators who will accept the challenges posed by the poor quality of science education that exists in the country in many areas and be prepared to act accordingly. The qualification is designed for science educators at all levels who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies in science education but closely allied with a scientific discipline. Science, in this context is interpreted in its broadest sense, and includes the physical, biological and earth sciences, as well as mathematics.
Contributions to the improvement of science education can be made in at least three areas:
  • The design of curriculum and assessment materials in science education which incorporate cutting edge ideas both in the sciences and science education.
  • The design of in-service education qualifications and implementation strategies aimed at the implementation of the new curriculum at all levels.
  • Science Education policy research.
  • Original research aimed at the development and evaluation of the above.

    At the end of this qualification the learner will be capable of doing independent research within the values and approaches of the sciences, and their impact and role in the broader social and economic environment with an educational focus.

    Rationale: 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Knowledge and Skills:
    1. Proven ability as an original researcher in the field of Science Education.
    2. Advanced knowledge and skills of the subject area.
    3. Specialist disciplinary knowledge and principles of research.
    4. Research techniques and skills associated with the discipline of specialisation.
    5. Research interpretation skills.
    6. Lifelong independent thinking and learning skills.
    Values:
    7. Value the cultural impacts of science education.
    8. Value and seek to improve effective Science Education.
    9. Value the learner and the learner's learning styles.
    10. Professionalism & Scholarship. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Doctoral thesis.
  • Two Research publications which must have been accepted by a Peer Reviewed Journal.
  • Oral thesis defence with an examination panel of senior members of Science Education and/or the associated Scientific Discipline.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Simulations.
    Oral examinations.
    Other:
    Thesis.
    Two research publications accepted by a peer-reviewed journal. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Two external specialists evaluate the thesis.
    A panel of specialists, including a recently graduated Ph D, as well as the Head of Department form the examination panel at the oral thesis presentation.
    The peer reviewed research publications form an independent assurance of quality. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Ph D in a Scientific discipline or Science Education or Education with acknowledged expertise in Science Education

    Career experience required:
    5 Years as researcher or research supervisor 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.