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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17366  Doctor of Philosophy in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The main purpose of the Doctoral programme in physics is to develop higher-level research skill in physics and to prepare the learners for a challenging career with specific skills. In addition to that this qualification aims.
  • To provide the qualifiers with advanced specialised knowledge in theoretical/experimental physics.
  • To acquire skills to carry out experiments with advanced and sensitive instruments.
  • To have an advanced talent to analyse and interpret scientific data and use them for the development of the society.
  • To gain confidence to handle equipment in specialised laboratories.
  • To provide the society and industry with a number of qualifiers with advanced skills in physics.
  • To prepare the learners for a specialised future study in solid state physics, nuclear physics etc.
  • To lay a good foundation to become future academic in higher institutions.
  • To create awareness among the learners that research in physics is the source of technological development in medicine, engineering, electronics, transport, defence and many other areas, which over the centuries have vastly improved the quality of life. 
    		•

    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 Science in Physics, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Formulate and solve advanced-level problems in physics.
    2. Design and carry out experiments.
    3. Collect and analyse scientific data.
    4. Carry out independent research.
    5. Work as a team.
    6. Engage in intellectual growth and gainful economic activities.
    7. Pursue future studies in specialised fields in physics.
    8. Be able to fit in any institution/organisation wherein research activities in theoretical and experimental research is carried out. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment is incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved through:
    Thesis. 

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

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Medical Physics, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 Venda 


    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.