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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
20689  Doctor of Philosophy in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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  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 
1. The first purpose of a PhD degree in Geography
to provide qualifiers with a post-graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in different fields of Geography and Environmental Science.

2. The second purpose is to provide the country with masters graduates in Geography and Environmental Sciences. A PhD degree in Geography is intended to meet country`s needs and PhD in Geography is an integrative discipline providing a holistic perspective, a broader understanding and a comprehensive analysis of today`s pressing needs. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of prior learning:

1. M.A. Degree in Geography, Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work, History and Anthropology.
2. M.Sc Degree: Botany, Zoology, Computer Science and Chemistry.
3. Where such can be demonstrated and assessed additional and relevant prior learning may be also recognized. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Exit level outcomes:

1. Will demonstrate an in depth knowledge and understanding of major principles of Geography and Environmental Sciences.

2. Will demonstrate a synthesising and holistic approach to problem solving through exposure to a number of disciplines, knowledge of environmental systems and enhanced environmental awareness.

3. Will demonstrate competence in discussion and communicating information accurately. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Assessment Criteria:

1. Ability to use specialized knowledge to solve problems;
2. Ability to collect, compile, interpret data;
3. Ability to identify the appropriate techniques in solving basic and specialized environmental-geography problems;
4. Ability to use laws, principles and knowledge of geography and environmental science to solve practical life problems;
5. Ability to present reports of their investigations;
6. Ability to prepare manuscripts for publication;

Formative Assessment:
Progress reporting, presentation of seminars

Summative Assessment:
Evaluation of thesis 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
Post-doctoral research programme 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
Second examiners
External Examine Papers
Geography and Environmental Sciences Peer Groups 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
PhD degree and suitable experience in relevant subject areas. 

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 Fort Hare 


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.