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: Physical: Mathematical: Computer and Life Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
20928  Doctor of Philosophy: Physical: Mathematical: Computer and Life Sciences 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  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 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate PhD graduates in using their highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the development of Science disciplines as well as continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with specialists in Science in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with intellectual leaders in the field of Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Candidates who register for this qualification can:
  • responsibly pursue independent research.
  • communicate their ideas lucidly and coherently and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises
  • Formal prior learning
    Students' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.
  • Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning
    A doctoral degree which comprises a thesis only cannot be awarded in part through RPL. Faculties and Senate will debate and decide on the issuing of a doctorate through RPL. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    1 The PhD graduate can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve highly complex problems in science and technology creatively, autonomously and responsibly with a level of expertise beyond that of the MSc.

    2 The PhD graduate can effectively lead a team, group, organization, community, and direct group output in tasks growing out of the fields traditionally considered as Science and Technology.

    3 The PhD graduate can manage and organize the activities of others responsibly and effectively.

    4 The PhD graduate can collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information at a highly advanced and highly specialized level.

    5 The PhD graduate can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written presentation, in sustained discourse.

    6 The PhD graduate can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global contexts.

    7 The PhD graduate can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

    Developmental Outcomes:

    1 The PhD graduate can produce a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

    2 The PhD graduate can play a leading role as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

    3 The PhD graduate can promote cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social contexts.

    4 The PhD graduate can use the educational and career opportunities acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    5 The PhD graduate can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    Specific Outcomes:

    1. Conduct original research that constitutes a decided contribution to the knowledge of, and insight into, a specialized subject.

    2. Engage in highly advanced critical thinking and creative problem solving within a focussed research context.

    3. Apply principles of sound research practice in collecting, organising and critically evaluating information.

    4. Communicate effectively the contents of the discipline and the results of the research.

    5. Display technical accuracy in an area of research or within an interdisciplinary context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria associated with Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    1. Identify, analyse and solve complex and highly advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience as well as theoretical knowledge within a major discipline or field of study.
  • use their knowledge and expertise to resolve abstract problems that expand or systemise existing knowledge.

    2. Direct projects and successfully interact with others.
  • organise and effectively lead groups in professional contexts.
  • communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written, oral, and/or modern data and telecommunication media) reporting.

    3. Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies at an advanced level.
  • think independently and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.
  • assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organizational strategies.

    4. Use the full range of library and other resources at an advanced level.
  • integrate complex and specialized information from a variety of sources.
  • act responsibly as a researcher and scholar (e.g., appropriate and accurate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc.).
  • follow the conventions of scholarship in the discipline under study.
  • follow relevant conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
  • critically analyse and generate evaluation and synthesis of information and concepts at an abstract level.
  • suggest complex and advanced arguments within a major research area.

    5. Generate ideas at a complex level as well as use the ideas of others in support of their own (without plagiarism, etc.).
  • generate and evaluate conclusions and premises in their own research.
  • use written scientific and mathematical conventions relevant to the discipline.

    6. Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • select technology to suit the needs of the research.
  • use and promote the use of natural resources in a sustainable way.
  • demonstrate a consideration of the ethics involved in science and technology issues.
  • show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

    7. Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
  • look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.
  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a Science discipline / field and relate it in a unique way to their own research.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Developmental Outcomes:

    1. Show evidence of highly advanced study and research skills, selection, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

    2. Manage diversity using appropriate conflict-resolution skills.
  • lead professional groups.
  • apply what they know and study in culturally diverse contexts.
  • apply what they know and study at different levels, from personal to academic contexts.
  • provide the scientific leadership base for the country in which they live.
  • interact with their peers in the field internationally.
  • use the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the PhD in the service of the community at large (local and global).

    3. Show awareness of the impact of cultural diversity in the scientific sphere.
  • value diversity and the opinions of others as they contribute to scientific development.
  • use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments of others (e.g., listening skills, empathy, sympathy open-mindedness, etc.).

    4. Identify the PhD skills which are highly valued in the workplace within the relevant discipline.
  • use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity.
  • deal effectively with unknown problems and tasks set them on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon the skills from the PhD (critical thinking, problem-solving, hypothesising, numeracy, abstraction, etc.).
  • demonstrate a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client or community.

    5. Create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
  • have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and global society.
  • communicate that value to others in the real world.
  • demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the PhD qualification.
  • deal with various unknown situations with flexibility and adaptability.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Specific outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of a selected specialist area.
  • expand, redefine, synthesize and reconfigure existing knowledge within the broader context of the field or inter/multi-disciplinary fields.
  • show that his/her thesis/research project can be recognised by experts in the field.
  • produce a thesis which is publishable entirely or in part.

    2. Identify a problem and motivate the need for a solution.
  • autonomously analyse, synthesize and evaluate information.
  • make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
  • achieve a high degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesizing information within an area of research.

    3. Define clearly the scope of the research.
  • adopt a suitable methodology to address the problem.
  • apply innovative research procedures and techniques to investigate possible paths to solutions.
  • search the literature and show critical acumen in evaluating sources using independently generated criteria if necessary.
  • critically analyse data.

    4. Arrange the contents of the thesis in a logical and coherent fashion.
  • motivate and clearly formulate their important findings and recommendations for further research.
  • use acceptable style and presentation.
  • provide an advanced critical overview of the material.

    5. Use a technical presentation, layout and language that conforms with standards expected for submission to a recognized scientific journal.

    Integrated assessment for the purpose of the qualification:

    1. Formative assessment: Formative assessment consists of constant and personal interaction between promoter and student.

    2. Summative assessment: The doctoral thesis is the product to be evaluated.

    3. Integrated assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparators:
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Students may choose to pursue their studies at any level of the NQF to suit their personal and professional needs, as well as postdoctoral studies. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    A panel of examiners, both internal and external, are appointed to examine a doctoral thesis. Where possible, international examiners form part of the panel.

    In instances where professional or statutory bodies have a say in determining the curriculum, they could be involved in moderation as well. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Our own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the university's tuition and assessment policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons. A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for some learning programmes leading to the PhD. In the case of lecturers appointed to promote doctoral candidates, the minimum requirement is that they must also hold a doctorate and have sufficient academic experience. 

    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 South Africa 


    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.