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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24368  Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
St. Augustine College of South Africa NPC 
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 
The purpose of the D Phil in Philosophy is to produce reflective members and leaders of society who are able to think clearly and critically about intellectual and ethical and cultural issues in a complex multicultural and globalised world at an advanced level. The aim is to produce highly qualified and resourceful thinkers who are able to make informed judgments in their specialist areas and who are able to transfer their expertise and apply it in many contexts. Such thinkers increase the pool of qualified academic researchers. They will contribute to the regional and national goals through the possession of intellectual resources which may be applied to the formulation of policies relevant to the common and public good, through the ability to facilitate constructive dialogue and through the ability to critique unexamined ideologies. In addition in an 'information age' they will be able to discern what genuinely promotes human, social and cultural development.

Rationale for the Qualification:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy is designed for postgraduate philosophy students, educators, professionals, and leaders in civil society, pastoral leaders and other qualified people who wish to specialize in the field of philosophy or to apply that specialization to important and complex questions arising in social, political, ethical or cultural contexts of contemporary life at the highest level.

The aim is to provide thinkers who possess a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the whole field of philosophy and who will grasp the distinctive role of philosophy in mediating between diverse disciplines. The qualification enables candidates to extend the boundaries of knowledge both within the discipline and in relation to the application of philosophy to different sectors of life. It will equip candidates with skills and reflective ability and philosophic vision transferable to any area of professional life.

A distinctive feature of the course is its inclusion of philosophical traditions and positions that may not be emphasized in other institutions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The qualification assumes that the candidate is proficient in the language of the provider and is able to demonstrate the applied competence which typically leads to the awarding of a qualification at Level 8 PG 3. This includes:
  • A systematic understanding and a solid knowledge of the field of philosophy or a good understanding of the philosophical issues arising in a related field.
  • An informed understanding of key terms, concepts, principles and methods of philosophy.
  • An ability to critically analyse texts and to synthesise and integrate information as well as present this information in a well structured coherent argument using academic or professional conventions.
  • An ability to relate new information and knowledge to a given body of theory, to work with a multiplicity of viewpoints and to operate in variable and unfamiliar contexts requiring creative thought and careful interpretation.
  • An ability to be self-motivating and self-directing and to be organized in research.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the field or subfield. The relevance is assessed by the Academic Board which decides whether it suffices to allow admittance to the qualification and whether it may be admitted as partial requirement for the achievement of the qualification. Structured means for the assessment of individual learning against entrance requirements and against exit outcomes are devised on a case by case basis. These procedures may be assessed by independent moderators. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The outcomes relate directly to the purpose of the qualification: to provide competent thinkers and philosopher who as members and leaders of society will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in an integrated way to the many complex arising in the contemporary world. On achieving this qualification a candidate will:
  • Possess analytical skills along with the ability to sympathetically appreciate and dialectically related and integrate diverse viewpoints.
  • Be able to analyse and interpret and critique important philosophical texts and produce papers and give lectures on a variety of issues.
  • Be aware of a wide range of philosophical positions and methods and be able to apply this knowledge to complex social, economic, cultural situations.
  • Be able to make informed judgments when applying philosophical knowledge or methods to concrete issues, even if complete data is not available.
  • Be able to communicate arguments both specialists and non-specialists.
  • Be fully acquainted with the latest research findings in the field.
  • Have made a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in both theoretical and applied philosophy.
  • Be able to contribute to the common and public good through the application of philosophical resources to issues in contemporary social and political and cultural life.

    Competence is evident when the candidate:
  • Has presented a thesis constituting a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in theoretical and/or applied philosophy and showing critical thought and rigorous analysis and expertise in the methods of scientific research appropriate to the topic.
  • Has demonstrated the ability to conceptualise and to design a research programme for the generation of new knowledge and the ability to redesign the project in light of new discoveries or unforeseen problems.
  • Has been able to defend the research findings before a board of examiners. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment is aimed at evaluating foundational, reflexive and practical competence of the candidate. It evaluates the ability of the candidate to relate a solid historical and theoretical understanding of the subject with the capacity for independent research and study and to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to a wide range of concrete situations related to the intellectual, social, political, moral, cultural and religious dimensions of the contemporary world.

    Competence is evident when the candidate:
  • Has presented a thesis constituting a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in theoretical and/or applied philosophy and showing critical thought and rigorous analysis and expertise in the methods of scientific research appropriate to the topic.
  • Has demonstrated the ability to conceptualise and to design a research programme for the generation of new knowledge and the ability to redesign the project in light of new discoveries or unforeseen problems.
  • Has been able to defend the research findings before a board of examiners.
  • Demonstrates a solid depth of philosophical knowledge and a high level of theoretical understanding with regard to basic philosophical positions, concepts, principles and methods.
  • Is able to recognize the relevance of major historical thinkers for contemporary questions.
  • Be able to take responsibility for his or her own position whilst being adaptable and flexible enough to appreciate radically different viewpoints.
  • Is confident in the use of research skills appropriate to philosophy.
  • Be able to apply philosophical concepts and principles and methods to specific concrete issues.
  • Be able to use philosophical skills to draw up positions papers and reports on matters relating to the public good or to issues in the contemporary world.
  • To apply philosophical resources to the particular social and economic and cultural contexts of S.A.
  • To engage in debates and seminars and contribute to interdisciplinary forums concerning matter of applied ethics, dignity and human rights, the relationship of law and morality etc. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares well with similar programmes offered in various overseas universities. It was worked out in consultation with our International Advisory Board consisting of academics from such centers Notre Dame University (USA), The Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), Nijmegan University (Netherlands) as well as Uganda Martyrs University in Uganda and the Catholic Institute of West Africa (Nigeria). The Advisory Board continues to assess the qualification annually.

    The qualification directly corresponds to doctoral degrees offered at the universities mentioned and to degrees offered at many other universities. It is comparable in difficulty, in learning time and in the types of outcomes and assessment criteria associated with the qualifications available at such international centers of higher education. The Institutes and Universities with which comparisons have been made receive international recognition and include institutions accepted as first class centers of higher education. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Given the high standard of the degree we also understand that it would be acceptable to local universities as well as to international universities. This is indicated by the various overseas universities with which we have formal and informal ties. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The moderators and assessors are normally recognized academics in their fields and would normally hold a doctorate. External examiners are always appointed for all examinations and for the Research Paper. Examiners are nominated to the Higher Degree Committee and are then formally appointed if considered suitable. Three external examiners are appointed, at least one of whom would be an overseas examiners.

    Academic staff will function as the practitioner-assessors. They receive training in the management of internal moderation systems which standardises assessment; monitors the design of assessment materials, assessment records and assessment processes, supports and advises assessors and liaise with external moderators. Results of assessment (i.e. student achievement) are monitored by one or more external moderators. External moderators provide reports not only on the fairness and consistency of assessment, but also on the validity of the assessment design in terms of the exit level outcomes. 

    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. St. Augustine College of South Africa NPC 


    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.