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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7983  Doctor of Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
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 PhD is to train highly qualified scientists and scholars to contribute to the national and international advancement of science and knowledge through original research of a very high standard. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition for Prior Learning:
Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the Recognition of Prior Learning and experience.

Entry Requirements:
The entry requirements for this qualification are:
  • Master in Philosophy, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Cognate Master's degree, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory module totalling 360 Credits at NQF Level 10.
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply specialist knowledge to identify and solve problems and answer questions in an innovative and original manner, and thus contribute to the advancement of science or knowledge in a particular discipline.
    2. Develop excellent communication skills.
    3. Understanding of the nature of scientific and scholarly endeavour and of the need for life-long learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to the chosen field of research;
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the general field within which the specialised field of research is situated;
  • Identify, define and provide solutions to research problems at an advanced level;
  • Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information needed to provide solutions to the identified research problems;
  • Accurately access and critically evaluate literature related to the field of study;
  • Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Communicate the results of independent research in both the written and spoken word;
  • Use technology where appropriate to facilitate communication;
  • Understand the need to communicate to both the specialist and a general audience;
  • Appreciate the need to publish the results from research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Be aware that advances are made in scholarly research through the acquisition and application of new knowledge to address unanswered questions;
  • Possess a well-developed knowledge framework against which new information can be assimilated;
  • Be able to access new information from libraries and other appropriate sources;
  • To understand that since knowledge is constantly evolving there is a need for life-long learning.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:
    Formative assessment on oral reports and written material submitted during the course of the research is provided by the supervisor. Summative assessment is on a written thesis.

    International Comparability:
    The qualification is comparable to international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Cognate Doctor in a related field, NQF Level 10.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This is the highest qualification registered on the NQF. 

    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 
    The qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Arts
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Laws. 
    		•

    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. Rhodes University 


    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.