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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy: Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80026  Doctor of Philosophy: Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  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 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to conduct independent research under minimal guidance in a chosen Engineering field, such as mechatronics, and contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a thesis which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

Rationale:

The programme will create the opportunity for original research in the field of Engineering - specifically in the chosen area and has the following broad aims:

Applied research:

The research undertaken will be directly related to the field of Engineering in the chosen area, which could result in introducing new technologies and improving competitiveness of local and national industries.

Sustainable development:

Due to the nature of the research, 'home-grown' Engineering-related systems customised to the particular industry will be introduced, replacing imported systems and structures, which are often costly, complex, and unsustainable in the long run. Focused research is expected to produce high tech solutions for local companies, especially SMMEs.

Keeping abreast of new knowledge:

Due to constant upgrading and replacement of technology, the frontiers of knowledge are continually tested and updated. Research within the academic and industrial environment will enable researchers to stay abreast of developments.

Promoting research and creating opportunities for further research:

An increasing number of students are graduating with the intention of studying further, due to the challenges of technological change and the need to continue learning in order to be competitive in the larger global environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification are assumed to have:
  • A sound knowledge of Mechatronics/Mechanical/Electrical engineering fields.
  • The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
  • The capacity to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.
  • A knowledge of the impact of engineering activity on society and the environment.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to the qualification is open to learners in possession of a Masters of Engineering in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.

    2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

    3. Select the appropriate research method for the investigation.

    4. Apply the scientific method correctly in the research process.

    5. Apply research tools effectively and correctly in the research process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

    1. The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field:
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.

    2. The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research:
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
  • The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.

    3. Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media:
  • Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
  • The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
  • The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.

    4. Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations, clearly.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment is by examination of the dissertation. Oral examination is not normally required by the NMMU unless there are significant discrepancies between marks awarded by the examiners of the dissertation. Details are available in the university's Postgraduate Research Degrees Policy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The nature, structure and requirements of this qualification are the same as those of doctoral programmes offered at universities internationally. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External experts with at least the same level qualification and sufficient experience in the field are appointed as assessors and moderators according to university policy. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. Nelson Mandela 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.