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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80666  Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
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:

This qualification aims to develop world class computer science researchers who are experts and specialists in their field and who are:
  • Equipped and skilled to apply scientific methods to new problem areas.
  • Able to make a knowledgeable contribution to their field (via peer-validated publications and engagements at relevant forums).
  • Able to contribute to the development of computer science (from the African/South African context and perspective).

    Rationale:

    The following factors motivate for the provisioning of this qualification:
  • The need to advance the pursuit of knowledge in the field of Computer Science (with a particular perspective on providing solutions that are sensitive to the African and South African context).
  • The need to develop advanced ICT skills within the country (as articulated in the Department of Labour scarce skills document).
  • ICT skills remain paramount for any country seeking to remain competitive in the global knowledge society.
  • It is a logical growth strategy both for the department and the university, which enables effectiveness in knowledge production. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the following skills and competencies are in place:
  • Ability to apply rigorous scientific methodologies to a research problem.
  • Ability to interrogate current literature and relevant technologies around the computer science domain.
  • Research project management skills.
  • Team-work competencies which are necessary to undertake research with a team of researchers.
  • Good spoken and written communication skills which are necessary for presenting the research work at conferences and in written mediums (journal papers, research, reports and thesis).

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied on an individual basis and will be conducted in accordance with the Institutions' accredited RPL policy and in agreement with the relevant ETQA. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent accredited assessors.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A Masters Degree in Computer Science or in a related ICT field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All Exit-Level Outcomes are to be met in the carrying out of the research project and in the writing of a research thesis. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Approach problems in a scientific manner and apply the scientific method to new areas of research.

    2. Produce a thesis according to the institutional research policies and procedural criteria.

    3. Present the research work in a logical and comprehensive manner demonstrating the relevant level of expertise in the subject domain. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1. Evaluate, analyse and justify the research topic in a research report.
    2. Gather relevant and recent information on the research area from a wide variety of accredited sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    1. Write up the dissertation according to the institutional research policies and procedural criteria.
    2. Apply information technology skills effectively in the production of the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    1. Apply language and numerical skills effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.
    2. Publish new knowledge, or technology or solution to a problem in appropriate accredited journals and present these at appropriate conferences.
    3. Clearly interpret the implications of the research findings for knowledge, theory and practice in computer science and related fields in an original manner.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The assessment of the candidates is carried out on the basis of the PhD thesis that is submitted at the end of the research. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to other international PhD offerings, which are also undertaken through research (i.e. no coursework). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    There are no articulation possibilities in terms of further vertical progression, as the doctoral degree represents the final academic level of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework.

    In terms of horizontal articulation, the PhD in Computer Science Degree provides candidates with the possibility to specialize in other ICT fields (e.g. Information Technology and Information Systems). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment is performed via examination by external examiners approved by the Faculty Board and Senate. These parties must be in possession of the appropriate qualification (a doctoral degree) and must have experience in supervision and examination of doctoral students. 

    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 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 19222, "Doctor of Philosophy: Computer Science", Level 8 and above, 216 credits. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.