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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy: International Relations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86566  Doctor of Philosophy: International Relations 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
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  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  384  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 Doctor of Philosophy: International Relations is to provide opportunities for intensive original research in the field of international relations, foreign policy and/or foreign affairs.

Rationale:

To produce scholars who can define a research question and undertake independent research; can select and use appropriate methods of research; have mastered the relevant literature in their field; have made a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in their field, the substance of which is worthy of publication in a scholarly journal or book. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner has mastered the research competencies required of Master's Degree learners and has advanced knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation in Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Public Policy, or History.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to grant admission to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry requirements:

Access is through a Master's Degree or equivalent in Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Public Policy, History or a cognate discipline as determined by the School or Faculty. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The degree will be by thesis only. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Over and above the standard Exit Level Outcomes for a Doctoral Degree in the faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences, learners will be able to:

1. Show advanced competency in the conceptualisation, formulation and design of an original empirical or theoretical research project in an area of research in international relations.

2. Conduct research independently.
  • Range: This includes a comprehensive literature survey in the area of research, construction of key questions, the advanced development of research methodology and methods as well as empirical skills, where appropriate.

    3. Write up the research results and analysis of an advanced original research project.

    4. Present research findings orally and in writing to their peers.

    5. Supervise postgraduate research.

    6. Write research articles for publication. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • The dissertation/thesis meets the criteria of assessment for Doctoral Degrees set down by Senate and the faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences.
  • Oral presentations on the research project and its findings and recommendations are presented to peers using appropriate technological aids, terminology and language.
  • At least one research paper is published or accepted for publication in an accredited journal before the submission of thesis.
  • Master's and Honours degree research is supervised and positive advice and recommendations given to learners to enable them to complete their projects.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Learners will complete a detailed Higher Degree Research Proposal and a Research Ethics Proposal. These proposals will be screened by the Research Committee and then assessed by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee. Learners will be allocated to a supervisor and work very closely with the supervisor. Progress will be monitored and assessed to ensure that they are making due progress by identifying very specific markers and linking those with time-lines. For instance, the time frame and targets could include the following:
  • Completion of proposal: 4 - 6 Months.
  • Completion of Literature Review: 4 - 6 Months.
  • Completion of Field Research: 6 - 12 Months.
  • Completion of all Chapters: 6 - 12 Months.
  • Publication of Paper in an accredited Journal or accepted for publication.
  • Submission of final draft: 3 years from the start date.
  • The supervisor, in consultation with the learner, will complete an annual progress report for the Faculty of Humanities, development and Social Sciences. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares well with similar PhD's offered by other international learning institutions where learners should have a well developed, strong and detailed proposal for a thesis.

    This qualification was compared to the following:
  • Oxford University: England - PhD in International Relations.
  • Georgetown University: United States of America - PhD programme in Political Science. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with any cognate Doctoral Degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The thesis will be assessed by one internal examiner, one external examiner and one international external examiner according to the rules of assessment.
  • External examiner's reports provide continuous feedback on the quality of the degree. These reports are discussed internally with relevant supervisors and the Head of School.
  • There is continuous monitoring and assessment by the Academic Coordinator for the programme.
  • Students complete a comprehensive evaluation of their programme. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All staff engaged in the supervision of learners for a PhD must be in possession of a cognate PhD. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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 KwaZulu-Natal 


    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.