SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90540  Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems 
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:
Learners with this qualification will improve the prospects of research that produces new knowledge relevant to local, regional and South African problems, which could lead to interventions that could also be applicable to Africa as whole. The qualification is also intended to build capacity and to ensure a high level of quality in academic research in the field of Information Systems and to promote individual and institutional capacity building within the University and the region.

Learners are expected to:
  • Conceptualise and implement research initiatives and formulation in the specialised field.
  • Apply methods and/or research techniques to specialised knowledge and/or theory under study.
  • Produce independent research output for examination, scholarly debates and/or publications.

    Rationale:
    A number of factors motivate for the provisioning of this qualification:
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the main priorities identified by ASGISA and JIPSA, not only in the Eastern Cape Province but for South Africa as a nation. There is, thus, a critical demand for Postgraduate students to advance Research and Innovation initiatives in/through ICT.
  • The recent focus on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) initiatives for developing and underdeveloped countries, driven by the government, is believed to be a solution towards reducing socio-economic problems. This qualification better equips individuals to be able to contribute new knowledge and innovative solutions to some of the local problems.
  • There is currently a strong need for this qualification as there is no other university offering a qualification of this nature in the region. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners who access this qualification are competent in:
  • Communication at the requisite level to engage with complex academic language.
  • Mathematics at the required NQF Level.
  • Conducting independent research using a variety of relevant and current techniques and research methodologies, and participating in and contributing to academic debate in a written and oral form.
  • English language proficiency equivalent to NQF Level 9.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Current research competencies that have been acquired by prior learning or through related practical experience will be assessed against the outcomes of appropriate Master's qualification to determine compliance with access requirements. Learners must, at the time of application, provide proof in the form of an academic record or other documentation to substantiate required level of knowledge and expertise. Such competencies may help gain access to this qualification, or advanced placement therein.

    Access to Qualification:
    Learners who wish to enrol for Doctoral study at NQF Level 10 must:
  • Be in possession of a relevant Master's Degree.
  • Demonstrate ability to carry out independent research.
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate the results of the research study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 360 credits that require a high level of research which culminates in the production of an academically acceptable and original thesis. No credits are given for non-completion or not reaching the necessary standard. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Conceptualise and implement research initiatives and formulation in the specialised field.
  • Apply methods and/or research techniques to specialised knowledge and/or theory under study.
  • Produce independent research output in the form of an original thesis for examination, scholarly debates and local and international publication.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Doctoral graduate is able to:
  • Identify, analyse, formulate and solve highly complex problems creatively, autonomously and responsibly.
  • Effectively lead a team, group, organisation, community and provide leadership.
  • Manage and organise the activities of others effectively.
  • Collect, analyse organise and critically evaluate information at an advanced and specialised level.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in a sustained discourse.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment, health and safety of others.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation, but is interrelated through multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinarity. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The assessment criteria are applicable across all the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Approach problems in a scientific manner and carry out research responsibly and ethically.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity for and ability to assimilate cultural and ethical issues.
  • Express knowledgeable, well-versed opinions on topical issues forming part of the current debate on practical problems in the specific field or specialisation.
  • Apply advanced computer proficiency in problem solving, research methodology and presentation of the findings of an independent scientific research survey.
  • Present original research findings/results and recommendations in a thesis that meets the theoretical and technical requirement of a scientific investigation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    Learning and assessment should be integrated. In this regard, continuous assessment using formative assessment methods should be used to ensure that learners have the opportunity to give feedback on progress made in the achievement of the learning outcomes.

    Summative assessment is assessment of the examination of the completed thesis. Proof must be provided that this is an original contribution.

    Both assessment methods should be integrated to assess the learner's ability to integrate the body of knowledge, skills, and expertise displayed with the purpose of the qualification. Learners completing learning and demonstrating competence successfully through assessment are credited with such learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international universities offer Doctor of Philosophy studies in Information Systems:
  • London-Brunel University: Doctor of Philosophy in the Information Systems and Computing.
  • USA-University of Utah: Doctor of Philosophy Information Systems.
  • China- HKUST Business School: Doctor of Philosophy programme in Information Systems.

    The above-mentioned qualifications indicate recognition of the field of Information Systems. This makes the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems relevant and shows that it can be recognised elsewhere besides South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation to qualifications on the same level:
    Learners who are (have been) registered for the same or another related qualification on NQF Level 10 (or even for some of the same or related modules at another higher education or accredited training institution) will be allowed with the permission of the relevant institution to enter on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with.

    Articulation to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, a learner could obtain a post doctorate (senior doctorate) qualification through recognition of exceptional academic performance or work of significance done. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    At least three external examiners shall be appointed, at least two of these examiners shall be from non-South African universities or institutions of higher education, and may not have been a promoter or co-promoter of the candidate. Examiners are appointed by Senate and must meet specific criteria as determined by Senate, inter alia, an approved research and supervision record, qualifications (at least a Doctor's Degree) and an appropriate academic profile. After the examining of a thesis, an examiner is required to submit a written report, according to guidelines laid down by the Senate. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a relevant doctorate at NQF Level 10.
  • Have a proven research record in the relevant field of study.
  • Be recognised by the research community as an expert in his or her field of study. 
    		•

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