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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90619  Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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  Life 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:
The purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Provide South Africa with highly skilled human capital in the field of Population Studies to help ensure that the country will be able to effectively analyse and interpret data related to various fields in population studies and national censuses.
  • Continuously research ways of improving the collection of data for censuses and household surveys.
  • Train researchers in this scarce skills field and build human capacity for the future.
  • Build important bridges of learning between developing and developed countries with regard to the use of census information and survey results to eventually benefit people everywhere.
  • Marry excellence in research with the needs of South Africa (as well as the rest of Africa and other developing countries) by promoting in-depth investigations of Population Studies topics to the benefit of the country and the continent.

    Rationale:
    The collection, analysis and interpretation of data and information are a major aspect of any governmental office at regional or national level. Unfortunately, limited research at an advanced Doctor of Philosophy level is being done in the field of Population Studies which incorporates a holistic approach to data collection, analyses and interpretation of findings for future planning. The Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies will address the lack of research in this field.

    The qualification aims to augment the critical shortage of Population Studies scientists and Demographers in the country. Occupations in this field have been identified as scarce skills which are needed within the South African labour market. The 2001 National Plan for Higher Education emphasised the need for increased enrolment and graduation in science, engineering and technology qualifications.

    The introduction of a Doctor of Philosophy: Population Studies will contribute to alleviating the skills shortage and thus realising the goals of government, the NQF and the country as a whole. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A learner should have a:
  • Good knowledge of Statistical Analysis, Population Studies and Demography.
  • Clear understanding of the environment in a social or academic setting.
  • Firm basis to manage information and carry out research.
  • Good oral and writing skills.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the RPL process learners can also opt to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in Population Studies General Statistics or Demography as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Learners who have completed a Masters Degree: Population Studies or equivalent will be granted access to this Doctor of Philosophy qualification in Population Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises a thesis or dissertation worth 360 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The qualifying learner should, upon completion of this qualification, be able to demonstrate:
  • An ability to undertake self directed study.
  • An understanding of demographic and socio-economic processes which inform population and development policy.
  • An understanding of the stakeholders involved in the policy process.
  • A knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, their impact on social and economic development.
  • An ability to identify policy related issues and evaluate their importance.
  • An understanding of the social context in which development policies are constructed demonstrate a concern with enhancing the life chances of all persons.
  • An ability to present arguments and perspectives orally and in written form.
  • An understanding of the diversity of most contemporary societies and causes of population dynamics between and within societies.
  • Ability to summarise and evaluate a substantial body of information.
  • An ability to engage with the concepts, philosophies and a multiplicity of approaches to population studies.
  • An ability to work both individually and as a member of a group (field sampling).
  • Familiarity with information technology to make use of the internet in conducting research.
  • Ability to undertake and interpret demographic data analysis.
  • Competence in developing appropriate strategies and methods for population policy related research.
  • An ability to monitor the effectiveness of policy implementation in line with the goals of social development and reconstruction.
  • An ability to undertake concise and clear presentations in the field of population studies to non-academic practitioners and lay members of the public.
  • The capacity to use the skills, knowledge and values obtained in the qualification to advise policy related bodies and institutions in both the public and private sector.
  • The ability to compile a thesis/dissertation, which indicates a further ability to conduct independent research, illustrate originality and creativity, become familiar with the identified area of study and present novel knowledge.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessors should assess the following competencies in an integrated manner to address all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research undertaken.
  • Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarity of reasoning and arguments.
  • Sound knowledge and theoretical base of the research.
  • Use of statistical data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative research method) in line with requirements in this regard.
  • Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations made.
  • Methods used to ensure validity of the research.
  • International comparability of the research.
  • Ability to present the results of research that comply with criteria supported by the research community.
  • Use of technology in presenting information and statistical data analysis.
  • The design of the research product meets standards set by the research community.
  • Clear knowledge and understanding of the researched problem and the possible solutions to the problem.
  • Ability to defend academically own analysis and recommendations made.
  • Integration of resources with research undertaken and coverage of all relevant sources.
  • Information gathering using appropriate data collecting methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic, other retrieval methods.
  • Methods used to report relevant sources are in line with research standards for verification such as triangulation.
  • Recording of relevant sources (avoidance of plagiarism, Harvard method).
  • Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge so that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and biasness.
  • Ability to critically relate own analysis to existing theories.
  • Ability to engage epistemologically with the chosen field of study and the problem identified for the research.
  • Ability to engender the values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learner knowledge of Population Studies will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members via a formal proposal for Doctor of Philosophy research. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis/dissertation. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out by faculty members and international external examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Doctor of Philosophy Degree by thesis/dissertation will be comparable to those Doctoral Degrees through thesise/dissertations offered by international institutions.

    Duke University in the United States offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies which focuses on the structure and dynamics of human populations. Its particular emphases include comparative demography, household and family demography, social epidemiology, minority health status, population aging, population modelling and international migration. Research and training opportunities are facilitated by close ties with the Centre for Demographic Studies, the Medical School and the adjacent Veterans Administration Hospital.

    The Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona in Spain offers a PhD in Demography which follows on from the Master in Land and Population Studies and culminates in a thesis/dissertation.

    Princeton University in the United States offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Demography which requires learners to demonstrate proficiency in basic demographic theory and methods as well as proficiency in two of the following fields of concentration: economic demography, family demography, fertility/fecundity, health, historical demography, mathematical/statistical demography, migration/immigration, mortality, population and development, population and environment, population policy, poverty/child wellbeing and urbanisation.

    The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies which involves a minimum of two years of original research culminating in a thesis.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification follows on from a Master in Population Studies similar to the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona's Doctor of Philosophy which also provides vertical articulation from a specific Master's Degree thereby increasing articulation possibility. This qualification therefore aids the NQF objective of providing access, mobility and progression. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities. The qualification articulates horizontally with other cognate Doctoral or Doctor of Philosophy Degrees. Vertically this qualification articulates with post-doctoral study in related fields such as Sociology, Psychology and Criminology. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification will be moderated via a system of external peer review and evaluation. At least one internal supervisor/assessor and at least two external assessors will be appointed. The minimum qualifications for assessors will be a Doctor of Philosophy plus 3-5 years' research experience in the specific focus area. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors assessing a learner in this qualification must hold a relevant qualification at NQF Level 10 with research experience, teaching experience and publications in refereed academic journals. 

    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 the Western Cape 


    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.