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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94179  Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
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 Faculty of Military Science is unique in South Africa and Africa. The Faculty offers post graduate studies in Military Science to satisfy security needs and challenges in South Africa and the continent. These post graduate qualifications are currently at a Master's Degree level. In this regard, learners with Masters' Degrees request to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science with the Faculty of Military Science. Faculty specialists from their different fields of expertise in Military Science can contribute to a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science. The Doctor of Philosophy will contribute to the academic depth of the theoretical knowledge, will develop an academic vibrancy and will support the research output of the Faculty and Stellenbosch University.

The purpose of the Doctoral Degree is to make a significant and original academic contribution on national and international level at the frontiers of the Military Science field.

Rationale:
There is a great need for a Doctor of Philosophy programme in Military Science, with a focus on the complexity of the security challenges and environment, looking for peace in Africa and the world. This Qualification will contribute to addressing the need for additional researchers to meet the growing needs of organisational research and to address security challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills. Further, the qualification will develop both their research skills and their specialist knowledge in these subject fields.

It is expected that a Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science will assist learners to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within local and international communities through the application of knowledge base and the subject field of Military Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Previous Masters or Doctor of Philosophy level learners will go through a RPL process by the PhD Committee according to Stellenbosch University's policy on Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).

Entry Requirements:
A Master's Degree in Military Science or any other related field/discipline deemed appropriate by Senate and the Doctor of Philosophy Committee. The learner also needs to compile and submit a research proposal for selection for the Doctor of Philosophy Committee. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification consists of one compulsory module with a credit value of 360.

Compulsory Module:
  • Dissertation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply skill and experience in appraisal of research findings, both in terms of the strength of the methodology and the application value.
    2. Collect knowledge of research methodology to guide successful planning and execution of research in both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.
    3. Demonstrate high level moral reasoning and adherence to professional ethics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way to determine competence in the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Critical knowledge and expertise in the field in Military Science is used and demonstrated.
  • Intellectual independence, research leadership and professional management of high level scientific research are applied in an ethical and accountable manner.
  • The necessary cognitive and analytical ability for high level research is demonstrated.
  • Competency in scientific writing skills is applied.
  • Academic materials are assessed.
  • New methods, techniques, processes, systems and technologies are developed that are attuned to the complex military security issues dealt with, specifically in Africa.
  • Research with a wide-ranging spectrum of challenges facing the world, Africa, South Africa and the local community is conducted.
  • Appropriate and sustainable approaches to the development of Africa are investigated and innovatively implemented.
  • Significant and original academic contributions are made on national and international level at the frontiers of the discipline/field of Military Science.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The only credit-bearing assessment is that of the doctoral dissertation and the oral which accompanies it. It is examined internally and externally. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Military Science aligns well with the following international offerings:

    Doctor of Philosophy in Military Sociology Studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia:
    The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with fundamental knowledge from their research disciplines in different fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences, while developing the competences required for independent research and the application of knowledge at an internationally comparable level.

    This qualification combines theoretical and practical elements from the chosen research disciplines and incorporates various contemporary didactic approaches, individual and team methods of acquisition, and application of knowledge to develop the certain critical competences. These competences include: Analytical abilities, Application of methodological tools, Knowledge of the environment of the selected discipline or field, Strategic focus on the selected field, Communication, Team and group work abilities, Expertise, Conflict resolution, Flexible approach to change, Networking, Ethics and values, wide humanistic and social horizon.

    The qualification consists of organised classes (60 Credits) and individual research work for the doctoral thesis (120 Credits).

    In the first year, the curriculum requires registration of two compulsory core courses (Theories of society and Methodology and epistemology of the Social Sciences) worth 20 ECTS, two elective seminar courses adjusted to the study field worth 20 ECTS. Learners will thus obtain a thorough overview of methods and theory from the chosen research field, and also some subject-specific knowledge closely related to their field of interest, which should help in the preparation of the doctoral thesis. Individual research work in the first year focuses mainly on preparing the doctoral thesis proposal. The completion of 40 ECTS in organised forms of study is required for progression to the second year of study.

    In the second year, learners choose an external course worth 10 ECTS, providing for external electivity and international mobility. The rest of the second year programme is implemented in the form of individual research, intended for the preparation of the doctoral thesis and the authored academic article. The approval of the doctoral thesis topic by the University of Ljubljana, which is processed during the second year of doctoral study, is required for enrolment in the third year of the doctoral programme.

    The study process in the third year is implemented entirely in the form of individual research activity, opening with the presentation of research results by the end of study year. An authored academic article must be accepted for publication or be already published in an adequately assessed and relevant scientific journal prior to the announcement of the defence of the doctoral thesis. The doctoral learner has to be the first author of the article.

    Doctor of Philosophy in War Studies Research at the Kings College London, United Kingdom:
    A comprehensive programme of individual research training is offered to ensure that learners develop the skills necessary to complete their research projects and fulfil their career goals. In year one, learners will draw up a programme of research training and personal development in consultation with their supervisors. Ongoing research training needs are assessed in years two and three. The Department of War Studies offer additional training as required.

    All Doctor of Philosophy candidates undertake a tailored programme of research training and development through all three years of the programme. The Department of War Studies which offers additional training is interested in receiving applications from learners planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the department's research groups, centres and programmes. The Department assumes that learners will be attached to one or more of these and that in all cases will enhance research culture and be consistent with the War Studies research strategy. In addition to the Kings College staff, academic staff for research supervision based at the Defence Studies Department (DSD) at the Joint Services Command and Staff College will also render support to learners.

    Doctor of Philosophy students are allocated a primary and secondary supervisor. Research students have access to a small workspace in the Department of War Studies; this workspace contains PCs with internet connections and printers. Learners also have access to the collections in the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.

    Conclusion:
    In terms of focus and standard the qualification compares well with other Doctor of Philosophy programmes worldwide. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Doctor of Philosophy in related fields at NQF Level 10. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 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. Stellenbosch 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.