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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96643  Doctor of Philosophy in Social 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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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 
  • To enable learners to undertake advanced study and original research in a specialised field in the humanities (including the social sciences) (excluding language);
  • To broaden and deepen the knowledge base of the chosen field of specialisation by the reinterpretation of existing, and the generation of new, knowledge;
  • To enable learners, as members of the international community of scholars, to participate in, and contribute to, the universal pursuit of knowledge and by doing so, advance the frontiers of science;
  • To provide academic leaders in their respective fields who will take responsibility for the training of the next generation of scholars and for ensuring quality higher education in future;
  • To provide our country with a sufficient number of highly qualified people to maintain its leadership position on the continent and to remain competitive in an era of growing global competition. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    Entry requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Social Science in Philosophy, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
  • Full thesis for 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate expert and advanced knowledge of the chosen field of study.
  • Show an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the problems involved.
  • Knowledge of the latest developments in international research in the specific subject.
  • Demonstrate an expert understanding of the relevance and applicability of research results.
  • Produce a dissertation that places research within the broader context of the field and that withstands international intellectual scrutiny.
  • Contribute to original knowledge in the field and deal with complexities, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base.
  • Undertake further research at an advanced level and select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence.
  • Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
  • Make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
  • Design and manage complex systems effectively.
  • Work constructively in a group and assume leadership when needed.
  • Motivate others and resolve conflict.
  • Communicate professionally with other colleagues working in the field.
  • Intellectual independence.
  • Mature and sound judgement.
  • Accountable and accurate assessment of the views of others.
  • High levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability.
  • An enquiring mind and an innovative spirit.
  • The ability to manage risk-taking ventures.
  • Dedication to the identical of scholarship. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    1. The assessment used for this qualification complies with the stated purposes of the qualification.
    2. A range of formative and summative assessments is used, but the emphasis falls on a dissertation or scholarly publications in which students have to display the desired outcomes.
    3. The appropriate kinds of assessment are used in an integrated manner to determine whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.

    The assessment used meets the standard and level or achievement for NQF Level 8b.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A DPhil dissertation supervised by a member (or members) of staff and assessed by the promotor and at least two examiners selected from the student's university as well as from appropriate institutions other than this university. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Human and Social Sciences, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. 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.