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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96816  Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
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:
This qualification allows the enrolling learner to undertake original research and be competent in applying advanced research skills to solve a problem within a Library and Information Science and related field and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and practice. The learner will submit an original thesis reporting the results of the research. Learners achieving this qualification are competent in applying advanced research skills to solve a problem within a Library and Information related field and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Rationale:
A Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science (LIS) will provide learners with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation and thereby contribute to the body of knowledge in the Library and Information Sciences field. The rapid changes in technology has expanded the Library and information Sciences field and this calls for the need to develop the capacity of research to conduct research for the application of the advances in technology with the LIS sector. There is also need for more qualified individuals to develop capacity in the academic area. After completing this qualification, the graduates will have mastered the skills to be independent researchers in the LIS field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners may gain access to the qualification by the university's RPL policy.
The institution has appropriate policies and procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning, including the identification, documentation, assessment, evaluation and transcription of prior learning against specified learning outcomes so that it can articulate with current qualifications. However, the qualification cannot be entirely solely via RPL.

Entry Requirements:
  • Master's degree in the Library and Information Science, NQF Level 9.
  • A cognate Master's Degree or Level 9 qualification, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
  • Full Research Thesis,360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop and present a research proposal independently.
    2. Read and examine academic literature with insight.
    3. Apply the theoretical foundations of the various sub-disciplines of LIS.
    4. Demonstrate and apply the methodological frameworks that are most appropriate for conducting LIS research.
    5. Conduct research independently and produce an original contribution to the body of knowledge in Library and Information Science and related fields. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the LIS sector.
  • Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts with the LIS field is clear.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence and research management development in an ethical and accountable manner.
  • Produce independent, in-depth and publishable outputs that meet national and international standards and considered to be new or innovative by peers and makes a significant contribution to the LIS field.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Through a thesis, in which the learner is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature with a level of novelty or original contribution in the Library and Information Science field.
    Assessment and moderation will be undertaken in compliance with institutional policies and procedures of a Doctoral thesis and submitted to two external examiners, one of which would ideally be international as approved by the relevant institutional committees. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science compared to PhD in Library and Information Science in Pittsburg, Dominion University, School of Information Science in Illinois, other Asian universities via the Library and Information Science Education Association with PHDs in Library and Information Science. In terms of the required knowledge and production of an original research document that needs a presentation in the required manner, this Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science complies with acceptable international practice for Doctoral Degrees.

    The following African African universities of similar qualifications:
  • Kenyatta University, Doctor of Philosophy (Information Science)
  • Makerere University in Uganda, PhD in Information Science. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in related fields, 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.