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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99185  Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  Mathematical 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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies provide training for an Academic career. A candidate is required to undertake research at the most advanced academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. However, candidates may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment of the research requirements.

The major purpose of this qualification is that, on completion of the studies a candidate is expected to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field in Mathematical Sciences.

Rationale:
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the area of Mathematical Sciences provides training for an academic career. It requires a student to undertake research at the highest academic level culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.

This Degree provides the opportunities for students to explore the field of Mathematical Sciences and broaden their expertise in the area. It is aligned with the National Skills Development guidelines to produce more Postgraduate students in Sciences. This Degree opens the door for students to become experts in the field of Mathematical Sciences. The duration of the Degree studies is normally three years on full-time study and is usually undertaken after completing a Master's Degree or its equivalent in the chosen area of Mathematical Sciences. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
University RPL policies for entry into specific qualifications are applicable to this programme. Candidates with previous experience and relevant Degrees/Diplomas are taken into consideration.

Entry Requirements:
To qualify for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Mathematical Sciences, a candidate normally must have obtained a score of 60% or above in an approved Master of Science (MSc) Degree in the area a student wishes to do his/her PhD studies. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Master's Degree in Mathematical Sciences has a total Credit of 360 by a thesis.

A graduate of this qualification should be able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of Mathematical Sciences.

The assessment of a thesis in Mathematical Sciences shall be in two parts:
  • Thesis is marked by at least three examiners two of whom must be external.
  • Oral examination. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. High level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field in Mathematical Sciences.
    2. Ability to produce quality work to satisfy reviewers and merit publication.
    3. Ability to produce a thesis through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Adequate existing knowledge.
  • Be able to identify strengths and weaknesses of research articles.
  • Be able to determine research work's trustworthiness, value and relevance.
  • Determine research work's applicability.
  • Make sound judgments using data and available information and communicate findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Accepted thesis by reviewers.
  • Publications from the thesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Clear objectives that underpin category of research.
  • Accepted thesis by reviewers.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis must demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply relevant scientific methodologies in a specific topic of his/her choice and to carry out research at international level required for PhD qualification in the subject area in Mathematical Sciences. A department assessment committee oversees the implementation of all the PhD processes and ensures that formal requirements for the qualification which underpin academic merit of the thesis in question have been met.

    The assessment of the thesis is in two major components. Once the thesis is ready it must be marked by both internal and external examiners in accordance with the school's regulations. Secondly, a public defence is conducted to conclude the assessment process.

    Finally, the School's assessment committee makes its recommendations to the university assessment committee which then makes the final recommendations to SENEX for approval. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The standard of this programme is comparable to local, regional and international standards in terms of quality and best practices. This qualification is similar to others offered at:
    1. University of South Africa, South Africa.
    2. Brunel University of London, United Kingdom.
    3. University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate of this programme can continue with a Post-Doctoral research in any of the Mathematical Sciences fields for which he/she qualifies or embark on teaching programmes at universities or join industry. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 Venda 


    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.