SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99197  Doctor of Philosophy in Economics 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
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 goal of the Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is to help learners to do original, creative research. On completion, the qualifying learner should have mastered the fundamental principles of economic theory in an area of their choice and the quantitative tools required for basic and applied research to inform policy.

In addition, the qualifying learners are expected to attain a level of skill in research techniques which will serve as the basis for continued self-development, sound decision making and significant contribution to society.

Rationale:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics builds on the Master of Commerce in Economics to advance the frontiers of economic knowledge through research.

The qualification prepares students for different sectors such as higher institutions of learning, research centres, government, industry, commerce and corporations for advisory and consulting roles by providing them with a sound theoretical base, analytical ability and the quantitative tools required for innovative research on complex economic problems. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
None.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement to the Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is a Master of Commerce in Economics or its equivalent at NQF Level 9.

An equivalent to the above qualifications as determined by SAQA will be required for foreign qualifications. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The first part of the Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is to produce and submit a research proposal that is assessed by both the School Higher Degrees Committee and the University Higher Degrees Committee. The second part constitutes the production and submission of an original dissertation that is assessed by the appointed internal and external examiners. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. A demonstrable ability to identify, analyse and solve economic problems using economic research skills.
2. A demonstrable ability to find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently.
3. A demonstrable ability to communicate research outcomes effectively.
4. Ability to extend the frontiers of economic knowledge. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Formulation of a research problem statement that identifies a highly complex economic problem.
  • Critical appraisal of recent literature in the area in which an economic problem is identified.
  • Relate economic theory to practice, and vice-versa.
  • Selection and description of research methods and econometric techniques that apply to the identified economic problem.
  • Interpretation of results and findings to inform policy that may solve economic problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Search for economic data and reports at national, regional and international level.
  • Integrate data from different sources into prose descriptions and arguments.
  • Represent and consider alternative economic views and perspectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Production of written dissertation.
  • Presentation of research methods, findings and policy recommendations using oral and electronic medium.
  • Defend ideas that are outcomes of research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify gaps of knowledge in socio-economic challenges of South Africa and beyond.
  • Provide new methods and/or ideas of solving identified economic challenges.
  • Defend new methods/or ideas in peer reviewed processes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The formative assessment includes a written project proposal which is assessed by the school and university Higher Degrees Committees.

    The summative assessment applies on the end product, which is a dissertation. Appointed internal and external examiners grade the dissertation in accordance with the applicable University rules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics compares with the following international qualifications:
  • University of Alberta's thesis based Doctor of Philosophy in Economics.
  • University of Sydney Doctor of Philosophy in Economics.
  • University of Nairobi Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    None. 

    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.