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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Languages and Literature 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116738  Doctor of Languages and Literature 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
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 primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Languages and Literature is to provide training for an academic career in the field of languages and literature (including focal areas such as descriptive linguistics, applied linguistics, language practice, language technology, creative writing and South African, African and world literature). It requires a learner to conduct research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.

Apart from the traditional format for a thesis, the thesis could also consist of several academic articles that form a coherent whole and that are presented in the form of a thesis (according to the article model to which the institution subscribes). Through the qualification, learners will be provided with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a promoter in a particular subject area, building on knowledge normally gained at Masters or an equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of languages and literature through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale:
The rationale of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of languages and literature that presents opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the field of languages and literature to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This also includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of languages and literature. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policies. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Humanities.

Through its RPL policy and the Faculty of Humanities will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 9 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Arts in English Language Studies, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Module, Level 10:
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area in the field of languages and literature and/or across specialised or applied areas.
    2. Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex problems in the field of languages and literature, and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
    3. Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of languages and literature.
    4. Autonomously generate, synthesize and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independent generated criteria.
    5. Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices in the field of languages and literature, and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
    6. Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area within the field of languages and literature.
    7. Demonstrate research leadership within the field including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of processes engaged in within complex and unpredictable contexts.
    8. Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability concerning the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Languages and Literature and/or across specialised or applied areas;
  • Make an original contribution to the knowledge society in the discipline they are researching;
  • Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex problems in the field of Languages and Literature;
  • Applied and develop competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines in the field of Languages and Literature;
  • Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels, and make sound evaluations based on independent generated criteria;
  • Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of the field of Languages and Literature;
  • Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Languages and Literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment will be undertaken through the process of having a research proposal formally accepted by the Committee for Advanced Degrees of the relevant research entity and other feedback provided by the promoter(s). Learners will submit a thesis on discrete research that was conducted under supervision in which the learner is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted in the context of and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty across the entire area of investigation for summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Czech Republic.
    Institution: University of Ostrava.
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in English Philosophy.

    This qualification is similar to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Philosophy offered by the above country in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications share a similar entry requirement and purpose. Just like in this qualification, the PhD in English Philosophy requires a master's qualification in related programmes for admission to the doctoral qualification. Both qualifications are focused on educating highly qualified experts in English and comparative linguistics and English and other kinds of literature who can work independently to address methodological and practical issues in the field of synchronic and diachronic linguistics. However, the focus of the research in both qualifications is contextually defined. Whilst the PhD in English Philosophy is oriented towards English and American literature or other Anglophone works of literature, this qualification is more oriented towards English, Linguistics and African Works of literature. Moreover, while the full-time course duration for the PhD in English Philosophy is 4-years, this qualification is 3-years.

    This qualification compares favourably with the Doctor of Philosophy in English Philosophy offered at the University of Ostrava. However, this qualification is unique by the strong influence of the South African context in its design.

    Country: England.
    Institution: University of Portsmouth.
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Languages and Applied Linguistics.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications share a similar purpose of developing the knowledge and skills required to be able to independently pursue research on how words are used in different contexts, and how language influences social phenomena and identity. They also include looking at how language - particularly English - can drive economic and social development, and how international companies and organisations are taught multiple languages. The full-time course duration for both qualifications is 3-years. Both qualifications consider a master's qualification in an appropriate subject as an entry requirement for the doctoral qualification although the PhD in Languages and Applied Linguistics do also consider a good honours qualification or equivalent in a relevant subject as an entry requirement for a Professional Doctorate.

    This qualification compares favourably with the Doctor of Philosophy in Languages and Applied Linguistics offered at the University of Portsmouth. However, this qualification is unique by the strong influence of the South African context in its design. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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. North West 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.