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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Conservation Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118680  Doctor of Conservation Science 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide graduates with inter-disciplinary knowledge and applied competence and contribute substantially to the advancement of knowledge in showing their excellence over a sustained period in Nature Conservation. Furthermore, producing graduates who can innovatively develop and sustain the Nature Conservation industry with personal intellectual growth and the ability to recognise the importance of research for gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The graduate will be able to design, perform, and report scholarly research projects in Nature Conservation and contribute to the development of the discipline and research knowledge at an advanced level. This type of academic contribution is critically needed in Nature Conservation, which is dynamic in the context of a changing climate, evolving concepts of nature conservation and the continuous impact of humans on nature driven by, among others: urbanization, population growth, over-exploitation of natural resources, and decreasing global bio-capacity. New knowledge, new insights, and new technologies are necessary, and research in Conservation Science is imperative.

Learners will also learn high-level skills, competencies, and techniques suitable for application in various sub-fields of Nature Conservation. The qualification was designed in consultation with the National Skills Development Strategy III, the Human Capital Development Strategy for the Biodiversity Sector, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Report on Green Jobs and the Guidelines for a Human Capital Development Strategy for the Biodiversity Conservation Sector. The institution and took part in the National Environmental Skills Summit convened by Green Matter ® in 2012. The qualification is thus aimed at addressing both the scarcity and the trends in the demand for various skills in the sector, including the need for a Doctorate in the field.

On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Critically reflect on, and use, theoretical disciplinary knowledge in the science of Nature Conservation in their conceptualization, design, execution and reporting of an advanced research project.
  • Critically engage with the key scholarly debates, key theories in the relevant field.
  • Evaluate and apply research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
  • Identify, analyse, synthesise, and undertake an independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
  • Present a well-structured and developed piece of research, which is of publishable standards.
  • Critically demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Demonstrate the ability to coherently and logically structure and organise his/her study.
  • Critically demonstrate the ability to apply research tools analytically and conceptually to the topic under investigation.
  • Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

    Rationale:
    South Africa contains a disproportionately high number of the world's species, habitats and ecosystems within its land and sea borders. This places a significant responsibility on the country to conserve these for the continued healthy functioning of our ecological systems as well as for future generations of our citizens and the world. These ecological systems are fragile, complex and subject to an ever-increasing impact because of population growth and economic development. Many parts of the South African environment are or are becoming, areas of contestation between conservation and various types of human-induced change. There is therefore a need to train scientists with the requisite skills to investigate, analyse and creatively propose solutions to the complex problems in this arena. A clear distinguishing feature of the qualification is that it will provide unique research in the conservation of the biodiversity of one of the world's most diverse, yet highly threatened, biomes - fynbos. South Africa contains the unique fynbos biome that exhibits exceptional biodiversity, and the qualification will therefore test theories and hypotheses in the fynbos biome in addressing problems.

    Both the Nature Conservation and Oceanography Masters qualifications have seen an increase in interest in recent years, with a steady number of learners graduating at master's level. Many of these learners are making an impact in Conservation Science in South Africa. There is a growing need to contribute to new knowledge towards the Science of biodiversity conservation. The qualification is oriented towards technological development and practical application, thereby, provides a platform to produce graduates who are highly skilled both theoretically and technologically. It will also enable learners to contribute to the pool of skills in the country. Graduates of this qualification will be skilled with competencies to provide new knowledge in biodiversity and conservation and contribute to addressing scientific challenges of the anthropogenic effects on natural systems. Furthermore, the qualification will provide candidates with competencies to produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work which meets international standards.

    The Doctoral qualification in Nature Conservation will provide learners with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation, thereby contributing to the development of the field of nature conservation.
    The qualification is highly scientific (e.g., dealing with the ecotoxicology in the fynbos aquatic ecosystems) or infused with the management of protected areas (including aspects of community conservation and legal aspects); or varying combinations of both. The qualification will prepare learners to embark on research areas such as the use of stable isotopes in unravelling animal diet; estuarine ecology; terrestrial community ecology and ecosystem functioning; invasive species and restoration ecology; plant-pollinator interactions; application of cryopreservation in the conservation of plant germplasm; and medicinal plants research. With this diversity of high-level expertise, qualifying learners can use allied disciplines to solve complex problems and contribute to new knowledge in the dynamic and evolving field of Nature Conservation.

    Consultation with various stakeholders revealed that this qualification will assist with the development of biodiversity managers with interdisciplinary training (e.g. Conservation managers who can ensure the commercial viability of protected areas; Conservation managers who can facilitate the livelihoods of communities in protected areas, negotiate with landowners and so on; and Conservation assessment professionals who combine Information Technology (IT) skills such as Geographic Information System (GIS) with natural science); as well as a short supply of highly skilled Reserve Managers; Nature Conservation scientists; and appropriately qualified academic staff for teaching this discipline at Higher Education level.

    The qualification will directly contribute to the institution's strategic goals on research and innovation; the curriculum, teaching and learning and environmental consciousness. South Africa is involved in conservation efforts via trans frontier parks with most of the neighbouring countries such as Ai-|Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Namibia and South Africa), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana and South Africa), Limpopo/Shashi Transfrontier Conservation Areas (Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe). This contribution will be enhanced through the Doctoral qualification in Conservation Science. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Candidates who have extensive experience within the field of nature conservation, for example working within the government sector (eg South African National Parks, City of Cape Town, Cape Nature), in the industry (eg. Private game reserves, consultancies) or who have other qualifications within a related field (biological sciences) which may be evaluated by the Faculty as equivalent, may, at the discretion of the university senate be accepted into the qualification. The institutional RPL policy rules and regulations will apply for RPL applications. The candidate will submit a portfolio of evidence to be evaluated by the department. The candidate will have to show proficiency in research skills (e.g., have published research, or been involved in research projects) before the candidate will be considered for the qualification.

    RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to higher education learning qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
  • Advanced standing may be granted. Granting advanced standing does not entitle the learner to claim the achievement of the exempted qualification/ credits. However, the candidate can choose the option of being assessed for credit.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Conservation Science, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Nature Conservation, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Science in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Appropriate Masters in related fields such as Biological or Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 10,360 Credits:
  • Research Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of Nature Conservation to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in conservation science and practice.
    3. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems, or technologies in original, creative, and innovative ways appropriate to the Nature Conservation field.
    4. Analyse and apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative, and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
    5. Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new, complex, and abstract ideas, information, or issues.
    7. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards and is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the Nature Conservation field and develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse.
    8. Evaluate and apply theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.
    9. Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field, or practice.
    10. Demonstrate the ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and, where appropriate, lead, oversee and be accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Assume responsibility for planning, resourcing, and managing research and other projects in the field of Conservation.
  • Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, and originality.
  • Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Apply knowledge, theory and research methodologies and research methods/techniques creatively to complex practical, theoretical, and epistemological problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply and understand a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these, and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.
  • Assimilate data where different data collection methods were used, (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
  • Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using the appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the study and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study.
  • Carry out advanced research under supervision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, and/or complex organisational and professional issues.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Communicate effectively, in both oral and written modes, with peers, using the appropriate structure, style and graphic support; be able to independently publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
  • Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study that can be used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g., conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.).
  • Have an article accepted for publication in an accredited journal in consultation with supervisor(s).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within conservation and contribute to future practices within Nature Conservation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Prepare a proposal to research a topic related to a specific area in Conservation
  • Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication, which all contribute substantially to knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Submit a thesis that represents a significant contribution to new knowledge, presented in a scholarly manner.
  • Take complete accountability for determining, achieving, and evaluating personal and group output. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparison exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally; the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of qualification design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution. The PhD Degree by dissertation will be comparable to those doctoral degrees through dissertation offered by the following international institutions.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Ohio State University
    Qualification Title: PhD in Environmental Science as well as a PhD in Evolution, Ecology or Organismal Biology that allows for very similar topics of research as are proposed in this document. Similarly, the Colorado State University offers a PhD in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology which covers a similar area of research at a similar standard to what is proposed in this submission.

    Country: Qatar
    Institution: Qatar University
    Qualification Title: PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences
    Entry requirements:
  • Have a Master's degree in biology, environmental science, or in a related field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3 out of 4
    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification prepares the learner for research in biological and environmental sciences, for positions in universities, industry, or governmental agencies. It is a flexible interdisciplinary qualification with a broad area of possible specialities. It is designed to address environmental and health concerns in Qatar and Gulf Countries. It will capitalize, especially, areas of national research priorities. It will provide an avenue to higher degrees to multiple Master of Science holders in the country. The qualification is a compulsory element required to carry out research and development in a country ready to give the required funds for innovation and build a knowledge-based society.

    The demand for the degree is huge due to the increasing need for researchers in areas of national research priorities in health, biological and environmental sectors. Different governmental and business sectors are establishing research centres in biotechnology, biomedical and environmental areas.

    Qualification structure:
    The PhD Qualification in Biological and Environmental Sciences is composed of four concentrations:
  • Cell and Molecular Biology.
  • Environmental Sciences.
  • Ecosystems and Marine Sciences.
  • Biotechnology.

    The emphasis is on the development of core required courses and electives particularly relevant to the needs in Qatar and the curriculum is developed in the context of the Benchmark Statement of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the United Kingdom as well as incorporating the Quality standards of the commission on colleges of the southern association colleges and schools (SACS).

    A minimum of 75 credit hours are required to complete the PhD qualification in Biological and Environmental Sciences, including the following:
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours of course work, including 12 credit hours of required courses and 18 credit hours of elective courses.
  • A minimum of 45 credit hours of research work.
  • The anticipated completion time of the course of study for the PhD, assuming no academic probation(s), is 8 full semesters. There is no provision made for part-time graduate learners.

    Core Requirements/Compulsory Modules,12 credit hours.
  • Advanced Graduate seminar
  • Advanced Biostatistics
  • Lab Rotation I
  • Lab Rotation II
  • Graduate Research and Thesis.

    Supporting Electives Modules, 18 credit hours (Select six courses from the following modules):
  • Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Advanced Toxicology
  • Marine Sciences
  • Earth Systems
  • Advanced Biotechnology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Environmental Planning and Risk Management
  • Geospatial Methods
  • Systems Physiology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Biodiversity
  • Special topics I
  • Special topics II
  • Molecular Basis of Diseases
  • Bioinformatics.

    Similarities:
    The compulsory graduate research and thesis as well as the content of the modules cover similar content for the South African qualification. The qualification shares a similar purpose, entry requirements and qualification structure with the South African qualification.
    Differences:
    The South African qualification does not have any compulsory modules (coursework) as do the international qualifications, but all have a thesis/dissertation component.

    Country: Switzerland
    Institution: The University of Zurich
    Qualification Title: PhD in Ecology
    Duration: Three to four years (full-time).
    Credits: 12 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits.
    Entry requirements:
  • Master's degree or equivalent from a university.
  • Invited candidates will be interviewed by the principal investigators and open PhD positions will be offered based on availability and the candidate's profile.
    Purpose/Rationale:
    PhD studies in Ecology primarily involve research projects in one of the internationally acclaimed research groups at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. The qualification offers research training in the interdisciplinary field of ecology, general skills training for academic and non-academic excellence, and opportunities to interact with other doctoral learners. In both policy and academic circles, there is increasing recognition that challenges such as global change and biodiversity loss must be addressed with an integrated approach. Thus, a novel type of professional is needed to integrate innovative interdisciplinary teams.

    The qualification aims to train learners in addressing the complex relationships and feedbacks, inherent to global change and biodiversity loss, towards a sustainable outcome. The qualification will introduce the five drivers of global change: land and sea use change. direct exploitation of organisms, climate change, pollution, and invasion of alien species

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification offers yearly graduate schools, courses on subject-specific matters and on methods that are of direct use to the work of doctoral learners. Additional courses on transferable skills prepare learners for professional life, whether this is in an academic institution or not. Research seminars foster international collaborations and the exchange of experiences among doctoral learners and experts from different fields of ecology.

    The qualification offers yearly graduate schools, courses on subject-specific matters, methods, and transferable skills. Research seminars foster international collaborations and the exchange of experiences among doctoral learners and experts from different fields of ecology:
  • Ecological Theory / Animal Movement Ecology.
  • Environmental Humanities.
  • A Recipe for Success with Research.
  • Mixed-Effects Modelling with R and ASReml.
  • Scientific Writing / Teaching Field Practica.
  • Graphical Abstracts.
  • Postdoc Funding and Career Management.
  • Zurich Interaction Seminar.

    Collect at least 3 ECTS credits for courses on methods related to PhD work:
  • Statistics with Research (R).
  • R lunch group.
  • Computational Biology.

    Collect at least 3 ECTS credits for transferable skills related to later career:
  • Postdoc Funding and Career Management.
  • Scientific Drawing.

    Collect at least 2 ECTS credits for collaboration and exchange:
  • Zurich Interaction Seminar.
  • Present at International Conferences.

    Similarities:
    The institution offers a research-based qualification that both cover similar research areas, although not specifically relevant to the South African context.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources and Environmental Science
    Entry requirements:
  • Master's Degree in the related field
    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Natural Resources and Environmental Science Doctor of Philosophy Degree offers the graduate study of the ecology, management and restoration of rangeland, forest, and wildlife ecosystems. The qualification is inherently multidisciplinary and capitalizes upon the broad spectrum of expertise offered by departmental faculty.

    Upon the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate critical thinking, writing and communication skills that will enable them to succeed after graduation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical basis and experimental methods used for the study of natural resources and environmental science.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of experimental design, field/laboratory instrumentation and procedures, computer models, and data analyses used in natural resource and environmental science research.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of compulsory dissertation and coursework.
    Compulsory dissertation requirements:
  • Learners must pass the following milestones to earn a PhD, each of which is described in detail below:
  • Complete required courses as well as earn a UNR-mandated number of credits.
  • Declare one or more advisors, establish a graduate advisory committee of at least five (5) members of the UNR graduate faculty, and submit a qualification of study.
  • Pass a written and oral comprehensive exam prepared by the graduate advisory committee meant to test the learner's discipline-specific knowledge and science communication skills.
  • Prepare a dissertation proposal in collaboration with the graduate advisory committee.
  • Perform dissertation research.
  • Write and defend a dissertation.

    Compulsory Coursework Modules/Requirements:
  • Principles of Natural Resources and Environmental Science (typically in the first semester)
  • Six (6) credits of approved quantitative coursework at the 600 or higher level
  • Four (4) credits of a committee approved seminar series (NRES 7xx counts towards this requirement).

    Credit requirements:
    UNR has a set of minimum requirements of graduate credits, which are as follows:
  • Minimum of 72 graduate credits.
  • Minimum of 48 graduate credits of coursework.
  • Maximum of 24 graduate credits from a completed master's degree or previous post-baccalaureate work may be applied to qualification (this includes grad special, transfer, the total cannot be more than 24 credits.)
  • Maximum of 9 graduate credits of S/U grading (including transfer credits).
  • At least 30 credits of 700-level graduate credits exclusive of dissertation credits are required: as many as 18 of these credits may be used from a master's degree qualification.
  • Doctoral learners must enrol in a minimum of 24 dissertation credits for degree completion (Ed.D. minimum enrolment of 12 dissertation credits required for degree completion).
  • Fulfil residency requirement; two consecutive semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) of at least nine (9) graduate credits each; (learners on 20hr/week assistantships require 6 credits each semester (fall/spring or spring/fall).
  • All requirements for the doctoral qualification, excluding prerequisite graduate course work or master's degrees, must be completed within 8 years immediately preceding the granting of the degree.
  • Continuous enrolment.
  • Minimum enrolment of 3 graduate credits each fall and spring semester.
  • No undergraduate credits can be applied to any advanced degree qualification.
  • Every graduate course must be completed with a grade of "C "or better.

    Assessment:
    Dissertation and Defense
    The objective of writing a dissertation is to demonstrate the ability of a learner to communicate their science, hypotheses, methods, and findings in written form. In general, the chapters of the dissertation must be of a quality that is publishable in a peer-reviewed journal of a scientific field relevant to the learner's area of expertise, as judged by the advisory committee or demonstrated by acceptance for publication in such a journal.

    Completing a dissertation will typically include meeting the following guidelines:
  • The first draft of the dissertation should be provided to the Committee Chair or Major Advisor at least eight weeks prior to the date the dissertation is due to the Graduate College. The Advisor will work with the learner directly to revise the dissertation, which may take several revisions.
  • Submit the revised dissertation to the Committee at least 6 weeks prior to the date the dissertation is due to the graduate college. The Committee should review the dissertation and return any comments, criticisms, or suggestions to the learner within two weeks.
  • The learner should carefully and thoroughly address comments made by the Committee and return the revised and potentially final dissertation to the Committee two weeks prior to the date the thesis is due.
  • The learner will perform an oral presentation of their research, followed by a private committee led defense.
  • This timeline represents the minimum acceptable time for each step and can be modified given consent of learner, committee, and advisor.

    Dissertation Requirements:
    An acceptable dissertation may have two different formats, the "Manuscript Format" and the "Book Format". Of the two, the "Manuscript Format" will likely be the most common.

    Manuscript format:
    This format, which is the recommended format for most PhD learners in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics disciplines, is organized such that the core chapters are effectively draft manuscripts that can be submitted to appropriate peer-reviewed journals in the field of study. These chapters can include literature synthesis, meta-analysis, and review. The specific requirements of this format are:

    An introduction preceding the manuscript chapters. This section should establish the general scientific foundation for the body of work that will be presented in the manuscript chapters.
  • At least three (3) manuscript-style chapters.
  • A preface that describes what journals each chapter is submitted to or will be submitted to. This will aid the committee and future readers in understanding formatting differences among journals. The preface should also include the status of each manuscript chapter (i.e., published, in the press, in review, in preparation for submission).
  • A conclusion or summary. This section can also be used to describe implications for management. This section should summarize the body of research in the preceding chapters and can be used to describe implications for management.
  • The sections of the dissertation that are not manuscript chapters should be formatted in a consistent style. References to the literature cited should follow each section.
  • All graduate learners must have submitted at least one (1) manuscript based on either a dissertation chapter or related research to a peer-reviewed journal before the dissertation defence can be scheduled.
  • Any chapters that are not submitted to a peer-reviewed journal are expected to be submitted within 24 months of graduation.
  • Learners should have a clear plan of publication developed in collaboration with their advisor prior to graduation.
  • If a learner does not make progress towards submitting their research within this period, the advisor has the right to publish the work. In this case, learner co-authorship will be maintained.

    Book Format:
    The format of a book-format dissertation follows the classical, single-document dissertation format. Chapters could include, but are not limited to:
  • Introduction / Literature review
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Literature cited / References
    This format is generally discouraged by academics focusing on natural science research but may be appropriate for some research. The advisor and committee members should be consulted beforehand if the learner intends to produce a book-format dissertation.

    The formatting and other guidelines for the thesis are dictated by the Graduate School and must be followed precisely, as indicated on their website. The NRES PhD qualification does not maintain its own requirements for the thesis format. Learners should consult with their advisor, advisory committee, and guidelines established by the Graduate School.

    Dissertation Défense:
    The defence consists of a public presentation (announced at least one week prior to the defence date) followed by a minimum 2-hour long private discussion among the committee members. The defence is not a second oral comprehensive exam; the discussion should focus on the research, its implications, and the learner's capacity to converse about their science. Ultimately, the committee must unanimously agree to sign the "Notice of Completion - Doctoral Degree" for the learner to graduate.

    Similarities:
    The qualification shares a similar purpose, entry requirements and qualification structure with the South African qualification. The entry requirements and requirement for a thesis are also a universal measure for admission and completion of a doctoral or PhD level qualification and is the method of assessment in all the qualifications outlined above.

    Differences:
    The South African qualification does not have any compulsory modules (coursework) as do the international qualifications, but all have a thesis/dissertation component.

    Conclusion:
    In terms of this qualification, the international comparison exercise revealed that many institutions around the world offer similar doctoral level qualifications in the biological sciences or conservation biology specifically. The international qualifications are comparable in terms of scope of content, duration, assessment, and the requirement of a research dissertation/thesis to complete the qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biodiversity and Conservation, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, NQF Level 10.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Post-Doctoral Studies. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.