[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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 Consumer Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91928  Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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 11 - Services  Consumer Services 
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:
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in consumer science at an advanced level, through independent research. Graduates should be able to undertake rigorous research and communicate the results by means of a dissertation and a scientific paper that meets internationally acceptable standards.

This qualification will enable graduates to apply their knowledge in practical and applied consumer science management, research initiatives and community services where they will assist in identifying and solving consumer related problems through the application of Consumer Science principles. The scope of this application includes local South African communities as well as those in the greater African context, which forms part of the global approach adopted by the Consumer Sciences discipline.

Rationale:
There is a need established to develop highly skilled Consumer Scientists to ensure continuation of knowledge within consumer related disciplines through innovative research design and the use of new technological advances that would address current consumer related issues. The South African context warrants in-depth study of various consumer groups and communities to enable the implementation of specific intervention programmes to assist in creating sustainable and viable consumer groups. This qualification is a non-structured Doctoral Degree in the Consumer Sciences which focuses on various related disciplines such as Foodstuff, Nutrition, Clothing, Hospitality and Consumer Behaviour.

The qualification seeks to promote and address redress of past inequities through empowering learners with specialised knowledge, skills and values that will make them employable in a variety of industries such as Non Government Organisations (NGO), specialist companies, the private sector, and tertiary education institutions. Employment of empowered learners will result in useful and specialised directives from such employment agencies that would engage communities and individuals through which quality of life can be improved for all South African citizens. The Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science will thus not only benefit individuals but will support economic and sustainable development within communities.

In addition, more researchers are required to meet the growing demand by these organisations for research. This qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within communities. They will be able to apply their knowledge base in the subject fields related to consumer science. This qualification will develop both research skills and specialist knowledge in these subject fields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • A well rounded and systematic knowledge base in one or more consumer science disciplines.
  • An informed understanding of the discipline's principles and theories.
  • Selection and application of the discipline's central procedures and techniques and the ability to solve well-defined but unfamiliar problems.
  • The ability to present and communicate information coherently.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the institution.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The minimum requirement for admission to this Doctoral Degree is a cognate Master's Degree in the chosen field of specialisation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This Doctorate comprises a Research Proposal worth 24 Credits and a Research Project and Thesis worth 336 Credits, together totalling 360 Credits.

    Both these aspects must be completed to achieve this Doctorate. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and synthesise information and demonstrate a high level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research.
    2. Design and implement an original independent research of significance to a discipline or cross-disciplinary field, or a project(s) that addresses an important problem or research question concerning theory and/or practice in a profession or industry, in line with standards set by the national and international research community.
    3. Present the research, using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually coherent product or products such as a thesis, dissertation and artefact, or exegesis and portfolio of creative work and performance, for submission to external examination against international standards.
    4. Resources are accessed, information gathered, interpreted and recorded.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge is carried out to the extent that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and biasness.
  • Own analyses are related to existing theories.
  • Epistemological engagement takes place with the chosen field of study and the problem for research is identified.
  • The values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness are considered.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The research is undertaken with comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth.
  • Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarity of reasoning and argument are demonstrated.
  • Sound knowledge and the theoretical base of the research is applied.
  • Statistical data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative research method) is used in line with requirements in this regard.
  • Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations is made.
  • Appropriate research methods are used to ensure validity of the research.
  • The research is internationally compared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The results of research that comply with criteria supported by the research community are presented.
  • Technology is used in presenting information and statistical data analysis.
  • The design of the research product is aligned with standards set by the research community.
  • Impulsive and resourceful ways are explored and used to address problems.
  • Own analyses are academically defended and recommendations are made.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Integration of resources with research is undertaken with the coverage of all relevant sources.
  • Information is gathered using appropriate data collection methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic, other retrieval methods.
  • Method used to report relevant sources is in line with research standards for verification such as triangulation.
  • Sources are recorded according to the Harvard method and plagiarism is avoided.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner will demonstrate the integration of learning through the submission of the dissertation and a scientific paper. The learner will demonstrate the ability to identify and solve a problem that generates new knowledge which links research findings to current literature in the field of specialisation.

    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    Learning and assessment should be integrated. In this regard, continuous assessment using formative assessment methods should be used to ensure that learners have the opportunity to give feedback on progress made in the achievement of the learning outcomes.

    Summative assessment is assessment of competencies in terms of the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

    Both assessment methods should be integrated to assess the learner's ability to integrate the body of knowledge, skills, and expertise displayed with the purpose of the qualification.

    Learners completing learning and demonstrating competence successfully through assessment are credited with such learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Purdue University located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America (USA) presents a Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer and Family and Consumer Economics, where learners undertake research on the issues that are relevant to consumer choices affecting the social and economic well being of individuals and families.

    The Department of Consumer Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Ecology in Consumer Behaviour and Family Economics. This Doctor of Philosophy focuses on Consumer Behaviour and Family Economics, seeking to develop scholars who will be able to apply social science theories and principles to the understanding of how the interactions among consumers, business, and government can enhance the interests and wellbeing of consumers, families, and communities.

    Similarly to the above mentioned international qualifications, the Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science focuses on comparable research in the South African and greater African contexts with the aim to assist in creating sustainable and viable consumer groups. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following Doctorates at NQF Level 10:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science: Development.
  • Doctor of Technology in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with post-Doctoral studies in related fields such as the Social Sciences. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    At least two external examiners, approved by the Senate, are appointed to examine the thesis. An independent examining Chairperson is appointed to facilitate the process. The acceptance of a research paper by a peer-reviewed and accredited journal is required.

    The minimum requirement for a supervisor is a Doctor of Philosophy Degree with research experience. The appointment of moderators is approved by Senate. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold at a relevant Doctorate at NQF Level 10.
  • Have a proven research record in the relevant field of study.
  • Be recognised by the research community as an expert in own field of study. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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 South Africa 


    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.