THE PHD DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR INFORMATION SYSTEMS

PhD (Computer Science) – Degree code: 08532 PhD (Information Systems) – Degree code: 09849

PhD (Computer Science) – Thesis registration code: DIS8535 PhD (Information Systems) – Thesis registration code: DIS8524

7.1 GENERAL

PhD degrees are awarded following the successful completion of a period of research, which includes the submission of a thesis based upon a research project, an external examination process and a subsequent oral examination, together with a series of progress reports and structured seminars (as set out below) governed by School regulations.

The thesis must contain a substantial original component that is worthy of publication and that constitutes a contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of specialisation.

In order to be HEQF compliant the existing PhD degree should, as from 2011, include a compulsory 24 credit research proposal module under supervision as required by the current HEQF qualification framework.

The PhD programme will be a full thesis programme including a compulsory 24 credit research proposal module under supervision.

As from 2011 the PhD degree will, therefore, consist of an obligatory 24 credit research proposal module (code: DPCOS00) and a research thesis (code: TFCOS01 (Computer Science) or TFINF01 (Information Systems)). The research proposal module will only be offered in English and the maximum time allowed for the completion thereof will be one year, with the possibility to extend this period to eighteen months. Such an extension will be granted in accordance with the recommendation of the graduate committee of the School of Computing. The completion of DPCOS00 is a strict prerequisite for the registration for the research thesis (TFCOS01 OR TFINF01).

Before being awarded a PhD, the student must be able to do the fol-lowing:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific body of knowledge relevant to the topic. The student must

understand and explain the fundamentals of the relevant subjects

identify and discuss the areas of conflict and consensus, and the gaps in an existing body of knowledge and what bearing they have on the topic

2. Formulate an appropriate research design and a clear research plan

3. Demonstrate the ability to independently formulate, investigate and resolve research issues

4. Discuss the relationship between the existing relevant body of knowledge and the proposed research

5. Make a distinct (significant and original) contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the area of specialisation

6. Draw meaningful conclusions and make generalisations 7. Validate and contextualise his or her research contribution 8. Identify and discuss questions raised, and how they could be

investigated in future research

9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently

10. Demonstrate proficiency in appropriate research methodology and scientific writing.

7.1.1 Regular supervision

Although UNISA is a distance education institution, advanced degrees cannot be obtained through correspondence only. All students must receive regular supervision in one of two ways:

Regular weekly or monthly supervision meetings in person lasting at least an hour. At these meetings the student’s progress and work will be discussed and assessed.

OR

An annual visit of at least ten working days to the School for the purpose of supervision, to deliver the required seminars, conduct research in the laboratories and/or library, and plan future research. The costs of such

visits (including travel and accommodation) must be covered by the student.

7.1.2 Continuous assessment

While working towards a PhD research degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, the work of a student is subjected to a number of assessments, the purpose of which is to allow the student’s progress to be monitored and any problems to be dealt with. At each stage of assessment the student will be expected to reach a standard set by the supervisor and assessor acting on behalf of the graduate committee of the School of Computing.

For PhD students, re-registration for the next year of study depends on reaching the required standard in the assessed work. If the supervisor or assessor is not convinced that the student has achieved the required standard at the first attempt, the student will usually be given an opportunity to revise or repeat the work or aspects thereof. Such revision will be based on written feedback from the supervisor and assessor, containing those aspects of the work that need to be improved, as well as the time frames allowed for it. If a student is still not able to meet the requirements, re-registration for the next academic year will not be approved.

All assessed work must be completed and submitted by the published deadlines unless an extension has been granted by the graduate committee. Such an extension will normally be given solely on academic grounds (i.e. personal reasons such as work pressure, overseas trips or not having enough time to spend on studies cannot be taken into consideration).

The work that is subject to assessment includes (but is not limited to) the following:

Completing formal course work (for non-degree purposes) if the student’s background is found to be lacking in certain aspects Progress reports

Literature review and seminar

Research proposal and seminar, followed by some oral examination Thesis seminar

At least one article based on the research toward the PhD submitted to a reputable journal or conference

Research thesis, examined by at least two internationally recognised examiners, followed by an oral defence, if required

Details with regard to the time frames for these will be provided by the supervisor in consultation with the graduate committee of the School of Computing.

7.2 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. If you hold an MSc degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, or a qualification that is equivalent to the corresponding MSc degree offered by the School of Computing, and have an exceptionally good undergraduate and postgraduate study record (with an average of over 60%), you may apply for registration for the PhD degree in Computer Science or Information Systems.

Please note that your MSc degree or its equivalent should have included a substantial research component (at least one half of the credits), and that course work or conversion masters degrees (where the undergraduate or honours studies was in a different field of specialisation) are not considered acceptable for entry into our PhD programme, and neither are MBA, MBL or most engineering degrees.

2. The PhD study involves an intensive research effort and the writing of a thesis, and you should follow a similar procedure as for MSc study in order to be admitted. Your first step is to submit a formal application, together with all the necessary documentation to the Department of Student Admissions and Registrations. Once it has been determined that you meet the minimum requirements, your file will be forwarded to the School after which a consultation process will start to determine your admission, or not, into the doctoral programme. The topic for your thesis must be chosen from the research focus areas of the School.

3. Because of the international status of the potential examiners, the preferred language of the dissertation is English. If your dissertation is written in another language you may be requested

to provide a complete transcript in English, as well as such transcripts of any other documentation submitted in the course of your research.

4. For students registered prior to 2011: Final admission is