Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Admission Requirements Applicants who hold qualifications from recognised institutions at NQF Level 9, or equivalent, in Computer Science or related cognate areas, may be considered for admission to this programme. Applicants need to provide evidence of having conducted supervised research at this level. In addition, applicants may be required to attend a pre-selection interview at the discretion of the department. The final selection and admission of candidates will be approved by the Faculty Postgraduate Committee. Registration prior to the approval of a research proposal is provisional and will be made official only when the proposal is approved by the Higher Degrees Committee. These procedures will be fully explained to each prospective student during his or her personal interview. Articulation Arrangements The PhD in Computer Science is a terminal qualification; hence articulation arrangements are not applicable. Assessment Strategies Students are required to submit a research proposal six months after registration for approval by the Higher Degrees Committee. It is compulsory that students attend regular research methodology seminars until successful defense and approval of the research proposal. Students are required to present work-in-progress report every six months during research seminars for monitoring and assessment purposes. Students who fail the initial assessment of the research proposal will receive an extension of six months for re-approval. In compliance with the general requirements of Senate, students are required to submit a thesis for evaluation, which should comply with international academic standards. The thesis requires students to work independently and to investigate their own individual research topic. Students are required to cultivate a professional work ethic to deliver the combination of research, analysis, communication and presentation demanded by their thesis. The thesis will be assessed in accordance with the rules for studies at postgraduate level. Students will present and defend their thesis before an appropriate constituted committee in accordance with the rules for postgraduate studies at the University. The thesis will be returned to students for correction before final binding and archiving. Final marks will only be released after correction of the thesis. Any other special arrangements on assessments will be done in accordance with the University’s rules and procedures for postgraduate studies. Mode of Delivery By Research Only. Requirements for Qualification Award 360 NQF Credits Teaching and Learning By Research Only. Transition Arrangements This is a new programme and transition arrangements are, therefore, not applicable. Quality Assurance Arrangements The final assessment of the thesis will be done by qualified academics and practitioners with Doctoral Degrees. The examiners must be knowledgeable and respected individuals in the field with experience in assessment of postgraduate scientific reports or theses, and will be appointed by Higher Degrees Committee upon recommendation of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee. Transition Arrangements This is a new programme and transition arrangements are, therefore, not applicable.