North West University
Doctor of Philosophy in Science with Dietetics
The Doctor of Philosophy in Science with Dietetics in Health Professions is offered by North West University.
Program Length: 4 YEARS.
Doctor of Philosophy in Science with Dietetics offered by the North West University at the Faculty of Health Sciences
Outcomes of the qualification
The achievement of this qualification means that the PhD graduate is able to demonstrate the achievement of the following specific and critical cross-field outcomes:
Specific outcomes:
a) Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area of the Natural Sciences.
b) Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in a specific field of the Natural Sciences and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
c) Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of the Natural Sciences.
d) Autonomously generate, synthesize and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
e) Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices in the Natural Sciences and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
f) Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area. • Demonstrate research leadership within a field or across disciplines, including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes engaged in, within complex and unpredictable contexts.
g) Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, with respect to 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.
Critical cross-field outcomes for this qualification include but are not limited to the following competencies:
h) identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made;
i) working in a disciplinary and/or inter-disciplinary manner as a member of a team, group, organisation or community in both the public and private sectors;
j) demonstrating an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological perspective by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context;
k) demonstrating the effective utilisation of technology for strategies aimed at the development of the Natural Sciences as well as Science in general;
l) effectively managing and planning a learning programme that provides for a schedule of activities including reading scientific journals in the field, becoming a member of scholarly societies and professional bodies, attending seminars and conferences, doing research and rendering voluntary services to facilitate professional growth and development;
m) developing a comprehensive and systematic report on a research project in the format of a doctoral thesis, and the competence to write research articles suitable for publication in refereed journals and/or other scientific reports.
n) communicating effectively with people of all target groups, using visual, language and mathematical skills, in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
Duration (minimum and maximum)
The minimum duration for the study is two year and the maximum duration three years, calculated from the date of first registration for the particular programme. The faculty’s decision is based on the current subsidy model for universities and may differ from other faculties or regulations.
The objective of the PhD degree is to give the student in the field of Dietetics the opportunity to show that he/she has delivered a significant contribution with a doctoral thesis to the development of (1) new scientific knowledge, and/or (2) new skills in a particular research field. The second objective of the qualification is to provide South Africa with scientific researchers who have broad theoretical expertise and practical skills in Nutrition Science. By doing so, a contribution will be made to the broadening of the leadership base for innovative and knowledge-based nutrition care in the country.
The general closing date for applications is 31 October. (After this date applications will be considered on merit). Studies can be conducted full time or part time.
