Doctor of Philosophy - Indigenous Knowledge (DR-PHILIK)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate’s field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research apprenticeship is complete, and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research master thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words (or equivalent), exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies, and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Higher Degrees by Research Committee

The duration of Doctor of Philosophy candidature is three years for full-time candidates, two six-month extensions are allowed.
The thesis may also be submitted in the format of a written dissertation with a creative folio. Any thesis submitted in the format of a dissertation with folio will be examined as an integrated whole. Theses submitted in the format of a dissertation with folio must be equivalent to 80,000 words.