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:

Master of Arts in Communication

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100848	Master of Arts in Communication
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Communication Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is for a student to develop the critical theoretical and practical knowledge and skills associated with scientific research in a specialised field of Communication, under leadership of an academic mentor. The qualification thus prepares the learner to become an independent researcher in a chosen field of specialisation in Communication, able to identify and resolve real-life problems, also in a work environment, critically and creatively.

Rationale:
The rationale behind a Master of Arts in Communication, is to develop and deliver to practice graduates who have a critical theoretical and practical knowledge and the necessary skills associated with scientific research in a specialised field of Communication with the ability to identify and resolve real-life problems, also in a work environment, critically and creatively.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning programme of the institution. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme. The institution accepts that the recognition of previous learning does and should take place within the normal, existing policy of admission, as well as the granting of credits to prospective or existing learners from this or another institution in a valid, creditable and reasonable way.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of a dissertation module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Module:

Dissertation, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Find and interpret scientific information.
2. Identify a problem for research purposes.
3. Analyse, integrate and present the information in a written format adhering to the protocols suitable for a dissertation at Level 9.
4. Communicate the necessary information to an audience of peers and academics in a reliable, accurate, and comprehensive format using appropriate Information Technology.
5. Take responsibility for own learning and its progress within a semi-structured and partially managed learning environment and be able to evaluate own performance.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment occurs in the form a detailed research proposal for a comprehensive research project done under supervision of a study leader, which culminates in a dissertation performed on an integrated topic submitted for assessment. Three examiners, experts in the field of the study, are appointed for this master's dissertation, of which at least one has to be external to the institution. A supervisor can not be appointed as an examiner. Approval of the research proposal by this Committee for Advanced Degrees is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Master of Arts in Communication qualification is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional study time. To ensure international comparability, the Level 9 Level Descriptors were benchmarked against the standards and norms contained in the qualifications frameworks developed for countries around the world.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

Vertical Articulation:
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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.	North West University