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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Informatics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100918  Master of Commerce in Informatics 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
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 this qualification is to equip qualifying students with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Informatics; to develop students as effective researchers with critical research skills to generate new knowledge in this chosen field of study; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding of Informatics. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at Doctoral level.

Rationale:
The first rationale of the qualification is to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Applied Mathematics that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the graduate for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society. The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Informatics in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research.

Successful graduates will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Graduates who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with Doctor of Philosophy studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is:
  • A Bachelor of Commerce Honours or other qualification which is suitable and similar to the Honours Degree in Informatics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 116 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 100 Credits.
  • Research Communication, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 9, 64 Credits.
  • Decision Support Systems, 32 Credits.
  • Databases, 32 Credits.
  • Data Warehouses, 32 Credits.
  • Computer Security, 32 Credits.
  • Information Systems Engineering, 32 Credits.
  • Image Processing, 32 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Informatics and of the ethics of research and practice in this field of study.
    2: Think critically and creatively, while working as an individual and in research teams within a multidisciplinary environment, showing leadership and performing critical functions.
    3: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientific and lay audiences, and finally.
    4: Use appropriate research methods, techniques and principles underlying the research project, plan and execute research work, gather, analyse, evaluate and interpret appropriate scientific literature and data, and be competent to report in detail on such work by writing reports and a dissertation according to the requirements specified by the University. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
  • Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The supervisor continuously assesses the student's progress (formative assessment) while the dissertation is being written. Assessment of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Qualifications Authority Level Descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework Level 9 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally compared criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows vertical articulation:
    Vertically Articulation:
  • A Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Informatics at Level 10. 
    		•

    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 


    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.