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 Ancient Languages 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112921  Master of Arts in Ancient Languages 
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 primary purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in language teaching and research at an advanced level. This qualification prepares graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. Learners who achieve the outcomes of this qualification can, with an advanced level of independence, competence and self-motivation: Deal with complex issues about the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman history and literature, philosophical ideas, religion, language and culture, both systematically and creatively.

Through engagement with the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman world, they can think independently, argue effectively and skilfully solve problems. These learners communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Learners demonstrate self-direction and originality in debating topics of ongoing relevance and appreciate the continuing influence of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman antiquity in the modern period. Learners furthermore gain a progressively deeper understanding of subjects of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman civilisation and of appropriate multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods. They act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills, and contribute to academic debates.

Rationale:
The Master of Arts in Ancient Languages responds to the need to provide the opportunity for the advanced study of language development, language use and language philosophy from the development of the writing system through the period of the Ancient Near Eastern civilization, and of the Greek-Roman period from its origins through to the first 300 years after the common era. The program combines the fields traditionally distinguished as Semitic languages (Akkadian, Ugaritic, Old Aramaic, Arabic, Syriac, and Biblical Aramaic), Tank, Rabbinic literature, Second Temple period, classical Latin and Greek literature, Greek New Testament, Vulgate and Patristics.
The rationale of this program lies in the close historical relationship (geography, history, language system, language influence) between the Semitic languages, Greek, and Latin in the ancient world, their emergence from a common writing system and a common set of scriptural texts (Tenak, Qumran texts, Quran, LXX, Peshitta, Greek New Testament and Vulgate) as a medium through which to develop and express ethical, social, political and religious visions. The successful completion of the qualification results in the enrichment of knowledge, skills, and research outputs in the field of Ancient Languages. The learner becomes autonomous in practice through the specialist knowledge and skills attained in the qualification.
The qualification provides the learner access to Doctor of Philosophy studies, thus increasing the learner pool for leadership in the field of Ancient Language studies. Qualified learners contribute to the continuous development of Ancient Languages through the development of scientific and professional knowledge for the advancement of language, law practice, research, management and education (also identified as the stakeholders of this qualification). Skilled practitioners contribute to the quality of delivered to the community in participating in issues relevant to policy change, development and implementation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.
  • The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
  • Learners' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in the Language, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following Elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Greek: Dissertation, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Latin: Dissertation, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Semitic Languages: Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to apply the knowledge by using historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse.
    2. Understanding of relevant academic debates through their engagement with specific research issues. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Understand the critical and hermeneutical issues specific to the study of the Ancient Near Eastern language and literature;
  • Demonstrate functional capacity in the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature;
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature with methodological soundness;
  • Analyse and interpret this knowledge with methodological soundness;
  • Demonstrate the capacity for informed, independent, critical thinking and ability to perform appropriate library and online research utilised in the professional study of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature;
  • Demonstrate an aptitude for being a lifelong learner in Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature (continuing professional development);
  • Construct an informed synthesis between the primary Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature evidence and current research findings;
  • Present a coherent written research model supported by references as appropriate using effective communication skills;
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the profound impact of the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman field of study.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This research qualification consists of 180 credits. The assessment practice and approach is characterised by ongoing supervision to culminate in a final summative assessment. Integrated assessment: Learners design of a research proposal, the submission of an argued dissertation in terms of language, style, argumentation and documentation, internal and external assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: Germany.
  • Institution: Biola University.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Linguistics and Ancient Languages.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification above in terms of certain outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity of the study process, and notional learning time. Both qualifications envisage that learners will accurately analyse an ancient language such as Greek, understand the relevant historical and cultural background, exegete religious Scriptures, and apply sound linguistic principles in the translation of the Scriptures.
  • Country: United Kingdom.
  • Institution: University of Warwick.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Ancient Literature and Thought.

    This qualification is similar as it also builds subject-specific skills in independent research, analysis and communication. This similarly boosts employability across a wide range of graduate careers. Although the Master of Arts in Ancient Literature and Thought from the University of Warwick is structured, it also requires a core dissertation module to be completed under supervision. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Semitic Languages, Greek, or Latin, NQF 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.