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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Human Rights 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115322  Master of Philosophy in Human Rights 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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 
The qualification is intended to offer human rights from an interdisciplinary perspective, exposing participants to local, regional and global forces that have shaped and continue to influence the growth and development of human rights, areas of contestation, the institutions and processes involved, as well as problems of ensuring compliance. These attributes have wider application to the individual, work place and society.

Qualifying Learners will be able to:
  • Deal with complex human rights and related issues both systematically and creatively form diverse perspectives.
  • Carry out research ethically using quantitative as well as qualitative research methods.
  • Design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences alike.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

    Rationale:
    Most human rights qualifications focus on the subject almost exclusively from a legal point of view, neglecting that human rights cut across disciplines and human endeavours. This also excludes many would be beneficiaries who, in their daily lives and professional work, require knowledge and sensitivity to human rights. The interdisciplinary character of the qualification, therefore, filled this gap. This was also in line with the philosophy and rationale behind the establishment of a UNESCO 'Oliver Tambo' Chair at the institution, and the role that the Chair would play within the institution and the broader South African society. The qualification was intended to develop requisite skills, knowledge, values, and human rights advocacy among administrators, policymakers and implementers as well as the NGO sector in their professional life and day to day practice and application of human rights. I addition to academic knowledge and skills, the qualification instil democracy and human rights values, of good citizenship and sensitivity to global issues. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be provided in accordance with the institution's RPL policy. The RPL policy allows the learner to be assessed to find out whether, based on the evidence and judgment of the learners knowledge, skills and experience, learners articulates with the outcome of the qualification.

    The assessment shall involve the process of collecting evidence and making judgments about the knowledge, skills and values that shall prove competence and shall articulate with the outcomes of a desired module/course and/or program.
    Awarding RPL credit: learners with prior learning, however obtained, may apply to have their prior learning assessed against the learning outcomes for a specific qualification as outlined in the RPL Policy.
    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • Bachelor of Honours degree in the related field at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 and 9 totalling 240 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8.
  • Human Rights Theory and Practice, 48 Credits.
  • Human Rights Research Methods, 40 Credits.
  • Human Rights Contemporary Issues, 32 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules,Level 9.
  • Mini-dissertation,120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the nature and content of human rights.
    2. Master rights and obligations regarding the promotion and protection of human rights.
    3. Understand human rights in broader contexts and relationships.
    4. Knowledge and understanding of phenomena such as vulnerability, poverty, racism, globalisation.
    5. Apply norms and principles in a focused area.
    6. Formulate the research problem and work with literature and other sources.
    7. Construct data collection instruments and use them collects data.
    8. Digest, present and evaluate data and information.
    9. Competence in writing a coherent and well-presented dissertation.
    10. Work independently and be able to manage time. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria apply across Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Underlying principles, norms and practices of human rights are coherently explained.
  • Ability to determine and apply rights and obligations to relevant situations.
  • Grasp the unity and universality of rights as well as their interdependence and inter-relationship and are able to explain this coherently.
  • Apply theory in a responsible and integrated way in solving problems.
  • Demonstrate competence to integrate human rights into policy, advice and advocacy.
  • Move from general and abstract level to a particular situation.
  • Write a good research proposal supported by literature review.
  • Construct and use data collection instruments.
  • Work with and handle different sources and research methods.
  • Present a coherent and well organised and presented dissertation.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and academic discipline and timely completion of tasks.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is continuous through assignments and essays, presentation of case studies; and participation in Seminars. These are internally examined and moderated. Preparation and submission of a mini-dissertation are externally assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares favourably to similar qualifications offered elsewhere. However, the focus of many of those is on human rights in general or specialised aspects of it, and from a legal perspective. The uniqueness of this qualification is to demystify the legal aspect and present human rights as a discipline that is woven through and through other disciplines. This has enriched its content and also enabled practitioners, academics, policymakers, NGO's and ordinary members of civil society to find a common purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Laws, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Laws, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Human Rights Protection, 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. University of Fort Hare 


    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.