SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Arts in Language Practice

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119086	Master of Arts in Language Practice
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Language
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 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

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 the Master of Arts in Language Practice is to train and educate researchers who independently or collectively contribute to the upliftment of indigenous languages to South Africa through translation, interpreting and editing as a profession and add to the body of knowledge at an advanced level.

The qualification will increase the knowledge of research that will address many linguistic challenges the country is faced with. The qualification will afford learners an opportunity to have scientific knowledge that contributes to policy development, new theories and strengthening of language practice interventions.

The qualification will engage learners in capacity training to advance their skills in research, as a preparatory process for doctoral studies.
The learners enrolled for the qualification will develop analytical skills, writing skills, reporting skills, technical skills, and time-management skills which will increase employment opportunities.

Rationale:
The linguistic demands call for the need for specialised knowledge and skills packaged within well-developed qualifications appropriate for the 4th Industrial Revolution. The qualification is designed to achieve the country's linguistic goals. The qualification is qualifications designed to offer postgraduate learners an opportunity to obtain the necessary linguistic skills and knowledge. The qualification will address the need for more postgraduate learners to conduct research on language matters, which is currently a challenge in South Africa. The qualification will increase the research output of the University. The qualification is educationally, socially and culturally relevant to the needs of learners with a BA in Language Practice, to obtain a postgraduate qualification.

The qualification will make a significant contribution to the realisation of the country's National Development Plan (NDP). Research and development activities will focus on the calibre of teaching that will improve the quality of higher education by producing adequate human capacity.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in IsiNdebele, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Xitsonga, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tshivenda, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Northern Sotho, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics at NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Language Practice, NQF Level 8.
Or

A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9, 180 Credits:

Dissertation, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate practical competence and proficiency in language pairs.
2. Demonstrate foundational competence and knowledge of and a high level of aptitude insight into methodologies, analytical skills, techniques, the theoretical underpinning of language practice in the language pair.
3. Render productive practical language service in translation, interpreting, text-editing, copywriting, language planning and language management, and being fluent in at least two languages.
4. Undertake research in language practice at the most advanced academic level, with a clear demonstration of intellectual independence.
5. Promote the role of translation, interpreting and text editing, in promoting and developing African indigenous languages.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply writing and productive skills in translation, interpreting and text editing.

Apply terminology and document management skills.

Apply basic language, text, and discourse research skills.

Establish a broad understanding of what constitutes legal, medical, and financial texts, and explore the purpose of such texts.

Make autonomous ethical decisions that affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues.

Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a language practice

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply a strategic and critical application of theories in language practice research initiatives with a view to practical, academic, and professional situations.

Conduct research in the fields of language practice such as translation, interpreting, editing and language management, and language planning.

Carry out translation research initiatives with written texts in various fields such as literary translation, news translation, subtitling, legal translation, to mention a few.

Publish articles in accredited journals on a theme or research title in consultation with the supervisor/s and the academic head of the department.

Undertake research at the most advanced academic level, which culminates in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Access placement in television, radio, and even at Parliament as interpreters or translators, or starting their own translation and editing businesses.

Carry out interpreting research initiatives in a variety of fields, ranging from courtrooms, police stations, conferences, to governmental institutions such as Parliament.

Demonstrate an advanced level of research ability and make a meaningful and original academic contribution in the relevant area of language practice and applied linguistics in general.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Produce clear and comprehensive national language plans involving translation and interpreting, and harmonise human, financial, and other resources for their development and advancement.

Stand out in the competitive job market.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Improve proofreading, reporting, and editing techniques of the official legislature and parliamentary records.

Establish strategies to mitigate or overcome translation and interpreting challenges, more specifically by African language translators.

Work out proofreading tools and styles employed in different text types.

Harness the rapid development of science and technology in translation and interpreting for the development of African languages, and use them in a wide range of domains, particularly in education, legislature, technology, finance and legal space.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

The assessment strategy for this qualification is underpinned by integrated assessment strategies which are reflective and continuous and include formative and summative assessment methods.

Formative assessment will be conducted through the following stages:

Writing of the research proposal.

Submission of the research proposal.

proposal defence at the Department level.

Research proposal defence at the school level.

Writing of the research report.

Summative assessment will be unfolded as follows:

The supervisor(s) and two external examiners will constitute a committee that will assess the dissertation.

Assessment will be based on the completion of the dissertation.

Each examiner shall comment on the written dissertation in writing and give a clear breakdown on how they arrived at the final grading of the dissertation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A comparison was done with the following international institutions.

Country: Scotland, UK.
Institution: The University of Edinburgh,
Qualification Title: Master of Science in Translation Studies
The qualification offers learners the opportunity to focus on two languages, in addition to English. It enhances the learners' practical skills in, and theoretical understanding of, translation as an activity.
Learners can choose to work with two languages, depending on whether they can be supported by staff.

Similarities

The University of Edinburgh's MSc in Translation Studies degree and the South African qualification are taught full-time both taking two years to complete.

Both qualifications share similar exit learning outcomes, such as developing critical thinking on language use and translation, understanding the key concepts of the academic discipline of translation studies; learning to implement the diverse approaches to translation prevalent within translation studies in the form of various translation strategies; and broadening and deepening understanding of a variety of issues in relation to translation, such as gender, power relations, and religion.

The focus area for both qualifications is to enhance the learners' practical skills in, and theoretical understanding of, translation as an activity.

Differences

The University of Edinburgh's qualification offers learners the opportunity to focus on two languages, in addition to English, unlike the South African qualification which offers learners the opportunity to focus on a language pair (two languages) - one African language (choosing from IsiNdebele, Northern Sotho, SiSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga) and English.

The University of Edinburgh's MSc in Translation Studies only focuses on translation while the South African qualification also caters for interpreting, editing and lexicography.

Over the duration of the qualification, the University of Edinburgh's MSc in Translation Studies requires the learner to take: two core courses; two practical translation courses; and two optional courses as well as a 60-credit dissertation of 15,000 words, while the South African qualification is the NQF Level 9 (Research) Dissertation with 180 credits.

Country: Australia.
Institution: The University of Western Australia
Qualification Title: Master of Translation
The University of Western Australia offers professional translation training between English and one of the following eight Asian and European languages: Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Although concentrating on translation proper (written), learners are also introduced to interpreting (spoken translation).

Similarities:

The duration for the qualification offered by both the University of Western Australia and the South African institution is two years.

Both qualifications cater for translation and interpreting.

The University of Western Australia offers professional translation training between English and one of the designated eight Asian and European languages, and the South African institution offers the qualification between English and one of the designated five African languages.

Both qualifications share similar exit learning outcomes, such as acquiring critical thinking skills, linguistic and analytical skills through frontier translation and interpreting theories and latest technologies as well as the opportunity for individual supervision of a translation or interpreting research project.

Differences

Australia's qualification is coursework while the South African qualification is offered through Dissertation with 180 credits, that is, the NQF Level 9 (Research).

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University of Hull
Name of Qualification: MA in Translation Studies
Duration: 2 Years.
The qualification at Hull is intended to open new avenues of thought while providing a firm foundation in the discipline of translation studies. With equal emphasis on the practical aspects of the translation process and the underlying theoretical issues, it will be of interest to graduate linguists, whatever your future career route.

Similarities:

The duration for both qualifications is 2 years.

Both qualifications have 180 credits and are offered to learners who are proficient in English and one of the designated languages, that is, a language paired with English which is mandatory.

Both qualifications share the same exit learning outcomes, to acquire an understanding of how English and other languages work and how they may usefully be analysed, regarding its grammar, lexis and discourse, and how such an analysis may benefit the student as a translator.

Differences:

University of Hull qualification is offered as coursework with a mini-dissertation while the South African qualification is offered as a full dissertation.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University of Birmingham.
Qualification Title: MA Translation Studies
The University of Birmingham offers reflective practice in translation through state-of-the-art technological tools currently used in the translation industry and with the professional environment in which translators operate. It provides the learners with the opportunity to carry out extensive practical translation work with the guidance of experienced tutors to develop skills in line with current professional practice.

Similarities:

Both qualifications are offered to learners in English and one of the designated languages, that is, a language paired with English which is mandatory.

In both qualifications, learners work on their dissertation, and are assigned an appropriate supervisor according to their chosen topic and language pair.

The exit learning outcomes of both qualifications assist the learner to acquire an understanding of how English and other languages work and how they may usefully be analysed, in particular with reference to its grammar, lexis and discourse, and how such an analysis may benefit the student as a translator.

Differences:

University of Birmingham qualification's duration is 2.5 years, while the South African institution's duration is 2 years.

University of Birmingham qualification mode of learning is either full-time or part-time, while the South African qualification is full-time only.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Arts in Communication, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Language Practice, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Language Practice, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Communication Language Practice, 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.

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