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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Political Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99214  Master of Arts in Political Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification provides training in the techniques of research, analysis and scholarly presentation appropriate to Political Science. The qualification equips the learners with proficiency in research methodology sufficient to proceed to doctoral level. Successful learners will have acquired skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collection and organisation of material, and effective written communication.

Rationale:
The qualification provides further knowledge in research skills in Political analysis and its application to issues confronting society, in South Africa, Africa and the globe.

The qualification will equip the learners with the skills necessary either for employment in the educational and cultural fields or for further, independent research for the qualification of PhD in the same or related subject area. The qualification will prepare learners for further study, locally or abroad, at Doctoral Level in Political Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The admission requirement for the qualification is an Honours Degree in politics and international relations. However, the department is guided by the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. In the field of politics and International Relations, there are learners with prior exposure before taking formal studies and are considered for enrolling for the Master's qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research and Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate mastery over the theoretically sophisticated subject matter, exhibiting in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of a field or specialised area, to which s/he can apply relevant theory.
    2. Evaluate the literature critically in a field, challenging orthodoxies and redefining existing knowledge, while aware of the nature of expertise in the area, to communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences.
    3. The Master's learner will be acquainted with methods of research and specialised knowledge in a chosen discipline.
    4. Apply a range of advanced research methods to research problems in a chosen discipline.
    5. Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
    6. Prepare a professional paper for peer review; write research and funding proposals. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Formulation of research questions and rationale for the study.
  • Critical appraisal of recent literature in the area of politics chosen for the study.
  • Relate political theory to practice.
  • Production of research instruments for primary data collection.
  • Creation of a data bank for primary of secondary data on the politics of area of choice.
  • Interpretation of results and findings to inform policy.
  • Production of a written dissertation.
  • Presentation of research methods, findings and policy recommendations using the oral and electronic medium.
  • Defend ideas that are outcomes of the research.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integration of skills learned in the Master of Arts (MA) is assessed by means of a dissertation of a word length stipulated by the School of Human and Social Sciences. Assessment is based on criteria, which include:
    (i) Scope and quality of literature reviewed from a variety of text and other media;
    (ii) Accuracy with which the literature is represented and applied to the research questions;
    (iii) The formulation of a research question and the development of a research proposal based on the literature review. The proposal must specify a research design and the method/s to be applied to answer the research question, and be of appropriate scale and complexity of a Master's dissertation;
    (iv) The demonstration of a professional working relationship by responding to the comments of the projects supervisor;
    (v) The execution of the research proposed;
    (vi) Presentation of the research in a manner which accords with the publication conventions of the discipline. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Arts in Political Science is comparable to qualifications in other tertiary institutions elsewhere in the world. Politics is treated in its broad application, but there is emphasis on contemporary issues such Development, Human Rights, Gender, Human Security, Political Economy, Governance, Environment and Trade. Within Africa, the research component is comparable to the University of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Lesotho. While outside Africa, the qualification compares well with what is offered, namely; Queens University of Australia and the University of London. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, Level 10.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Politics, Level 9.
  • Master of Economics in Political Studies, Level 9. 
    		•

    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 Venda 


    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.