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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Music in Composition 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100819  Master of Music in Composition 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
91807  Master of Music  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The proposed re-aligned qualification aims to build on the purpose of the current qualification, which aligns with those on offer at most leading and reputable tertiary institutions, both nationally and internationally.

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills, knowledge of compositional styles and techniques and the ability to compose works of academic and musical merit, thereby contributing to the advancement of good practice within the discipline.

It aims at providing intensive and advanced tuition in mastering specialized skills and creative expression and making a significant contribution to the musical dialogue and body of work in specific musical idioms.

This qualification aims to provide learners with the depth of knowledge and appropriate research skills that would enable them to successfully identify topics of investigation within the realm of composition.

Furthermore, the specific competencies a student will have to attain are specified within the requirements of a portfolio of compositions as well as a research project.

Rationale:
This qualification is needed for the continual development of the discipline and to provide South Africa well-trained of specialists for research and the development of the field to contribute to a continuously growing understanding of the field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • The official Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) policy will apply.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to a Masters is:
  • A an Honours Degree.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory module at Level 9 totaling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 200 Credits:
  • Treatise, 60 Credits.
  • A Set of Original Compositions, 120 Credits.
  • Advanced Tonal and Atonal Theory, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Access, organise and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
    2. Apply the theoretical principles of harmony, orchestration and composition to the creation of original compositions of academic merit.
    3. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in own learning, appraise personal education needs and evaluate personal progress.
    4. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the theory and compositional techniques relevant to the proposed and approved compositions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A research proposal is developed, based on the course content and completed within the time stipulated.
  • Appropriate literature is sourced to obtain information relevant to the research and documented.
  • Any required fieldwork and/or laboratory experimentation engaged in is recorded.
  • Documents are prepared for obtaining ethics clearance.
  • Intellectual competence and skill is exhibited in executing the research, using quantitative, qualitative.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an understanding and mastery of sophisticated and specialized composition techniques through the composing and compiling of a portfolio of compositions of an approved structure, genre and level.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and command of various compositional techniques and musical dialects.
  • Show a command of the stylistic and musical requirements as well as a thorough knowledge of the chosen medium for the compositions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Carry out an independent research project as well as a related portfolio of compositions.
  • Under the guidance of a subject specialist and/or supervisor.
  • Independently compose and create and assimilate musical styles.
  • Organize themselves and their activities responsively and effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of current creative discourses.
  • Contribute to the musical literature of the chosen medium through the
  • Creation of academically sound compositions.
  • Show a critical understanding of and reflection on their own work as reaction to established musical traditions.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • The design of the qualification includes composition pieces and a treatise, the presentation and assessment of these ensures Integrated Assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification offered through practical and theoretical combination is comparable to what is offered at most leading national and international institutions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertical:
  • A Doctoral Degree in Composition at Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Nelson Mandela 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.