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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100846  Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
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:
This qualification has a threefold purpose: a) to equip qualifying candidates with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of a particular field of Human Movement Sciences; b) to develop students as effective researchers in the field of Human Movement Sciences, with critical research skills to conduct either qualitative or quantitative (or mixed method) research to generate new knowledge in the chosen field; and c) to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in one of the following fields of Human Movement Sciences:
Biokinetics, Kinesiotherapy, Kinesiology, Kinderkinetics, Applied Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Wellness, Peadiatric- and Sport Exercise Sciences; in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding within any of these fields . Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study atdoctoral level.

Rationale:
As a professional field, the Human Movement Sciences are rapidly expanding world-wide, and definitely also in South Africa. This qualification directly addresses the dire consequences of a serious lack of physical activity in many South Africans. The rationale behind further intensive research into the different sub-fields of the Human Movement Sciences is linked to the early identification of risk, and subsequent prevention of chronic diseases due to inactive life styles, from children through to adults and the elderly. The knowledge, skills and life style perspectives gained from completion of this qualification will promote the enhancement and transfer of appropriate knowledge, skills and values to contribute to making South Africa a winning nation in sport at an international level. The professions related to the Human Movement Sciences are already recognised as some of the top career fields in Australia and the United States of America as well as in certain parts of Europe. This is another reason for the importance of offering a focused postgraduate qualification with specialisations in relevant sub-fields of Human Movement Sciences. During the planning and development of the different programmes or foci of this qualification, career opportunities as well as the labour needs of our country were taken into consideration. With the expansion of the field of Human Movement Sciences in schools, during adulthood and in later life, more qualified professionals will be needed to address the sport and health needs of the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In the RPL Policy of the University it is acknowledged that the RPL must be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way and that it must form part of the existing policy on the admission and credit accommodation to prospective or current students at this institution. An applicant's prior learning is evaluated in accordance with the relevant procedures, and the applicant is found either competent or not yet competent. The University determines at all times the number of students admitted to any of its teaching-learning qualifications or internal programmes, taking into consideration the availability of staff and facilities needed to teach and manage such programmes. Also students applying for RPL may be requested to sit an entrance exam.

Entry Requirements:
The following minimum admission requirements are relevant:
  • A completed honours or a 4-year qualification in Recreation Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises one compulsory module, Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate extensive specialist knowledge in a particular field of Human Movement Sciences with a view to critique and evaluate current literature and research methodologies prevalent in this field.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and deep understanding of a particular field of Human Movement Sciences across the life-span and in different clinical populations in order to assess risk, prescribe appropriate exercise or life style changes.
  • Manage disease prevention or improve sport performance.
  • Select and apply appropriate research methods of enquiry and appropriate research instruments within the quantitative and qualitative paradigm in order to investigate a complex issue or problem in the field of Human Movement Sciences.
  • Effectively diagnose the exercise/movement/ physical needs of individuals, groups and communities, design basic intervention programmes, and apply these in various socio-cultural context.
  • Conceptualise and motivate a research design, and then undertake the research under supervision in an ethical manner to address.
  • Find solutions for identified issue or problem particular to this field of study.
  • Communicate and defend research results in a professional and creative manner via an academically sound research dissertation or mini-dissertation, with correct referencing and technical requirements. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    The required research dissertation is an integrated culmination of all the research-related outcomes of this qualification. Opportunities for both continuous formative (in the form of continuous feedback on the research proposal and then each written chapter of the dissertation) and summative assessments (examination of the dissertation) are part of the learning design of the research masters qualification as stipulated in the General Academic Rules of the university. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Qualifications Authority Level Descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework Level 9 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally compared with the criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Furthermore, in the field of Recreation Science, the university Recreation Sciences lecturers are constantly in discussions with the recreation lecturers of the University of Northern Iowa, USA, to ensure that the qualification offered here is of international comparable standard. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctoral level in a related sub-field of the Human Movement Sciences, 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.