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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Theory 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100861  Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Theory 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Literature 
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:
The purpose of the qualification is for a student to develop the critical theoretical and practical knowledge and skills associated with scientific research in a specialised field of Linguistics and Literary Theory, under leadership of an academic mentor. The qualification thus prepares the student to become an independent researcher in a chosen field of specialisation in Linguistics and Literary Theory, able to identify and resolve real-life problems, also in a work environment, critically and creatively. Recognise, understand and communicate the linguistic and literary phenomena of the culturally-diverse South African and world populations.

Rationale:
The rationale behind a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Theory, is to develop and deliver to practice graduates who have a critical theoretical and practical knowledge and the necessary skills associated with scientific research in a specialised field of Linguistics and Literary Theory with the ability to identify and resolve real-life problems, also in a work environment, critically and creatively. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching qualifications at this or another institution, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching qualifications or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning qualifications (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

The North-West University accepts that the recognition of previous learning does and should take place within the normal, existing policy of admission, as well as the granting of credits to prospective or existing students from this or another institution in a valid, creditable and reasonable way.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is:
  • Bachelor Honours Degree at Level 8 in the relevant field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Mini-Dissertation, 90 Credits.
  • Advanced Introduction, 45 Credits.
  • Theme Trend, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the skills and ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines and apply their research skills to find and interpret scientific information.
    2. Identify a research problem, and analyse, integrate and present the researched material in a written format adhering to the protocols suitable for a dissertation at Level 9.
    3. Communicate the necessary information to an audience of peers and academics in are liable, accurate, and comprehensive format using appropriate Information Technology (IT).
    4. Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a semi-structured and partially managed learning environment and be able to evaluate their own performance. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
  • Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
  • Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
  • Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
  • Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous integrated assessments in the form of among others, written and oral examinations and presentations, role-playing simulations, assignments, and case studies, ensure that the learner reaches the outcomes of the qualification. The main assessment is in the form of a (mini)dissertation or interrelated series of assignments in which students have to display their competency to do research, of which the first element is a research proposal under guidance of the study leader and supervised by the director of the School involved. Thereafter the study leader continuously assesses whether the quality of the research is adequate, whether the progress is sound and what the quality of the practical projects and writing of the dissertation is. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Master of Arts qualification in Linguistics and Literary Theory is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional study time. To ensure international comparability, the Level Descriptors of Level 9 were compared against the standards and norms contained in the qualifications frameworks developed for countries around the world. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows Vertical Articulation:
    Vertically Articulation:
  • The Master's Degree at Level 9 articulates vertically to a cognate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree, at 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.