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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100883  Master of Science in Applied Mathematics 
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  Mathematical 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:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip students with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Applied Mathematics, able to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of Applied Mathematics.

Rationale:
The first rationale of the qualification is to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Applied Mathematics that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the graduate for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Applied Mathematics in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Successful graduates will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Graduates who complete this programme will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes 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 programme of the institution.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes 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 programmes (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.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours or other qualification which is suitable and equivalent to the Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits:
  • Research Project 180 Credits. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment is aimed at determining the student's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules, and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a written examination. The student's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills are furthermore evaluated in their critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The student is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

    Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is on par with the universities of Warwick and Birmingham with similar international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Level 10) with Applied Mathematics as focus. 
    		•

    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.