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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101451  Master of Science in Applied Mathematics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
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  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  192  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 equips learners with sufficient knowledge of applied and computational mathematics so that they will be able to apply their knowledge to at least one application area, whether through modelling or computation. The qualification also provides learners with an opportunity to engage in research via the completion of a mini-dissertation.

The learners will be trained in analytical reasoning and problem solving. The qualification will help the learner to develop the intellectual, practical and analytical skills in order to enable the learner to independently understand, formulate, apply, analyse, interpret and communicate mathematics in the chosen field.

Rationale:
Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (MSc Applied Mathematics) is an innovative qualification, drawing together traditional and modern mathematical techniques in a variety of social science contexts. It is designed for applied mathematicians who wish to be more marketable by adding some social science aspects to their knowledge and skills base. The skills and knowledge gained in the qualification will open up a wide range of potential careers, including finance, business and industry. The qualification will provide sufficient breadth and depth of experience in applied mathematics so that learners can significantly advance their career prospects within the academic field (especially continuing with Ph.D. studies) and in specialised sectors of industry and commerce.

The qualification will address the shortage of qualified Applied Mathematicians in the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants to the qualification do not meet the admission requirements as stated above, the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the University will be used to consider the applicant for admission, or to provide the applicant with advanced standing within the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics or an equivalent Level 8 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9, totalling 192 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation, 96 Credits.
  • Nonlinear Dynamical Systems: Theory and Applications I, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Dynamics I, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Stochastic Differential Equations, 12 Credits.
  • Numerical Analysis of Partial Differential Equations I, 12 Credits.
  • Nonlinear Dynamical Systems: Theory and Applications II, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Dynamics II, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Financial Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Numerical Analysis of Partial Differential Equations II, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use mathematical theory to make logical conclusions that can be mathematically motivated.
    2. Formulate, solve and analyse problems in applied mathematics.
    3. Collect, analyse and organise suitable literature on a mathematical subject (suitable for the level of qualification) and consolidate it with previous mathematical knowledge.
    4. Communicate mathematics effectively and logically, using visual, mathematical and natural language in written and oral form.
    5. Consider the possibility of application of mathematics theories (studied in the modules) to other fields.
    6. Plan and conduct research in applied mathematics on an appropriate topic. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 1:
  • Formulate, analyse and interpret mathematical problems in terms of the underlying mathematical theory.
  • Make logical conclusions that can be mathematically motivated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 2:
  • Solve mathematical problems individually and cooperatively.
  • Formulate strategies for solving advanced applied mathematics problems.
  • Formulate strategies for solving novel theoretical problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 3:
  • Conduct a literature review on a given topic in applied mathematics.
  • State and apply important results in key mathematical areas, with the ability to provide proof-based arguments of these and related results.
  • Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed mathematical skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 4:
  • Use appropriate terminology to orally communicate applied mathematics solutions to a variety of audiences such as the public, government, colleagues and scientific community.
  • Prepare appropriate visual methods to effectively communicate applied mathematical concepts to a variety of audiences.
  • Communicate, both verbally and in writing, mathematical ideas at a variety of levels from technical to intuitive.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 5:
  • Defend the use of appropriate mathematical theories to solve problems across different disciplines.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to solve real life problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level-Outcome 6:
  • Identify a research topic and define the hypothesis of the investigation.
  • Compose a literature review using appropriate resources in a logical way to introduce the research problem.
  • Provide a valid critique of existing knowledge related to the problem and within the broader sphere of applied mathematics.
  • Appropriately plan the research methodology taking into account available and relevant techniques as well as limitations.
  • Conduct the research in a scientifically appropriate manner.
  • Accurately interpret the results.
  • Orally defend the research with peers, supervisors and assessors.
  • Write a scientific scholastic document using appropriate terminology, formatting and referencing skills and ensure that no plagiarism is done.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment in form of theoretical tests and assignments will contribute 60% towards the final mark. The Summative Assessment will comprise a 3 hour examination which will contribute 40% towards the final mark. The assessment will be designed to meet the Level 9 Descriptors. There must be evidence of the integration of knowledge and skills throughout the assessment process. All the examination papers will be internally and externally moderated. There will be opportunities for learners to show that they are able to demonstrate the achievement of a number of learning outcomes within a single assessment task. The mini-dissertation will be examined by an external assessor. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following qualifications:

    Masters in Applied Mathematics, Brown University, United States of America:
    The university provides training and research activities in a broad spectrum of applied mathematics. The principal areas of research activities represented in the Division of Applied Mathematics are ordinary, functional, and partial differential equations; probability, statistics and stochastic systems theory; neuroscience, pattern theory, and computational/mathematical biology; numerical analysis and scientific computation. The effort in virtually all the research areas ranges from applied and algorithmic problems to the study of fundamental mathematical questions; many of our faculty are engaged in interdisciplinary research collaborations with colleagues here at Brown University.

    Masters in Applied Mathematics is offered by the Imperial College London in the United Kingdom:
    This qualification offers training in advanced pure and applied mathematics, together with a range of more specialised options, equipping learners with a range of mathematical skills in problem solving, project work and presentation.

    This qualification will provide learners with training in many different aspects of Applied Mathematics. The skill set obtained during the Applied Mathematics MSc qualification is highly transferable, which opens opportunities for a careers in the industry or for further advanced study in diverse areas ranging from engineering and physics to finance.

    Conclusion:
    The focus of the qualification compares favourably with the two international qualifications cited above. They integrate Applied Mathematics disciplines, to provide for integrated Applied Mathematicians. The qualification is also an interdisciplinary field that deals with the application of mathematics to practical problems in physical sciences, social sciences, technology, engineering or business. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy: Applied Mathematics at Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Applied Mathematics 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. University of Limpopo 


    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.