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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Research 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102436  Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Research 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 learners to conduct social research at an advanced level using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and assist learners to develop a research proposal. It will, in addition, equip learners to conduct social impact assessments and public participation processes. The purpose, furthermore, is to assist learners to understand and apply the processes of social impact assessment and public participation. The qualification caters for people from: Civil Service, Non - Government Organisations, Universities, Free Lance Researchers and Master's learners.

Rationale:
The qualification is intended for people who are involved in, or wish to know about the processes and procedures of conducting social research at an advanced level. The qualification has, in the past, and will continue to cater for people from Civil Service, Non-Government Organisations, Universities and Free Lance Researchers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning students may gain access, or advance placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Arts, National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.
    Compulsory Module, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Advanced Social Research, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Analyse and evaluate the challenges of social impact assessments in developing countries.
    2.Provide a theoretical justification for a Social Impact Assessment that they could do as an independent researcher.
    3.Appraise the issues in the practice of public participation and institutional development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Outline a problem to be researched.
  • Explain the methodological procedures for the outlined problem.
  • Analyse and interpret research data obtained from the field.
  • Write a research report about the findings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment approach is research-based through developing a research proposal demonstrating that they have achieved the qualification outcomes and that they will be able to pursue independent research on an original topic in the field Social Work. In order to achieve assessment purposes of learners' ability to provide a theoretical justification for a Social Impact Assessment that they could do as an independent researcher, learners will be given weeks to work on assignments and a theoretical justification for a social impact assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was developed in terms of international accepted content and practice. This qualification was benchmarked mainly against the following qualifications offered in the United Kingdom (UK): Postgraduate Diploma Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) (University of Cardiff), Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Methods (University of Roehampton), Social Research (Postgraduate Certificate) (Birkbeck, College University of London), Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods for Social Science and Health (King's College, London) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Skills (University of Ulster). Locally, the Short Courses in Social Science Research Methods offered by Stellenbosch University were also considered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Social Research, Level 9.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Art Honours, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    There will be external moderation of the research proposal by an appropriate staff member from another University. 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.