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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Security Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103109  Master of Arts in Security Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
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
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 is designed to accommodate students who finish the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Management and wishes to further their studies.

It will equip students to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. It will also equip them to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Security Management.

Rationale:
The primary rationale of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge by completing a single research project.

The second rationale is to provide Master of Arts (MA) in Security Management graduates with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in security to ensure opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society.

The third rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with postgraduate security officers. To widen the innovative and knowledge based security leadership who will promote economic and scholarly activities.

The last rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with postgraduate security officers who understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society, and who are empowered and equipped with the required research and analytical skills to play a key role in shaping law enforcement in a just society based on constitutional democracy within a world legal order. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification cannot be awarded in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements:
Access to the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology requires the student to have a:
  • Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Technology Degree, Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.
    Or
  • 480 Credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of two compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Masters Research Proposal in the School of Criminal Justice, 24 Credits.
  • Dissertation in Security Management, 156 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Recognise the role of law enforcement in everyday life.
    2. Think critically, logically and analytically within a contextual framework.
    3. Solve complex multi-dimensional law enforcement problems originally and creatively.
    4. Engage critically and analytically with Criminal Justice text.
    5. Apply advanced academic knowledge and skills to play a leading role in security practice and in the shaping of the law enforcement dispensation.
    6. Advance security scholarship in regional and global context.
    7. Act responsibly and authoritatively in his or her chosen career.
    8. Play a leading role in contributing to the realisation of a just society based on a constitutional democracy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify complex law enforcement issues in real or simulated fact scenarios.
  • Interpret and analyse daily events within a Criminal Justice framework.
  • Play a leading role in law enforcement within a regional and global context to cope with modern-day challenges and problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret, analyse and explain complex law enforcement problems within different contexts.
  • Provide an unbiased and balanced perspective on law enforcement problems.
  • Consider different points of view and critically evaluate acquired knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Find relevant sources and authorities to solve advanced security problems.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of various security sources and authorities to complex law enforcement problems. Select the most appropriate and authoritative security materials to solve law enforcement problems.
  • Consider and critically evaluate different solutions to a problem and contemplate the consequences of each solution for future Criminal Justice developments.
  • Provide substantiated responses based on students acquired advanced knowledge.
  • Provide responsible and expert advice on an appropriate course of action.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critically interpret Criminal Justice text within a contextual framework.
  • Reflect on views expressed in text and critically evaluate and debate these.
  • Skilfully use sophisticated policing text to substantiate arguments and support recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Draft and interpret complex policing documents.
  • Provide expert opinions on complicated security issues.
  • Demonstrate the required advanced academic knowledge to play a leading role as an academic or in managing security and in shaping the law enforcement dispensation.
  • Skilfully use technology, responsibly, effectively and appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Reflect on and critically evaluate security theory and practice d.
  • Recognise areas in need of security development or law enforcement reform.
  • Apply historical and/or comparative methods to develop answers to current issues and complex problems.
  • Interpret the law enforcement implications of South African conditions in both regional and global perspectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Realise and act in accordance with the ethics and code of conduct required from security officers.
  • Understand own responsibility as a leading security officer in a constitutional democracy and act accordingly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Use acquired advanced skills and knowledge to advance law enforcement awareness within the community.
  • Reflect upon complex problems in society and responsible solutions are sought and considered.
  • Interpreted and apply the underlying constitutional values to diverse problems in society.
  • Show advanced awareness and tolerance of diversity and seek harmonizing solutions.
  • Deal with conflicting interests within a community, locally, regionally as well as globally.
  • Harmonise conflicting interests arising from horizontal and vertical relationships.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes and applied competence. Students will be required to use appropriate methods and skills to apply detailed knowledge of the security issues in practical situations and to display the skills required from law enforcement practitioners in a variety of contexts typical of the demands set for postgraduate students. Learning and assessments are integrated. Formative assessment is a continuous and personal process of interaction between lecturers and students. It includes supervision of the dissertation and students will be provided with feedback. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Countries such as Zambia and the United States of America offers the Masters of Arts in Security Management fields which are comparable with the MA in Security Management that the institution wants to offer.

    Zambia:
    The University of Africa offers Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (MCJ) that provide learners with the competencies required to function at a supervisory and management level within the Criminal Justice (law enforcement) environment. Through achievement of this qualification, managers within the Criminal Justice environment will be able to ensure improved service, professionalism and quality of service delivery thereby contributing to the creation of public trust and providing a safe and secure community environment, which will enhance economic growth. The outcome of this qualification is achieved in any relevant context within the Criminal Justice environment, and specifically includes the public and private police, the prosecuting authority, correctional (prison) and social welfare services. It equips learners to be able to independently manage processes to enhance professionalism of the Criminal Justice System.

    Unites States of America:
    The Georgetown University offers MA in Security Studies, which is a multidisciplinary qualification designed to prepare graduates for positions within the defence and security fields. The qualification s overarching mission is to produce a new generation of analysts, policymakers, and scholars fully knowledgeable about the range of international and national security problems and foreign policy issues of the 21st Century. Its curriculum is designed to give students an array of course options which provide a solid foundation in core security issues. The depth and breadth of its qualification stimulate students to pursue their intellectual and professional interests.

    The MA in Security Studies is designed to give students a solid grounding in the concepts, history, and substance of national and international security problems; as well as the skills to conduct original research and analysis on contemporary security issues. Its goals are to enable students to:
  • Identify, understand, and analyse critical national and international security issues.
  • Learn about theoretical approaches and real-life challenges, working with both leading scholars and outstanding practitioners.
  • Apply that knowledge as they analyse, evaluate, and formulate security policy. While studying, students develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills through a coherent yet flexible curriculum tailored to students' intellectual and professional interests.
  • Acquire the skills to conduct original research and analysis on contemporary security issues.

    Unites States of America:
    The American Military University offers Master of Arts in Security Management that equips security professionals to strengthen and protect enterprise systems and human capital from current and emerging threats. It covers cyber security, data forensics, risk mitigation, executive protection, homeland security, or public safety and is relevant to respective industries. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation possibilities:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Criminology, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Corrections Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Police Science, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor Literature and Philosophy in Criminology, Level 10.
  • Doctor Literature and Philosophy in Police Science, 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.
     
    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.