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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Decision-making, Knowledge Dynamics and Values 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105664  Master of Philosophy in Decision-making, Knowledge Dynamics and Values 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  New Level Assignment Pend.  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 
The Master of Philosophy in Decision-making, Knowledge Dynamics and Values equips learners with a broad and multi or interdisciplinary understanding of central dimensions of a problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) from the perspective of the humanities (including the social sciences).

The qualification enables learners to generate a range of approaches to this problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) and to enable learners to participate successfully in the search of solutions. It further prepares learners to participate in scholarly or public debates on the relevant problem (complexes) or phenomenon or phenomenon (clusters) and to convey their understanding about these to others.

Rationale:
The qualification prepares learners for doctoral work and produces learners who have the knowledge base that enables them to identify and help solve significant problems in the private and the public sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) policy in place and is available as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The ARPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level totalling Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Master research skills and the logic of scholarly argument and the art of public debate.
    2. Develop capacity for theoretical, self-reflexive critical thinking, and solving of problems.
    3. Think in terms of theory, as an instrument for understanding reality.
    4. Work systematically and independently in approaching and solving abstract and complex problems.
    5. Present and challenge scholarly positions in forums/publications of substance.
    6. Identify and apply criteria of relevance and significance pertinent to various contexts of inquiry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Have a broad knowledge of the theoretical, methodological, and the practical traditions relevant to a particular problem (complex).
  • Be familiar with the academic, ethical and professional standards in the disciplines dealing with the relevant issues.
  • Identify and critically analyse the relevant dimensions of a specific problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) or professional field.
  • Critically appraise accepted solutions to the relevant problems by identifying and evaluating the assumptions on which they rest.
  • Develop and apply, in a self-critical way, new/more adequate solutions to these problems.
  • Report findings in the appropriate scholarly format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment includes examining a thesis or a series of interrelated assignments that reflect the desired outcomes. The thesis or series of assignments represents an integrated summation of the level of knowledge and insight gained by the successful learner as well as of his/her academic and communicative abilities.

    Formative and summative assessments include written and oral examinations, practice-oriented assignments, simulations, case studies, and work-place evaluations of the learner's understanding of the theoretical and trans-disciplinary dimensions of an issue, and a thesis or research assignment or series of assignments that has to display the desired problem-solving and research-based outcomes.

    The appropriate kinds of assessment are used in an integrated manner to determine whether the specified outcomes have been achieved. The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy (Information and Knowledge Management), NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy, NQF 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.