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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110270  Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
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  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
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 enhance the understanding of Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies as both a discipline with a strong emphasis on cases studies in the South African and African context; equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, conducting and producing research on conflict transformation and peace studies; develop learners with advanced knowledge in conflict transformation and peace studies; allow learners the opportunity to develop academically in the field of conflict transformation and peace studies; develop skilled conflict transformation and peace studies practitioners.

Rationale:
The qualification (coursework) aims at producing learners who are equipped to understand and address the conflict transformation and peace issues confronting Africa. Thus the courses aim at using and creating African scholarship in conflict transformation and peace studies. It aims to develop skilled researchers and practitioners in this field. The curriculum has been and continues to be that of relevancy to the South African and African context. The qualification will develop skills capacity amongst postgraduates in a manner that makes them relevant to national skills' needs and requirements. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution. An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies, National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 192 Credits:
  • Short Dissertation: Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies, 96 Credits.
  • Restorative Justice, 16 Credits.
  • African Approaches to Conflict Transformation, 16 Credits.
  • Research Design & Implementation, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Themes in Peace & Conflict Transformation, 16 Credits.
  • Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law, 16 Credits.
  • Theory and Practice of Non-violence, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Enhance knowledge of peace studies, conflict prevention, conflict analysis, conflict transformation and post-conflict recovery based on recent research evidenced by the essays submitted and the examinations taken.
    2. Analyse, synthesise and inter-relate theories and concepts relevant to conflict transformation through essays, class room discussions and seminar presentations.
    3. Acquire an independent research and problem solving skills.
    4. Research and prepare seminar presentations that will enable learners to develop independent project skills.
    5. Communicate logically and effectively both in written and oral presentations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research, including research design, methods, research processes and methods of data analysis, apply this knowledge and skills by conceptualising a research problem and developing a cogent research proposal, design (and where applicable to the Degree requirement conduct) applied quantitative or qualitative research, acquire basic skills to analyse, summarise, present and interpret qualitative and/ quantitative data.
  • Demonstrate research skills and analytical ability.
  • Reflect upon the content and skills in an integrated fieldwork simulation exercise.
  • Demonstrate application of the theoretical knowledge gained in a practical setting.
  • Demonstrate ability to access, outline, evaluate and synthesise the current state of critical/theoretical debate.
  • Engage with and become familiar with the critical reviews of recent literature on relevant topics within the national and international context of policy and development studies.
  • Develop a research proposal, identify, collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, implement different research styles, present data, and reference material correctly, communicate effectively in written presentation, and undertake independent research projects.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical material covered in class in a limited period.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The approach and methods of assessment are multi-mode, incorporate both formative and summative assessment and are designed to assess different competencies of the learners. All the modules have both a formative and summative assessment. The assessment will come in the form of pieces of work given to learners by lecturers in the duration of each course. Assessment is centred on real world research driven problems to ensure skills transfer and real-world relevance to content and to ladder into dissertation topics and methodologies. The type of work that learners will be assessed on includes the following seminars, namely, individual research papers, group research projects, oral presentations and their final dissertation. Each assignment is designed to be research-driven and have maximum feedback through seminar based presentations and peer interaction. In order for the assessment purposes to be achieved, dissertation, research proposals, written seminars on selected topics and to some extent written research papers will form exams will form part of assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Public Administration, Level 10.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Governance and Political Transformation, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.