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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110894  Master of Social Science 
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  General Social Science 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
74128  Master of Social Science  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  128  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in the human and social sciences, particularly in a specific discipline, who will be able to generate knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of a research supervisor.

Rationale:
The qualification aims to provide learners with specialised knowledge and competence in their areas of study. Learners will be able to contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development within the relevant commercial, industrial and state-related sectors associated with their disciplines. They will also be prepared to undertake Doctoral studies in their discipline. 

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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours, Level 8
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours, Level 8 or equivalent Level 8 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:
  • Dissertation: Sociology, 192 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in a chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
    2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
    3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing, implementing and analysing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
    4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
    5. Undertake independent research in their fields, however, under the guidance of a supervisor, and report on these in ways that show independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
    7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Knowledge of issues, problems, ideas, discourses, processes, structures and trends in the realm of the social sciences.
  • Competence in presenting arguments, data analysis, reports, and other written and oral assignments.
  • The comprehension and application of research methods, techniques and methodologies.
  • Carrying out an independent research project on a topic in the social sciences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification may take a mixed format comprising a creative contribution and a reflective research treatise that articulates with, and complements, the creative component. The weighting of the written research dissertation component should not be less than 50% of the entire mark, but could be 100%; or the Creative Component 50% and a minimum of 50% for the Critical Research. The dissertation ought to be aligned to and be complementary to the creative component.

    In keeping with all the qualification requirements, technical competence and a mastery of the field would be a necessary requirement for the creative component; while independence of vision, originality and critical engagement would be a requirement for a distinction. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Social Science in Gender Studies, Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Development Studies, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.