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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110970  Master of Science 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide an opportunity for students to prove that they have a depth of understanding in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills specific to a particular area in science, through supervised research. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learning already in place:
Before students register for this qualification they need to have:
  • A minimum level of expertise proved through their student record (or equivalent).

    Entrance requirements:
  • An Honours Degree in the core discipline in which they wish to prove their Master's capabilities.
    Or.
  • A four-year degree in the core discipline in which they wish to prove their Master's capabilities.
    Or.
  • A qualification deemed by Senate to be equivalent to the above. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical Outcomes:
    Graduates of the programme will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of research- and topic-related concepts, principles and acquired knowledge in Science.
    2. Demonstrate innovative problem solving skills to answer the question(s) or prove or disprove the hypotheses stated in the situation of concern & problem statement by analysing data collected using quantitative and qualitative methods.
    3. Demonstrate effective oral and written modes of communication in English by:
  • Presenting results at conferences, research seminars or through journal papers; and.
  • In a written dissertation with recognition of intellectual property rights.
    4. Demonstrate the use of science and technology effectively and critically.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to transfer the application of knowledge and skills across contexts by using existing studies and knowledge applied to the particular questions or hypotheses involved in this research project.

    Process outcomes:
    Graduates of the programme should be able to:
    6. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team effectively, considerately and responsibly, through effective collaboration with their supervisor(s) and other possible members of the research team.
    7. Demonstrate the necessary applied thinking, learning and research skills, for the project to be a success.
    8. Demonstrate learning independence through effective project management skills - for example: time-management, resource management and people management.
    9. Motivate how the results of the research are a benefit to society and that recommendations are made responsibly.
    10. Motivate how the procedures followed in the research process and any recommendations made, demonstrate cultural, social and environmental awareness, where relevant.
    11. Have a broader understanding of the career opportunities for a scientist in both the industrial and education sectors, in order to take advantage of what is on offer.
    12. Utilise the available opportunities for research opportunities & funding better through gaining an understanding on how the academic accreditation system for research works and how to solicit funding from both public and private sectors sources. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The various types of assessment within the programme is linked to the Outcomes and the Modules in "Integrated Assessment".

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment Practice: Formative.
  • Regular meetings with supervisor(s) to provide feedback and guidance on the theoretical and practical aspects of the research project.
    Outcome(s): 6,7,8,9,10,11,12.
    Module(s): Treatise/Dissertation.
  • Draft submissions of any written work.

    Outcome(s): 3.
    Module(s): Treatise/Dissertation.
  • Oral presentations made to the Department to obtain a broader perspective.
    Outcome(s): 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10.
    Module(s): Treatise/Dissertation.


    Assessment Practice: Summative.
  • Examination.
    Outcome(s): see core discipline.
    Module(s): Coursework.
  • A treatise or dissertation describing the research methods used, the research and conclusions drawn from the research.
    Outcome(s): 1,2,3,4,5.
    Module(s): Treatise/Dissertation.
  • Upon request, the student may be required to defend the research project to test communication, understanding, capacity to think quickly under pressure and knowledge of procedures.

    Outcomes: 1,3,5.
    Module(s): Treatise/Dissertation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    General Articulation after Successful Completion.

    Qualifying graduates will have access to:
  • The Degree of Philosophiae Doctor or Doctor Scientiae in the core discipline(s) at University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) and equivalent higher education institutions.
  • Various qualifications in management, e.g. Master of Business Administration (M.B.A). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Unless otherwise specified in the discipline specific section:
  • External examiners.
  • External reviewers (Faculty Review/Quality Assurance). 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the relevant area of the core discipline, active in academia.
    See "Notes" for discipline specific section. 

    NOTES 
    Core disciplines on which the programme may be based:
  • Applied Mathematics.
  • Computer Science.
  • Computer Aided Learning.
  • Mathematical Statistics.
  • Mathematics.
  • Physics. 
    		•

    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.