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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111183  Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  Industrial & Organisational Governance and Human Resource Development 
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  2019-08-16  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 
The main purpose of the Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology, Level 9 is to provide Graduates with the ability to discuss and critically analyse theories and methodology of Industrial Sociology that will allow them to contribute to the current debates in the Industrial Sociology field. Learners graduating with this qualification will apply this knowledge to issues related to Industrial Sociology in the South African context. A qualifying learner will also be able to plan, design and execute research using relevant methodology and report on the findings. A learner will be able to understand, interpret, analyse and present research data.

A qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Search, organise and interpret information.
  • Use information and communication technologies in an academic environment.
  • Write a research proposal and report.
  • Write academic paper/s.
  • Orally present and defend an argument based on evidence.
  • Engage peers critically in a constructive manner.
  • Discuss theory and methodologies of Industrial Sociology.
  • Critically describe and apply industrial sociology models and constructs to social problems the South African contexts.

    Rationale:
    The University of Zululand Department of Sociology is already offering a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Sociology, Level 8 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Sociology, Level 10 which means that the vertical articulation route has a gap at Level 9. This fills that gap. The qualification will allow learners to be able to discuss, analyse and apply the theory and methodologies of Industrial Sociology, which will allow them to apply their knowledge to issues pertinent to the field.

    A qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Search for information, organise and interpret it.
  • Use information and communication technologies in an academic environment.
  • Write a research proposal and report.
  • Write academic paper/s.
  • Orally present and defend an argument based on evidence.
  • Engage peers critically in a constructive manner.
  • Discuss theory and methodologies of Industrial Sociology.
  • Critically describe and apply industrial sociology models and constructs to social problems in South African contexts. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The Recognition of Prior Learning is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access to learning.

    RPL will be used in the admission of a learner to the qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met, but the learner has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.

    Learners, who want to be granted credits for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, will be assessed through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial Sociology, Level 8. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification will be completed by research only, i.e. the completion of the module:

    Field Research in Industrial Sociology, (180 Credits). 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Construct different theoretical models in Industrial Sociology to specific social problems in South African contexts.
    2. Use science and technology effectively showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others and reflect on this process at an advanced level.
    3. Design, plan and execute a research task based on a theoretical framework within an authentic context.
    4. Search for appropriate resources employing a range of learning strategies and technologies within the field of Industrial Sociology.
    5. Demonstrate responsibility towards other members of society.
    6. Use employment seeking and entrepreneurial skills in the field of Industrial Sociology.
    7. Develop innovative solutions to problems and challenges facing the country.
    8. Display cultural sensitivity to people from different cultures based on theoretical knowledge and reflect on this process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Display cultural sensitivity to people from different cultures based on theoretical knowledge and reflect on this process:
  • Social problems in South Africa are identified.
  • Theoretical constructs and models to solve the identified problems are developed and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The potential harmful effects of technology on the environment are identified and explained.
  • The responsible use of technology and science to show responsibility towards the environment and health of others is identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A research question is formulated within authentic context.
  • The differences between methodological approaches to social research are explained.
  • Appropriate data collection techniques are selected and used.
  • Research data is accurately interpreted.
  • The importance of upholding high ethical standards in conducting research is demonstrated.
  • The limitations of research design is recognised.
  • Issues of validity and reliability raised by research design are addressed.
  • The validity and reliability of the study are defended.
  • Research findings are accurately reported.
  • Research reports in an appropriate register are written.
  • Research reports are structured in an appropriate and transparent manner and make logical coherent arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A range of learning strategies and technologies are employed to search for appropriate resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 5 for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Responsibility towards other members of the society is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 6 for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Employment seeking and entrepreneurial skills are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 6 for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Innovative solutions to problems and challenges facing the country are developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 8 for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Display cultural sensitivity to people from different cultures based on theoretical knowledge.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous Assessment practices will form an important part of the design of the qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and a coherent assessment strategy is in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and Summative Assessment strategies.

    Formative Assessment:
    A range of formative assessment strategies will be used, such as, short essays, oral presentations to a group of peers, and practical computer-based activities, personal interviews and practical projects. Opportunities for peer assessment will be included.

    Summative Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes include the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report will be used. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology is designed to produce learners to be able to discuss, analyse and apply the theory and methodologies of Industrial Sociology in application to a variety of issues pertinent to the field. Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Search for information, organise and interpret it;
  • Use information and communication technologies in an academic environment;
  • Write a research proposal and report;
  • Write academic paper/s;
  • Orally present and defend an argument based on evidence;
  • Engage peers critically in a constructive manner;
  • Discuss theory and methodologies of Industrial Sociology;
  • Critically describe and apply industrial sociology models and constructs to social problems in the South African contexts.

    The qualification is similar to a number of international qualifications in the discipline, and notably to those indicated below.

    The University of Oxford (United Kingdom):
    The University of Oxford offers a Master of Science in Sociology which has the same outcomes as those of this qualification. The stated aim of the qualification is similar, and the MSc provides learners with research training in sociology which includes knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and an understanding of their application to substantive problems and skills in the use of major research techniques. The outcomes and the qualification proposes demonstrate a high degree of similarity, despite the difference in the name and type.

    London School of Economics (LSE) (United Kingdom):
    The MSc Sociology offered by the LSE is designed to provide training in sociological theory, methodology, and key areas of sociological research. The MSc Sociology is designed to create and understanding and develop analysis of global challenges, for example, in the areas of political sociology, the sociology of economic life, and urban sociology.

    University of Nairobi (Kenya):
    The University of Nairobi offers a Master of Arts in Sociology that addresses a wide range of theoretical, research and social development areas both in research and content. Although a coursework Master's, research is a key component of the qualification, with a specific focus on current research in community development. The outcomes and stated purpose of both qualifications are similar, although the Kenyan qualification includes several modules of relevance to Social Work, its adjunct field.

    The Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology compares favourably to its international counterparts, with its focus on research methods, theoretical approaches, and contemporary sociological issues. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Sociology, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Sociology, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Arts in Industrial Sociology, 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.
     
    1. University of Zululand 



    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.