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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Mindfulness 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111249  Master of Philosophy in Mindfulness 
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  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to train researchers that can contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of mindfulness-based interventions at an advanced level. The qualification will afford the individual the necessary training, supervision and support to be able to reflect critically on theory and its application by means of an advanced research thesis.

Rationale:
Despite the increasing volume of mindfulness research internationally there is a paucity of research within the field of mindfulness-based interventions in the African context. The rationale for the qualification is to develop a South African (and African), context-sensitive research base for the application and implementation of mindfulness approaches in diverse aspects of South African society. It will also foster, train and develop a diverse range of competent researchers who can innovatively contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field of mindfulness-based interventions at an advanced level. This knowledge has the potential to benefit the health and welfare of our society as has been demonstrated and described in other countries. This qualification will also allow successful qualifying learners to continue with Doctoral Studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification conforms to the institution's policies of Assessment Practices and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL). The policy document clearly states the procedures and processes to be followed, including those related to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The policy stipulates that the responsibility for implementation of the ARPL resides with the Dean of the Faculty. ARPL policy and practices at departmental level is subject to an in-depth and thorough process of self-evaluation and external peer evaluation as a compulsory requirement in the process of periodical and comprehensive departmental evaluation. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has an ARPL policy, to which any application for RPL must comply. Applications for RPL from prospective learners will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

A learner may be granted RPL for exemption and/or CAT for credits of a qualification. RPL for exemption and/or CAT will be accorded per module. Modules will be recognised where the curriculum, outcomes, credits and NQF level of the relevant module broadly match those of the required module in the programme for which the learner wishes to enrol. Recognition will also be accorded to modules where the content included additional work.

Should a learner wish to be considered for admission to the qualification based on RPL the following additional aspect may apply:
> If the documentation presented by the learner does not enable the relevant programme committee to make a decision, the committee may request a personal interview with the learner as final assessment (with at least two academic staff present).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor's Degree in health, education, business or social sciences, e.g. nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Honours Degree in health, education, business or social sciences, e.g. nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in health, education, business or social sciences, e.g. nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, Level 8.
    Or
  • An equivalent mindfulness qualification at Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a research module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of research practice within the field of mindfulness-based interventions.
    2. Perform research independently and make sound judgements using the data and information at their disposal.
    3. Communicate findings effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define a research topic dealing with a significant issue relevant to mindfulness-based interventions.
  • Systematically review and summarise the literature pertaining to the topic.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Phrase a clear research question(s) and aims relevant to the field of Mindfulness.
  • Appropriately use methods to conduct the enquiry.
  • Perform statistical analytic procedures for handling data as well as qualitative research.
  • Interpret the results and discuss it in relation to the aims of the study in the context of previous literature.
  • Demonstrate independent and critical judgement.
  • Demonstrate appropriate computer skills, including conducting a literature search, using data management software, word processing and presentation software.
  • Demonstrate that the thesis contributes to existing knowledge within the field of mindfulness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Draw conclusions.
  • Make recommendations and.
  • Write up findings in a manuscript format acceptable for submission to a peer reviewed scientific, academic or professional journal accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment during supervision sessions and monitoring of research progress. Learner progress will be regularly monitored and via feedback, learners will be helped to identify and build on their strengths, while working on identified weaknesses.

    Summative Assessment will be via assessment of the final thesis and will be done by two independent examiners, one of whom will be an external examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is internationally comparable with the Master of Science in Mindfulness offered by the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of this c qualification is to provide training in Mindfulness and explore its application to a chosen professional context. In addition, a teacher training pathway is offered.

    The Master of Science in Mindfulness is run as a Partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the Mindfulness Association Ltd, with the Mindfulness Association delivering the experiential training in Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight, and the University delivering the academic training.

    The qualification includes the following integrated elements:
  • Developing a mindfulness practice.
  • Studying mindfulness - its evidence base, areas of application and critiques.
  • Researching the application of mindfulness to a chosen professional context, such as health, education or business.
  • Learning to teach mindfulness in accordance with the guidelines of the UK Network for Mindfulness Teachers. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Addiction Psychiatry, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Old Age Psychiatry, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Psychosomatic Medicine, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Doctor of Philosophy, 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.