SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Animal Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111418  Master of Science in Animal Science 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
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 Master of Science in Animal Science is aimed at producing competent, ethical and professional Animal Science Researchers and Practitioners, who will have advanced knowledge and skills to fill the need of South Africa for Agricultural Practitioners. Qualifying learners will be able to conduct research and solve problems typical to the South African agricultural context. The qualification is thus responsive to the agricultural needs of the South African population in its diverse contexts. This qualification will empower learners to study further for a Doctoral Degree.

Rationale:
South Africa is a developing country in need of agricultural specialists who can focus not only on the enhancement of the quality of the work life of its citizens, but also research problems specific to this field, and be employed as animal scientists. The rationale stems from the need to train Animal Science Researchers and Academics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification.

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Science, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Level 8 with Animal Science as a specialisation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises the following compulsory module worth 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of animal science theories and principles and apply them to problems in this field.
    2. Independently appraise research problems, conduct research and interpret findings within the context of current scientific knowledge.
    3. Demonstrate an appropriate level of problem identification and conceptualisation skills to focus on complex, sometimes realistic, but often abstract research problems.
    4. Integrate theory, technical information and appropriate methods to analyse and solve agricultural, resource and rural-related problems in animal agriculture.
    5. Communicate/disseminate research and technical information, including the practical implications of research findings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A research problem is identified,
  • Research is carried out ethically using theories and methods appropriate to the field and problem,
  • Information is gathered from a wide range of sources, analysed, managed and stored for future use,
  • A research dissertation is compiled containing the research findings, recommendations and conclusions,
  • Research findings and recommendations are communicated to a range of audiences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Approval of the research proposal forms the first step in the assessment process and is a requirement for progression with the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is done by two external examiners, all experts in the field of the specialisation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Master of Science in Animal Science qualification is, with regard to the standard of outcomes and assessment, depth and complexity, as well as the notional study hours, comparable to similar qualifications in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science, Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Animal Science, 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.