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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Mathematics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112327  Master of Science in Mathematics 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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  Mathematical Sciences 
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 Mathematics enables learners to develop a keen interest in the mathematical sciences by offering them a chance to study with a certain level of independence, a chosen topic in mathematics. The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop the intellectual, practical, and analytical skills of the learner to enable them to independently read, analyse, formulate, interpret, understand, communicate and apply Mathematics. The qualification prepares learners to evaluate existing mathematics regarding quality and applicability to other fields.

The qualification draws together traditional and modern mathematical techniques to enable learners to understand mathematical structures and problems better.

Rationale:
The qualification is developed in response to the need to formulate and solve problems in the mathematical field. The qualification will open a great many doors in the learner's future career. Regardless of whether the learner opts to work for a research institute or a university, learners will be well qualified for a variety of careers in Mathematics and be able to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. The qualification will address the shortage of qualified Mathematicians in the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the field or discipline in which the research work is undertaken.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
    3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the scope, limitations, and findings of the research work undertaken.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusions that may be inferred from the work in advancing science.
    5. Apply ethics, including intellectual property rights, in the handling and promotion of zoological resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Translate the title of the dissertation into a rigorous research plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret, analyse, and critique scientific literature.
  • Design and execute scientific projects.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply it in relation to the discipline.
  • Evaluate experimental design.
  • Collect and collate data in a scientific manner and present in tabular or graphical formats using appropriate computer qualification.
  • Analyse ecological and environmental data using parametric and non-parametric statistics and appropriate statistical software qualification.
  • Interpret the results and scientific inferences or reasonable conclusions such as ideas, patterns, principles, and perspectives drawn from the data.
  • Present the ideas systematically and cogently both orally and in writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Participate constructively in a conference/congress amid his/her peers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Respond satisfactorily to questions, comments, criticism about his/her research work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understand and demonstrate ethical considerations in the handling and promotion of zoological resources, including indigenous knowledge systems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is based on an approved dissertation. Two external examiners and at least one internal examiner assess the dissertation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics, NQF 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.