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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112878  Master of Science in Physics 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical 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 
The qualification aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of physics. The qualification aims to equip learners with specialist knowledge and practical understanding of physics. And also empower learners to function as competent and critical researchers. Critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new experience in the chosen field of study.
Successful completion of this qualification also provides learners with the possibility of further research at the doctoral level.

Rationale:
The qualification responds to the need to provide learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Physics. The qualifying learner with expert knowledge in physics may enter the labour market and is equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification delivers experts in the field of Physics to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is broad. These include the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Successful qualifying learners are capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with doctoral studies. Qualifying learners are employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The institution applies RPL according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) policy.
  • The institution implements quality assurance processes, which addresses the RPL process.
  • The RPL process includes the applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems, and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Cognate Bachelor Science Honours , NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 9,180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Physics; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
    2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Physics.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Physics, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
    4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Physics and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
    5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
    6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Physics.
    7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identification and formulation of a problem statement.
  • Thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
  • Solve a relevant research topic to solve the problem.
  • Evaluate scientific results in the context of the problem statement.
  • Communicate scientific results in the form of a dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply of natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
  • Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and solve open business and community problems.
  • Identify and utilise applications.
  • Work with standard fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
  • Use the appropriate structure, style and graphics and electronic support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while he/she can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The evaluation of the learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is through his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the learner writes the dissertation. The examination of the dissertation is by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: United Arab Emirates.
  • Institution: United Arab Emirates University.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Physics.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Physics offered by the United Arab Emirates University in terms of the following:
  • Both share purpose and outcomes with different modular structure. The Master of Science in Physics offered by the United Arab Emirates University is a coursework qualification while the Master of Science in Physics offered by the institution is by research only.
  • Both qualifications qualify learners for PhD qualifications with a focus on physics studies in academia and industry as well as in related occupational fields.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Physics offered at the United Arab Emirates University. However, this qualification is unique as the South African context greatly influences its design.
  • Country: New Zealand.
  • Institution: The University of Auckland.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Physics.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Physics offered by the University of Auckland in terms of the following:
  • Both have the same focus of providing specialist knowledge within the area of physics. Although they have a research component, the qualification structures are different.
  • Both qualifications articulate to a doctoral study with a focus on physics studies.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Physics offered at the University of Auckland. However, this qualification is unique as the South African context greatly influences its design. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Astrophysical Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Astrophysics and Space Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, 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.