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 Geography

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112982	Master of Science in Geography
ORIGINATOR
North West University
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		Environmental Relations
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 Geography aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Geography. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Geography. Learners gain the ability to function as productive and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new experience in the chosen field of study. Consequently, learners contribute towards the improved understanding of Geography. 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 qualified-learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Geography. The qualified-learner with expert knowledge may enter the labour market and is equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification develops experts in the field of Geography to ensure that the base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity grows. This growth includes high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Qualifying learners undertake all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Learners who complete this qualification are employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at higher education institutions, as researchers. These learners are ready to commence with doctoral studies.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The RPL execution is according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences manages the process.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the institution ensures that quality assurance processes address the specificities of the RPL process and that administrative and support systems, are in place.

The institution ensures that learners NQF meet Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission into this master's qualification is:

Cognate Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF, Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totaling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module 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 Geography; 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 Geography.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Geography, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Geography 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 Geography.
7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Geography; also demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Geography research.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify and formulate a problem statement.

Investigate existing knowledge thoroughly as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.

Solve the research problem appropriately.

Evaluate the results scientifically in the context of the problem statement.

Communicate all the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply 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 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 collective 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:

Apply methods of information communication for use by others, especially in the world of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (with emphasis on those of Geography).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within limitations and skills, can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

Integrated Assessment:
The evaluation of the learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills occurs in 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 during essay-writing.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Geography offered by United States' University of Kansas in terms of the following:

Both qualifications share purpose and outcomes with a different modular structure. The two qualifications share the objective to provide the qualified-learners with an in-depth knowledge of the methods and scientific basis of research. The education builds on the competencies the learners have acquired during the Bachelor of Science qualification. Both qualifications require that learners perform research at advanced levels and analyse and solve questions and problems within the broad field of Geography. The Master of Science in Geography offered by the University of Kansas is a coursework qualification while the Master of Science in Geography offered by the institution is by research only.

Both qualifications qualify achieving learners for Doctoral of Philosophy qualifications with a focus in Geographical studies in academia and industry as well as in related occupational fields.

This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Geography offered at the University of Kansas. However, this qualification is unique, greatly influenced in its design is by the South African context.

This qualification is also similar to the Master of Science in Geography offered by the University of Zambia in terms of the following:

Both qualifications focus on providing specialist knowledge within the area of Geography. Furthermore, both qualifications seek to produce qualified-learners with advanced spatial skills and the ability to address complex geographical problems facing human society today. These challenges include climate change, water scarcity and pollution, demographic changes, biodiversity loss and impacts of globalisation. Although both qualifications have a strong research component, the qualification structures are different.

Both qualifications articulate to a doctoral study with a focus on advanced studies in the field of Geography.

This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Geography offered at the University of Zambia. However, this qualification is unique because the influence of its design is the South African context.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Science in Environmental Science, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Geography, 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.

1.	North West University