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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115033  Master of Science 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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  Life 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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification seeks to equip the learner with a sound, in depth, theoretical knowledge in the area of the chosen field of study and to train students to acquire such knowledge from primary publications and original source material.

The qualification will contribute to the national pool of scientists who have sufficient technical competence and critical intellectual ability to ensure the future of scientific endeavour.

Rationale:
On completion of this qualification learners will have mastered scientific methods of research in a chosen field or discipline, and will be capable of specialised practice within a science-based or science-supported career, so building South Africa's scientific community.

This qualification will ensure that learners have a mastery of the subject so that they have the ability to manage complexity to put forward a defendable viewpoint and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.

Learners will acquire a rigorous training in research techniques and methodology at a high level and to be able to communicate their findings in a scholarly and scientifically coherent manner.
The qualification will train learners who aspire to the highest level of academic work and to promote an approach based on sound academic integrity and professional ethics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the direct admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the institution that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning.

Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps:
  • The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence as indicated by the Department.
  • The internal assessor, will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Thesis, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve problems and thinking critically and creatively in designing, executing and reporting in a specialised area.
    2. Collect, organise, analyse and evaluate information by data collection and its synthesising into a logical contribution to the knowledge in the particular field chosen for study.
    3. Work effectively with specialised scientists in the particular field at a high academic level.
    4. Manage one's own time to achieve execution of a research plan and integrate all the conflicting information pertinent to the study.
    5. Communicate, particularly in scientific terms, in internationally acceptable style both verbally and in written reports and publications.
    6. Use Science and Technology to contribute to the knowledge and understanding in the field is an overt outcome of this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply knowledge of research methodologies and techniques applicable to the generation and analysis of data.
  • Critically review of evidence for addressing complex problems.
  • Comprehend sophisticated subject matters and advanced theory applicable to a field.
  • Critically evaluate literature, and data, to cope with contradictions and make defendable judgements.
  • Organise and manage research activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Display effective interaction with professional groups.
  • Demonstrate an ability of self-reflexivity and adaptability.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integrated assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 9.
    a) A variety of assignments, exercises, seminars, written tasks, written and oral examinations (as appropriate) are used to demonstrate the ability to meet the Exit Level Outcomes.
    b) Activities such as assignments, essays, reports and discussions are monitored to assess and lack of sensitivity corrected or debated.
    c) Compliance with deadlines without sacrificing quality of work is used to show competence in.
    d) The presentation of seminars and projects/research reports supported by the use of appropriate computer technology for graph drawing, calculations are used.
    e) All MSc learners are required to produce a project/research report(s). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institution: Otago University.
    Qualification: Master of Science (MSc).

    This qualification is similar to the South African qualification as far as purpose and structure is concerned. However, the South African qualification is pure research with no course work needed. Both qualifications provide learners with an opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of Sydney.
    Qualification: Master of Philosophy (Science).

    This qualification is similar to the South African qualification as far as purpose and structure is concerned. However, the South African qualification is pure research with no opportunity for course work as it is the case with the qualification from the University of Sydney. Both qualifications provide learners with an opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Science NQF Level 9.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    The qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Master of Science in Applied Chemistry.
  • Master of Science in Botany.
  • Master of Science in Geology.
  • Master of Science in Human Geography.
  • Master of Science in Nature Conservation.
  • Master of Science in Pharmacy.
  • Master of Science in Textile Science.
  • Master of Science in Zoology. 
    		•

    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.