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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Computer Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115073  Master of Science in Computer Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer 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 primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Master of Science in Computer Science learners with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence within a specialised Computing field of study to enable them to do independent research. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with learners with advanced knowledge of Computer Science in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can play an innovative role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society and who are empowered to play that role.

Rationale:
The Master of Science in Computer Science qualification articulates from Computing, Data Communication and Information Systems, enabling learners the opportunity to specialise in these and related areas. The qualification is designed as a response to meet the Mobile e-services sector needs of the ICT industry in consultation with the SATNAC community of academics and professionals. Upon completion, the learner will be ready to provide well-researched solutions to complex industry, civil society and organisational problems using ICT specialised knowledge. The qualification prepares an Honours holder with appropriate Engineering/Technology/Computing background with skills required for the digital economy and age. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be conducted following the Policy and Procedures for its of the institution. RPL is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the institution. This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a learner to a qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding mature age exemption category of exemption for admission to undergraduate qualifications), but the learner has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.

All potential learners who do not have an honours qualification in Computer Science need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning, which should give them access to the qualification, need to apply to the Head of the Department of Computer Science for recognition of prior learning. Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Computer Science clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted. The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented flexibly. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this should not be to the detriment of the potential learners and that his/her chances of success are reasonable. The RPL Committee will assess the competencies of these learners.

Entry Requirements:
  • Cognate Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Module:
  • Research Dissertation, 180 Credits, Level 9. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct independent research that shows potential to contribute to the discipline.
    2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the topics as specified by the discipline or field of study.
    3. Effectively communicate the defined area of research within the discipline/field of study and the results of that research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1:
  • Search the literature and extract relevant references.
  • Define the scope of the research.
  • Apply relevant research procedures to investigate the given problem.
  • Process, analyse and present data.
  • Formulate a clear research hypothesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2:
  • Provide a critical overview of the relevant topics.
  • Apply acquired knowledge to solving problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 3:
  • Arrange the contents of the dissertation logically and coherently.
  • Use technical presentation, layout and language that conform to standards expected for submission to a recognised scientific journal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    At least two non-supervising reviewers assess submitted proposals and subsequently recommended by the supervisor to be orally presented before a Faculty Panel. The accepted proposal is then ethically cleared before being recommended to the University Higher Degrees Committee via the Faculty Board of Science and Agriculture. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.

    Assessment will include input from two external examiners of which at least one should be from a country other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with the institution. All examiners are recommended by the Department Head in consultation with Supervisor/co-supervisor(s) and their names are forwarded for appointment by the Higher Degrees Committee on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Science and Agriculture.

    The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

    After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved by the Faculty Examiners Committee, the Faculty Dean makes the examiners' report available to the Head of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the learner and the other examiners if requested. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with Australian type of MSc by research which is not common in the African continent. Internationally speaking, the qualification was compared with same qualifications offered at Monash University Melbourne Australia, University of Ibadan, Nigeria and University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY, USA.

    The qualification is similar to theirs concerning the innovation-led enquiry being the driving force; it is, however, different in that all of them took the course-work route, which means less time is devoted to the core innovation-led enquiry. This qualification, therefore, excels in research component with emphasis on cutting-edge innovation and guarantee of extending the frontier of Computing field. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master's Degree, Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Science: Computer 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.
     
    1. University of Zululand 


    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.