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 Human Movement Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115194  Master of Human Movement Science 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
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 Human Movement Science allows for the advancement of research skills and its application to a specific field in the study of Human Movement Science, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge. It allows for evidence-based development of the discipline and also prepares learners to pursue Doctoral research studies.

By the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Master theoretically sophisticated subject matter in the specialised field of sport and exercise science.
  • Demonstrate an ability to define and respond to research problems in a manner that expands or redefines existing knowledge.
  • Demonstrate a capacity for independent study.
  • Challenge orthodox theory and practice for good reasons and suggest new approaches.
  • Effectively interact and engage in debate within the academic community and public/private sectors.
  • Work effectively in research teams in generating solutions for existing or newly defined questions.
  • Demonstrate appropriate academic values, including flexibility, tolerance and responsiveness while understanding the temporality of all knowledge.

    Rationale:
    The University due to its extensive experience in the field of human movement science is central in serving the Eastern Cape Province with the need for knowledgeable, competent and innovative researchers addressing problems in the field of sport and exercise science. The University houses the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport and offers the scientific support to the academy which serves the province. The availability of suitably qualified researchers is important to ensure high-level inputs in the field of sport and exercise science, catering for high-performance sport as well as health promotion through physical activity and exercise.

    The Master of Human Movement Science is a follow-up for the current Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics and the Bachelor of Human Movement Science Honours in Coaching Science, both at NQF Level 8.

    Additionally, the qualification provides a path for developing new knowledge in the field of Human Movement Science - across a wide range of related fields pertaining to sport and exercise science, health and well-being, high performance sport and sport development and recreation, all of which will also be a contribution to higher education and equip learners for work opportunities in these fields.

    Furthermore, learners from this qualification moving into Doctoral studies can be developed as future supervisors within this field. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification plus suitable experiential or work-based learning. Such learners may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a portfolio of evidence of the prior learning been done. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum by enrolling for preliminary modules before admission or parallel modules after admission. This would be done according to the University's RPL Policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Human Movement or a four-year professional Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 8. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and find a solution to the problems, displaying critical and creative thinking in the process.
    2. Work effectively with others in a team, group, organisation, community.
    3. Organise themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Execute a successful research project in the field of Human Movement Science.
  • Adhere to the minimum criteria for a dissertation.
  • Adhere to minimum criteria for a conference paper or journal article.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master's dissertation will be assessed for applied competence. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: United Kingdom.
  • Institution: University of Roehampton.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Sport and Exercise Science.

    The purpose of the UK qualification is to provide learners with essential tools to make the transition from postgraduate study to further study (PhD) or employment. The UK qualification also provides learners with the decision to specialise in their area of interest. Learners will produce a research dissertation which will provide evidence of focused research, informed and framed by theoretical understanding; demonstration of skills and understanding of the processes required for good research practice. Taking Research Methods modules will equip them with a comprehensive understanding of research methods. Learners will be able to provide evidence of the understanding of a conceptual, practical and analytical framework for research and employment in the field of sport and exercise science. They will develop transferable skills, as well as discipline-specific skills required for further study (PhD) or in the context of future employment.

    Conclusion:
    Both the South African qualification and the UK qualification has a dissertation on a specific research topic.
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science.

    The Australian qualification targets the development of research skills in sport and exercise science, in combination with skills required as an accredited sport scientist. Learners are required to present a dissertation or research output such as two journal articles.

    Conclusion:
    Both the South African qualification and the Australian qualification have a similar dissertation - covering a wide area in sport and exercise science, submitted for external examination.
  • Country: United States of America.
  • Institution: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Human Movement Science.

    Learners with a Master of Science in Movement Science study human movement in depth from different perspectives. The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to gain valuable and relevant research experience focused on topics related to the learners' interests and can include areas such as obesity, diabetes, movement-based rehabilitation, and learning and adaptation of motor behaviour across the lifespan. An important aspect of the qualification is the flexibility in research areas which allow learners to tailor their course of study to fit individual interests.

    Conclusion:
    The research component is common to both the South African and American qualifications. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science, 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. Nelson Mandela University 



    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.