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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Communication Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115621  Master of Arts in Communication Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
4221  Master of Arts: General Communication Theory  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  256  Complete 
110504  Master of Arts in Fundamental Communication  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Master of Arts in Communication Studies is to develop the advanced applied competence of qualifying learners in general communication theory. Advanced applied capability implies the highly developed ability to acquire, analyse, interpret and use advanced communication principles and methods related to the context of general communication theory within relevant sectors of the electronic media and the broadcasting industry.

Rationale:
Furthermore, learners will develop the highly sophisticated ability to internalise, reflect on and communicate highly complex strategic decisions and applications effectively through the regular and suitable use of scientific language and technical terminology associated with general communication theory. The qualification will facilitate active critical learning and foster appropriate research capabilities through exposure to and application of specialised knowledge and research styles. Learners can navigate and holistically manage the complex, dynamic context of general communication theory. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All potential learners who do not have an Honours Degree in general communication theory 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 for recognition of prior knowledge.

A potential learner must clearly state the title(s) of the module or modules that need to accreditation for, as well as the reasons that warrant granting of RPL.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and is implementable in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset by the provision that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners' competencies to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve severe general communication theory problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of a general communication team or group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex general communication theory problems.
    3. Organise and manage personal activities related to the general communication theory learning process and research in an accountable man.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information of general communication theory.
    5. Communicate specific general communication theory information effectively using appropriate communication skills and media, and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication.
    6. Use intricate general communication theory science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues of general communication theory.
    7. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of the general communication theory and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context.
    8. Acquire and reflect on specialised reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and general communication theory.
    9. Acquire a specialised understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship concerning general communication theory in local, national and global communication theory.
    10. Comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of general communication theory.
    11. Develop advanced career development skills within the general communication theory employment context.
    12. Identify and develop strategic general communication theory entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, evaluate, anticipate and solved advanced general communication theory problems by using critical and creative thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of a global communication team or group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex general communication theory problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organise and manage personal activities related to the general communication theory learning process in an accountable manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Collect, analyse, organise, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information on general communication theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate specific general communication theory information effectively using appropriate communication skills and media, and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use intricate general communication theory science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues about general communication theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of the general communication theory and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Acquire and reflect on specialised reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and general communication theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Acquire a skilled knowledge of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship concerning general communication theory in local, national and global communities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Comprehend and use increased cultural and aesthetic sensibility in the process of public communication theory communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Develop advanced career development skills within the general communication theory employment context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Identify and develop strategic general communication theory entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners, and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment strategies include, among other things, short essays, oral presentations to a group of peers, and practical computer-based activities, personal discussions and practical projects. There are also opportunities for peer assessment.

    Summative assessment:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-levels outcomes, include the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report.

    For the structured qualifications, summative assessment of essays and an oral examination also take place. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Corporate Communication, Level 9.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Johannesburg 


    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.