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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116321  Master of Music 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Music 
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 combined composition/performance and dissertation components of the degree provide training in the techniques of independent research, analysis, and scholarly presentation appropriate to Music and specialised training in composition. The qualification will equip the learner with advanced knowledge in the academic and creative fields of music.

The Master of Music by dissertation only provides advanced training in the field of study, including techniques of research, data analysis, and scholarly presentation appropriate to the field.

Rationale:
The qualification will prepare the learner for employment in arts- or media-related professions, or for further, independent research for the degree of PhD. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Non-Honours learners who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to an Honours degree may be permitted to register for the degree.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    A learner may register for the degree by Dissertation and Performance; or Dissertation and Composition or Dissertation and Coursework or Dissertation, Coursework and Performance. The dissertation contributes 50% of the credits of the qualification.

    For the Master of Music by research learners register for a single course - the full dissertation. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate mastery of theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
  • Proficient in research methodology to proceed to Doctoral studies.
  • Master critical thinking, problem-solving skills, collect and analyse of data, and effective written communication.
  • Conduct independent research in a discipline (or inter-disciplinary field).
  • Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences.
  • Apply disciplinary knowledge and research skills.
  • Analyse and critique communications of an academic and accessible nature.
  • Apply practical and theoretical knowledge as a composer.
  • Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
  • Challenge orthodoxies and redefine existing knowledge while demonstrating awareness of the nature of knowledge in the field.
  • Publish articles; present papers; contribute to conferences; attend and participate in research seminars.
  • Be familiar with contemporary theoretical issues in musicological studies.
  • Apply a range of advanced research methods to research problems in musicology.
  • Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
  • Prepare professional papers for peer review.
  • Compose in a single substantial form or a variety of smaller ones. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Write in either a single substantial form or a variety of small ones;
  • Formulate research problem; independent research; literature review; appropriate design and execution of research;
  • Use of proper methods of data collection and analysis; integration of findings; appreciation of the limits of the study;
  • Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline;
  • For the dissertation, only programme, the criteria applied are: Evidence of originality of thought; Research problem formulation; Independent research; Literature review; Appropriate design and execution of research;
  • Use appropriate methods of data and analysis;
  • Integrate the findings;
  • Appreciate the limits of the study;
  • Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline;
  • Lead to possible publication.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integration of skills learnt in the MMusic by coursework and dissertation is assessed using:
    (a) the portfolio of compositions which must contain at least one work for full orchestra.
    (b) Dissertation of 10,000 words.

    Assessment in the full research Master of Music Degree is through a research dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar international qualifications. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Music in Dance, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Music, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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 Cape Town 


    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.