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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Computer Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117729  Master of Science in Computer Science 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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 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 Master of Science in Computer Science aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Computer Science.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Computer Science, able to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of Computer Science. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at the doctoral level. This qualification may be obtained through either the research master's degree by dissertation; or structured by coursework and mini-dissertation.

Rationale:
The qualification responds to the need to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Computer Science. The learner with expert knowledge in Computer Science may enter the labour market equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification will also deliver experts in the field of Computer Science to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research.

Successful learners will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Learners who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with doctoral studies.

Competence at NQF Level 8 is assumed and learners are expected to have a firm grounding in natural sciences with a special focus in Computer Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An executive dean may, utilizing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, grant a learner who does not meet the minimum admission requirements admission to the MSc (Computer Science).

In cases where the learner opted for the coursework variant, advanced standing may be granted by exempting the learner from the recognised modules required for the completion of the qualification. Only proven informal or non-formal learning may be taken into consideration utilising RPL, the process of equivalence-setting between such learning and formal modules must be documented, and its outcome must be recorded on the official learner record.

Where a learner was granted an exemption for one or more modules as a consequence of RPL, the remaining HEMIS credits required for the qualification must be obtained by completing the relevant programme. The maximum portion of a qualification from which a learner may be exempted utilizing RPL is fifty per cent (50%) of the credits of the full qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 116 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 100 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Research Communication, 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 9, 64 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Databases, 32 Credits.
  • Decision Support Systems, 32 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 32 Credits.
  • Image Processing, 32 Credits.
  • Information Systems Engineering, 32 Credits.
  • Computer Security, 32 Credits.
  • Data Warehouses, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Computer Science; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
    2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Computer Science.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Computer Science, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
    4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Computer Science and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
    5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
    6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Computer Science.
    7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
    8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Computer Science;
    8.1. Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Computer Science research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and formulate a problem statement.
  • Conduct a thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
  • Select appropriate research to solve the problem.
  • Scientifically evaluate the results in the context of the problem statement.
  • Scientifically communicate the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
  • Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and solve open business and community problems.
  • Identify and utilise applications.
  • Work with common fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
  • Use the appropriate structure, style and graphic and electronic support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply methods of information communication for use by others with an emphasis on those of Computer Science.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while he/she can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Master's qualification by coursework and mini-dissertation:
    Calculation of the final mark: 50% modules where a pass mark of 50% per module will be required; and 50% research. The coursework part will make use of continuous formative assessment aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a 3 to 5 hour written examination. The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area.

    Master's qualification by dissertation:
    Learners must submit a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation or other forms of research. "Dissertation" is a written piece compiled for examination purposes, including one published research article or a couple of published research articles or unpublished manuscript(s) in article or chapter format following the requirements for documentation, argumentation, and language and style in which a learner must provide proof that he/she is confident with the research methodology presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the prescribed outcomes for a master's qualification at the institution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of Oxford.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Computer Science.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of Oxford in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications share purpose and outcomes with a different modular structure. These two qualifications are designed to combine theory and practice. Both teach the advanced techniques and ideas that are being developed in application domains (such as graphics, visualisation, and computer security) and the rich and diverse theories that underpin them. The Master of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of Oxford is a coursework qualification whilst the Master of Science in Computer Science offered by the institution is by research only or a structured qualification.

    Both qualifications qualify learners for Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) qualifications with a focus on Computer Science in academia and industry as well as in related occupational fields.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: University of Kansas.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Computer Science.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of Kansas in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications are designed with a similar focus of providing specialist knowledge within the area of Computer Science. Also, hereto, both qualifications have a structured and research option although the programme structures are different.

    Both qualifications articulate to a doctoral study with a focus in Computer Science. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Natural Science Teaching, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Science with Computer Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Systems, 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. North West 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.