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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Neuroscience 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119526  Master of Science in Neuroscience 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical 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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 purpose of the Master of Science in Neuroscience is to train researchers in the field of neuroscience at an advanced level. Neuroscience is the branch of the sciences that studies the relationship between the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of nerves, nervous tissue, and diseases. The qualification is designed to provide natural, physical, and social scientists who wish to expand their career options in the field of neuroscience.

The multidisciplinary qualification will provide learners with an appreciation for collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to research and knowledge generation. By joining a research group and undertaking a supervised research project, learners will be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, as required by an engaged citizen. The independent research project will also foster responsibility and informed and considered decision-making, in keeping with the graduate attributes of a well-rounded individual.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply the specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices in neuroscientific research.
  • Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, or processes to complex practical and theoretical problems in the field of neurosciences, by clearly and systematically presenting the material and a logical exposition of the argument.
  • Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research utilizing different research methods.
  • Take responsibility for own learning strategies through sustainable independent learning and can interact effectively with others in the field.
  • Properly and ethically document and manage the results of independent research.
  • Use resources of different discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are produced through the research.

    Rationale:
    Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing areas of study in human physiology focusing on the nervous system from elementary molecular events to integrative outputs such as behaviour and autonomic control. It includes the study of the nature and functioning of the nervous system at all levels, from the molecules that make up individual nerve cells and the transfer of information from one nerve cell to another to the complexities of how behaviour, thoughts and emotions are produced. Neuroscientists are interested in many basic questions, including why people and other animals behave, think, and feel the way they do, how addictive drugs produce their effects, how brain cells develop, why they die or sometimes malfunction, and how they repair themselves when damaged. The qualification will train learners in research methodology, scientific techniques, data analysis and interpretation, and the critical evaluation of research literature and results in their field. With respect to learner attributes, these skills will help foster the critical and creative thinking of an enquiring mind and the problem-solving and innovative approaches at the cutting edge of translational neuroscience research required of neuroscience.

    The field of neuroscience remains largely dominated by industrialized countries. Africa could still make a significant contribution to global research, provided that new policies are put in place to stimulate scientific innovation on the continent (UNESCO Courier, 2021). Despite the high burden of psychiatric and neurological disorders in South Africa, research on the biological underpinnings of these disorders in local populations is limited. Current postgraduate research qualifications allow for discipline-specific investigation into some of these disorders. However, there is far greater scope for interdisciplinarity and breadth of investigation in the broad field of neuroscience. The qualification will apply an integrated approach to neuroscience and provides skills training in a wide range of experimental and theoretical methods intended to enable learners to ask questions and tackle problems that transcend the traditional disciplines from which neuroscience has evolved.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS) and South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association (SACNA), who aim to promote and stimulate interest in the field of neuropsychology while maintaining standards in neuropsychological practice. The qualification will prepare learners for a career in this growing interdisciplinary field. Learners will acquire the critical, analytical, and decision-making skills that will help them find careers in research, government, pharmacy, and biotechnology. As a professional with a graduate degree in Neuroscience, qualified learners may work as research scientists for a private research institution or government agency. Learners may also pursue administrative positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Opportunities exist within the industry and related allied health fields, including as a research lab technician or pharmaceutical sales representative.

    New developments in brain scanning allow researchers to see more detailed images and determine not only where there may be damage but also how that damage affects, for instance, motor skills and cognitive behaviour in conditions like multiple sclerosis and dementia. The qualification will train postgraduate learners to become competent and innovative researchers capable of developing new knowledge and insights into neuroscience research at an advanced level. Such knowledge is critical to understanding the aetiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders and alleviating the associated burden of disease. The qualification strives to equip clinicians with the skills to meet the increasing need for appropriate knowledge in this field. This qualification contributes to the drive to revitalise clinical research in a developing country like South Africa to enhance health care at all levels by identifying the causes of problems, facilitating diagnosis, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care, and promoting good policymaking.

    The qualification is uniquely focused on sensory neuroscience, which builds on our local strengths as reflected in several cooperative research and graduate education programmes. These established structures integrate basic biological research with clinical and applied research on sensory processes. Graduates from this qualification will be able to deal with complex issues intelligently, solve problems creatively and be autonomous in their field of specialization in terms of knowledge, skills and understanding. Graduates will contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with critical intellectual skills and capabilities to ensure the healthy continuation of the field of Neuroscience. This qualification will allow successful learners to continue to a Doctoral study and learners will also be eligible for registration as a professional with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, NQF level 8, with a minimum mark of 60% at the exit point.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 8, with a minimum mark of 60% at the exit point.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology of Education, NQF Level 8, with a minimum mark of 60% at the exit point. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices in neuroscientific research.
    2. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, or processes to complex practical and theoretical problems in the field of neurosciences.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research utilizing different research methods.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for own learning strategies through sustainable independent learning and interact effectively with others in the field.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to properly and ethically document and manage the results of independent research.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to use resources of different discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are produced through the research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply comprehensive and specialised knowledge of neuropsychological assessments in neuroscientific research.
  • Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline to be applied critically in patient assessment and management.
  • Plan, execute, interpret, and publish research relevant to the neuroscience discipline.
  • Engage with and critique current research or practices in neuroscientific research.
  • Perform independent analysis of new data and clinical problems using a wide range of methods and techniques appropriately.
  • Find, select, organize, use, analyse, synthesize, and evaluate a variety of relevant information sources and determine the relative authority of relevant information sources.
  • Design an appropriate and viable research plan, including the identification of the most appropriate techniques of reasoning, methodology and argumentation to reach a plausible conclusion in respect of the question.
  • Successfully manage the research process.
  • Make independent progress in implementing the research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Define a research topic dealing with a significant issue relevant to neuroscience which includes, but is not limited to, genetics, neuroimaging, evidence-based treatments for mental disorders and epidemiology.
  • Frame a clear research question(s) and aims relevant to the field of neuroscience.
  • Practice evidence-based medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and applying it in practice relevant to neuroscience.
  • Show competence and responsibility in the use of instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.
  • Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
  • Clearly and systematically present the material and a logical exposition of the argument.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Produce texts which integrate information from different sources using appropriate academic and professional conventions.
  • Apply appropriate computer skills, including conducting a literature search, using data management software, word processing and presentation software.
  • Gather information from various sources, reflect critically on knowledge and information and in consultation with the patient and other health care professionals (where appropriate), plan and implement to completion of a treatment option.
  • Interpret and generate numerical data in various formats.
  • Apply numerical data to research and clinical practice.
  • Apply appropriate methods to conduct the enquiry.
  • Interpret the results and discuss the results in relation to the aims, and in the context of previous literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use appropriate strategies for learning that prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist doctor and as a responsible social accountable citizen.
  • Acknowledge responsibility for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to keep up to date with new developments, maintain accreditation, and meet statutory CPD requirements.
  • Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participate in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
  • Apply appropriate computer skills, including conducting a literature search, using data management software, word processing and presentation software.
  • Successfully identify an issue that is worthy of further research.
  • Engage with and critique current research or practices in neuroscientific research.
  • Critically analyse the identified issue.
  • Find, select, organise, use, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate a variety of relevant information sources and determine the relative authority of relevant information sources.
  • Interpret the results and discuss the results in relation to the aims, and in the context of previous literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Draw conclusions and make recommendations and write up findings in a manuscript format acceptable for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific, academic, or professional journal.
  • Clearly and comprehensively report on research findings in writing, including successfully following the research conventions.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment in the qualification will be aligned with the University's Assessment Policy.

    Formative Assessment.
    The initial assessment of the learner will be via formative assessment during supervision sessions and monitoring of research progress. Learner progress will be regularly monitored and via feedback, learners will be helped to identify and build on their strengths, while working on identified weaknesses. Learners will be required to present numerous times at several scientific meetings, in which other learners and academics are present. The questions form part of the presentation and make use of formative peer and supervisor evaluation to improve both presentation and question-answering skills.

    Summative assessment will be via assessment of the final dissertation and will be done by two independent examiners, one of whom will be external. Examiners will be appointed by the Head of the Division/Department in consultation with the supervisor and the Qualification Committee. Learners will be required to deliver a project presentation. The final mark will be calculated from the marks obtained for the research project (supervisor's mark (15% weight)), thesis (internal (35% weight) and external examiner (35% weight)), and project presentation (15% weight). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the similar qualifications offered by the following international countries.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of Adelaide
    Qualification: Master of Philosophy
    Duration: Two years full time

    Entry requirements:
    The University of Adelaide (UoA) qualification requires candidates who completed the Honours degree in the related field at upper second-class level or higher.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The objectives for the UoA qualification are to:
  • Train candidates in research methodology and techniques.
  • Develop critical evaluation skills appropriate to their research topic.
  • Train candidates in the application of such methods by conducting a specified program of research under appropriate supervision and the development of new knowledge where possible.
  • Provide training in literary analysis.
  • Encourage debate in the substantive area of the thesis at an advanced level.

    Qualification Structure:
    A Master of Philosophy comprises an independent, supervised research project mutually agreed upon by the learner, their supervisors, and the Head of School. Learners can choose to undertake the degree by either 100% research or, by mixed research and coursework. In addition, all Master of Philosophy learners completes a minimum of 60 hours of relevant professional development activities through the University's Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) program.

    The award of the degree for learners in the 100% research stream is entirely on the examination of a thesis, however, learners in the mixed research and coursework stream complete one-third of the degree (15 units) by coursework and the remaining two-thirds of the degree by research resulting in the production of a proportionally smaller thesis. Coursework can be selected, in consultation with supervisors, from amongst relevant Master by Coursework or Honours level courses offered by the University.

    Progress through the degree is tracked through the completion of several key milestones. These milestones provide an opportunity for the University to review progress and ensure that candidates are well supported to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

    Assessment:
    Both the Australian qualification and the SA qualification use the same criteria of assessment. The qualifications will be examined by two examiners of international standing in their field of research including at least one external examiner. Any required coursework will be assessed by assignments and exams.

    Articulation:
    The qualification articulates vertically to a Doctor of Philosophy.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Adelaide (UoA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two years full time study.
  • Both the UoA and SA qualifications require candidates who completed the Honours degree in the related field at upper second-class level or higher. The difference is that the Australian qualification precisely focuses on the language requirement, while the S outh African (SA) qualification is a four-year bachelor's degree (NQF level 8).
  • The key purpose of both the UoA and SA qualifications is to train learners in research methodology and techniques and to engage them in the critical evaluation of literature and results in their field of research at an advanced level. Whilst the UoA qualification may contain a significant coursework component, the focus of the degree is on research.
  • Both the UoA and SA qualifications articulate vertically to a Doctor of Philosophy.

    Country: Norway
    Institution: Norwegian University for Science and Technology
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Neuroscience
    Credits: 120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Credits
    Duration: Two years full time.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission to both the qualification requires a four-year bachelor's degree (or an equivalent 3-year higher education) in one of the following disciplines:
  • Neuroscience.
  • Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science.
  • Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science.
  • Psychology.

    Other relevant disciplines, combined with or including course work in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Neuroscience and/or Physics, may be accepted after an individual evaluation of the applicant's qualifications.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to understand how mental activity arises in the brain. What is the neural basis for psychological phenomena like thoughts, emotions, ideas, memories and problem-solving? These questions have interested humans for thousands of years, but the methods and technologies necessary to be able to provide the answers have only evolved during the last few decades.

    Neuroscience technology is developing rapidly, and progress in gene technology, electronics and data processing now allows researchers to relate microscopic activity in individual cells and cell populations directly to mental activity and disease. This development not only lays the foundation for a better understanding of human cognition but also contributes to preventing and treating diseases of the nervous system. Disorders of the nervous system are among the most common reasons for hospitalization in Norway and South Africa. About 30 percent of the population will be struck by some disturbance in the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, schizophrenia, depression, multiple sclerosis or chronic pain disorders. As many of these disorders are age-related, the number of affected individuals will increase due to the rising proportion of elderly people in the population.

    Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary research field, including disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, physics, psychology, and statistics. Neuroscientific problems and hypotheses are explored in different research groups, through studies of humans, animal models and biochemical systems. This is also reflected in the wide range of available master's thesis projects. The introduction to experimental and analytical methods is relevant to other academic areas as well.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Upon the completion of NTNU qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the research fields in neuroscience including its subareas; Molecular, Cellular, Systems Neuroscience, Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience.
  • Have knowledge about relevant methodologies and techniques in neuroscience including classical as well as more recent techniques.
  • Have an in-depth insight into basic brain structure and function at the ionic and molecular level.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sensory systems and motor systems.
  • Understand monosynaptic and complex reflex networks at spinal cord and brainstem levels.
  • Have knowledge about association cortices, both definitions and different levels such as prefrontal, parietal, and temporal cortex.
  • Understand how molecular, biochemical, cellular, and physiological aspects mutually contribute to neural systems, and can be affected in pathological conditions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current theoretical concepts in Neuroscience, and be able to apply this to his/her own research
  • Basic computer programming for analysis of neuroscience data, recognising different data types and their uses, coding basics, debugging, and data visualization.
  • Have knowledge about relevant historical perspectives in neuroscience, its traditions, and its position in society.
  • Analyse existing theories and main outstanding issues in the field of neurosciences.
  • Find relevant methods, recognize, and validate problems; formulate and test hypotheses.
  • Evaluate and formulate a theoretical concept. Evaluation includes originality, independence, and applicability.
  • Perform a research project with supervision including the formulation of a research question, analyses of experimental results, put them in a context and prepare a report.
  • Search relevant sources of information to acquire literacy in basic neuroscience.
  • Perform basic programmatic analysis of neural data and code debugging.
  • Formulate a research question based on adequate insight into current knowledge.
  • Analyse relevant general issues in neuroscience including field-specific theorems and ethical issues.
  • Competence on how to decide on animal and human research, general insight into ways to diminish research that causes suffering to humans and animals.
  • Carry out research independently and know how to formulate and express results and interpretations of the research outcomes.
  • Carry out and analyse complex experiments in neuroscience.
  • Apply basic programming to analyse and visualize the results of neuroscience experiments.
  • Summarize, document, report, and reflect on own findings.
  • Contribute to the generation of new ideas, concepts, and technical approaches to experimental research questions.

    Similarities:
  • The Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over two years full time.
  • Admission to both the NTNU and SA qualifications require a four-year bachelor's degree (or an equivalent 3-year higher education).
  • The NTNU and SA qualifications are suitable for learners motivated toward research or teaching in neuroscience, or the natural sciences in general.
  • Both the NTNU and SA qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessment methods.
  • Both the NTNU and SA qualifications articulate vertically to a Doctoral degree in the related field.

    Differences:
    The SA qualification consists of the compulsory supervised research project/Dissertation without course work and elective modules. On the other hand, the NTNU qualification consists of two main components, namely:
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS Credits.
  • Theoretical and methodological courses, 60 ECTS Credits in which five courses, making up 37.5 credits, are compulsory. The remaining courses, adding up to 22.5 credits, are selected from a list of electives. Ideally, electives should be linked to the master's thesis.
  • The NTNU Master's thesis projects are offered in multidisciplinary research teams such that learners are exposed to and encouraged to participate in collaborative projects.
    The NTNU qualification carries a weighting of 120 credits while the SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits.

    Country: Germany
    Institution: University of Oldenburg
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Neuroscience
    Credits: 120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit points
    Duration: Two years full-time study

    Entry Requirements:
    The UO qualification requires applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in the fields of neuroscience, biology, or another related field (e.g., psychology) or in natural sciences and mathematics (e.g., engineering, informatics).
    The UO qualification has the following additional requirements.
  • At least 12 credit points must have been obtained in neuroscience, and a further 12 credit points in mathematics, statistics, and/or programming. Up to 6 credit points in one of these two broad areas (neurosciences or mathematics/statistics/programming) may be acquired in catch-up courses parallel to the first semester of study.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must produce proof of English proficiency at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is uniquely focused on sensory neuroscience, which builds on the local strengths as reflected in several cooperative research and graduate education programmes. These established structures integrate basic biological research with clinical and applied research on sensory processes. Learners are guided towards independent scientific work by direct interaction within internationally recognised research labs. The broad scope of sensory research also offers a wide range of methods to learn, from molecular genetics to systems physiology and behaviour and from mathematical modelling to modern imaging techniques. Finally, the teaching faculty directly reflects the multidisciplinary nature of neuroscience and teaches courses in a broad range of related basic disciplines, from biology and physics to psychology and medicine, providing a unique choice for developing individual strengths and interests.

    The qualification structure:
    Both the UO and SA qualifications consist of the compulsory dissertation/ thesis is mandatory. The research topics consist, but are not limited to:
  • Biology
  • Neurocognitive Psychology.
  • Molecular Biomedicine.
  • Physics.
  • Engineering.
  • Medicine.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Oldenburg (UO) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two years full-time study.
  • Both the UO and SA qualifications require applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in the fields of neuroscience, biology, or another related field (e.g., psychology) or in natural sciences and mathematics (e.g., engineering, informatics).
  • The UO and SA qualifications are research-oriented and provide in-depth training in neurosciences.
  • Both the UO and SA qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessment methods.
  • Both the UO and SA qualifications articulate vertically to Doctoral studies in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The OA qualification carries a weight of 120 credits while the SA qualification carries 180 credits.
  • Although both the UO and SA qualifications comprise an independent, supervised research project, the UO is structured as follows.
  • 60 Credit Points (CP) of compulsory elective modules from the Neuroscience curriculum, of:
    > At least 30 CP of Background Modules.
    > At least 15 CP of Research Modules.
    > At least 6 CP of Skills Modules.
  • 30 CP of elective modules which may be further added from the Neuroscience curriculum, but can also be obtained from other study programmes, both nationally and internationally (subject to individual approval). The import of CP from other study programmes should be in related disciplines that reasonably complement your studies of Neuroscience.
  • 30 CP Master thesis work.
    > Although both the UO and SA qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessment methods, the type of assessment for the UO qualification is structured differently as follows.
    > Background modules (15 / 12 / 9 / 6 ECTS): written/oral exams or portfolio or written reports
    > Research modules (15 ECTS): written reports
    > Skills modules (6 / 3 ECTS): portfolio or written exam or written report or oral presentation

    Country: Canada
    Institution: McGill University.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (M.Sc.) Neuroscience
    Duration: Two years full time
    Credits: 45 credits

    Entry requirements:
    Admission to McGill University (MGU) qualification requires applicants who have:
  • A strong background in science and/or social science, as demonstrated by academic achievement equivalent to a GPA of 3.3 (on a 4-point scale) or 3.5 in the last two years
  • Submit an outline of the proposed thesis research, to be written by the prospective student in collaboration with an appropriate research supervisor
  • Two letters of reference
  • TOEFL or IELTS certificate of proficiency in English for non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue and language of education is not English, with a minimum score of 86 on the TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT), with each component score not less than 20, or 6.5 on the IELTS test.
    And
  • Master of Science: Psychiatry (thesis)

    Purpose:
    The graduate program in Mental Health is designed to provide advanced research training in the basic, applied, and social sciences relevant to issues in psychiatry. Applicants are admitted from a wide range of backgrounds, including undergraduate degrees in relevant areas (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, sociology, medical anthropology, nursing, and medicine), and those who are pursuing their psychiatry residency at McGill. Most, though not all students, continue to a Ph.D. program.

    The M.Sc. program offers opportunities for a great diversity of individual interests and backgrounds and prepares our students for scientific careers in neuroscience and related fields. Programs leading to an M.Sc. degree require the completion of intensive academic and research training.

    Rationale:
    Biomechanics and Neuroscience researchers work to better understand human structure and function interactions between biology (muscles, bones, joints), mechanics (forces, acceleration, motion) and/or the nervous system (brain, nerves, genetics). The qualification aims to improve the understanding of body movement in health and disease, within different population groups (e.g., men and women), across the lifespan (from young to old), and in a variety of settings (e.g., sport, workplace, and rehabilitation). The MGU qualification, therefore, provides training in research methodology related to psychiatry and mental health topics and entails the completion of a thesis research project. From this research approach, in turn, the learner can design and implement intervention strategies to augment health and well-being.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Master's Thesis Research, 6 Credits.
  • Master's Thesis Proposal, 9 Credits.
  • Master's Seminar Presentation, 9 Credits.
  • Master's Thesis Submission, 12 Credits.
  • Responsible Research Conduct.

    Complementary Courses, 9 Credits in total:
    Elective Modules (Select Credits one module from the following options).
  • Principles of Neuroscience 1, 3 Credits)
  • Principles of Neuroscience 2, 3 Credits.
    And
  • 6 credits in other courses at the 500 level or higher that are relevant to the program.

    Upon recommendation, depending upon their background and needs, learners may be requested to take additional selected courses at the 500 level or higher. All M.Sc.-level learners must register for a minimum of 12 credits per term during the first three terms of their master's program.

    Similarities:
  • The MGU and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two years of full-time study.
  • Both the MGU and the SA qualifications are research-oriented and share a similar purpose and rationale with the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically into the Doctoral studies in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The MGU qualification carries a weighting of 45 credits whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits.
  • Although the MGU qualification is offered by thesis only, it consists of compulsory modules relating to research and elective modules focusing on the theoretical aspect of Neuroscience. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Clinical Neuropsychiatry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Botany, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Chemistry, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Statistics, 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.