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 Science in Mathematical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123502  Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje 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  Mathematical 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
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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 Mathematical Sciences qualification is to equip learners with a range of mathematical and, or statistical knowledge that they use in the solution of complex problems in the mathematical sciences. The qualification ensures that learners improve their critical thinking and analytical skills. Learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills that will allow them to solve problems or apply what they have learnt in real life.

The qualification will also enable the students to critique current research or practices. The programme also offers an advanced scholarship or research in a particular field, discipline or practice. To gain more understanding, learners engage in the necessary theory and practice that will deepen, broaden, and intensify their scope of theoretical concepts and expertise in the particular areas associated with mathematics. Learners also demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, and an advanced scholarship or research in a particular field, discipline or practice.

Additionally, learners will work on a dissertation that allows them to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organising, communicating, and presenting their work and will equip students well for further research or a wide variety of other careers. Furthermore, an MSc in Mathematical Sciences degree is a stepping stone to pursuing a PhD in advanced mathematics and/or statistics or related fields such as data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and others.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the role of the sciences in society regarding economic development and environmental sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply reasoning, problem-solving, and technical skills to solve a problem with minimal guidance.
  • Demonstrate effective writing and communication skills.
  • Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills to understand the need to maintain continued competence and keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrate advanced ability in techniques of scientific computing to solve problems in their field of study.

    Rationale:
    The proposed qualification responds to a real need in that there is a critical shortage of graduates with Mathematical Sciences qualifications. Thus, the programme seeks to close the critical skills gap in Mathematical Sciences in South Africa. The goal is to promote the growth of a scientific knowledge system that drives economic growth and development.

    The qualification also provides a unique opportunity for learners to expand and improve their research skills in the mathematical sciences' subfields: Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or Statistics. This allows one to gain specialised knowledge to advance in respective specialisation fields. The programme equips students with the necessary critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to solve real-life problems such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The MSc in Mathematical Sciences degree is a stepping stone to pursuing a PhD in advanced mathematics and/or statistics or related fields such as data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and others. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    There are several ways to assess RPL. However, in each case, evidence must be produced to support and facilitate the assessment decision process.

    Any applicant seeking RPL will require an assessment that recognises broadly equivalent skills and knowledge as reflected holistically in the outcomes of the learning programme. Each RPL case will be treated on its own merits and may include one or more of the following procedures.
  • A portfolio of evidence (supporting documents that have been compiled) that should meet the outcomes for which learning will be recognised. (The applicant may be assisted by the teaching department in the preparation of the portfolio, although ideally not by the assessors)
  • A demonstration of competence in a particular skill
  • An oral presentation presented to at least two members of staff appointed by the teaching department who will determine whether the outcomes for credits sought are met
  • An oral viva presented to at least two members of the teaching department where the applicant engages in a question-and-answer session that addresses the outcomes of the learning programme for which credit is being sought.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits (Select one):
  • Applied Mathematics Research, 180 Credits.
  • Mathematics Research, 180 Credits.
  • Statistics Research, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    Develop the ability to work creatively and independently.
    1. Apply science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards others.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.
    3. Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills to understand the need to maintain continued competence and keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    5. Demonstrate understanding and be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    6. Apply understanding of the role of the sciences in society regarding economic development and environmental sustainability.
    7. Demonstrate understanding and proficiency with fundamental knowledge in at least one scientific area of research.
    8. Apply reasoning, problem-solving, and technical skills to solve a problem with minimal guidance.
    9. Engage in and initiate academic and scientific discourse to report and effectively write and communicate results.
    10. Demonstrate advanced ability in techniques of scientific computing to solve problems in their field of study.
    11. Demonstrate, successful completion of a programme of training in the methods of research; a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying the project; and a thorough acquaintance with the appropriate scientific literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Engage with and collate the relevant literature in the respective field of study and its interpretation in the context of the specific investigation.
  • Apply scientific research methodology and illustrate broader knowledge of experimental techniques and theoretical concepts.
  • Apply systematic planning of investigations and experiments and be capable of planning and executing research work in a specific field.
  • Investigate the existing knowledge as reflected in appropriate scientific literature.
  • Solve the problem research appropriately.
  • Analyse, interpret, derive and critically evaluate information from data.
  • Present skillfully and meaningful findings in the form of a dissertation.
  • Conduct independent research under limited supervision and critically evaluate research articles.
  • Illustrate knowledge and understanding of ethics of scientific research and practice. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The curriculum for the Master of Science degree programme is similar to the ones offered by the other universities mentioned below.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of York (UK)
    Qualification title: MSc Mathematical Sciences
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • 2:2 or equivalent in Mathematics
    Or
  • Subject with a substantial mathematics component.

    Purpose/Rationale
    This qualification will develop learner mathematical knowledge through a range of modules concentrated on research specialisms in algebra, number theory, geometry and analysis, mathematical physics and mathematical biology. It will provide a bridge to world-class research in one of these areas.

    It combines both traditional mathematics subjects with advanced courses that will prepare learners for an array of numerate and analytical professions to be found at the core of the digital economy as well as prepare you for a PhD or other research paths.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Preparatory Project in Mathematical Sciences
  • MSc Dissertation in Mathematical Sciences
  • Preparatory Project in Mathematical Sciences
  • MSc Dissertation in Mathematical Sciences

    Career opportunities:
  • Quantitative financial analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Credit risk manager
  • Statistician
  • Software developer

    Similarities:
  • The University of York (UK) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree with honours in the cognate field.
  • The SA qualification provides a unique opportunity for students to expand and improve their research skills in the mathematical sciences' subfields: Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or Statistics. This allows one to gain specialised knowledge to advance in respective specialisation fields.
  • Similarly, the UK qualification aims to develop learners mathematical knowledge through a range of modules concentrated on research specialisms in algebra, number theory, geometry and analysis, mathematical physics and mathematical biology. It will provide a bridge to world-class research in one of these areas.
  • Both qualifications undertake research in mathematics.

    Difference:
  • The UK qualification is offered over one year whereas the SA qualification is offered over two years.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: University of Canterbury
    Qualification title: Master's degree in mathematics
    Duration: Eighteen months
    Credits: 180

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant to mathematics (or other approved subjects) and have passed at least 60 points of the 300-level courses with at least a B grade average.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Master of Mathematical Sciences offers flexible study to upskill in mathematics, data, and statistics.

    Learners will develop advanced analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that will enable them to improve upon existing practices in the mathematical sciences and position themselves as future leaders in their field of work.

    Learners may complete the master's degree in mathematics unendorsed, or endorsed in one of the following:
  • Computational and Applied Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Financial Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Mathematics in Perspective
  • Research Project
  • Computational and Applied Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Financial Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

    Similarities:
  • The University of Canterbury (UC) and the SA qualification consist of 180 credits and accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree with honours in the relevant field.
  • The SA qualification seeks to close the critical skills gap in Mathematical Sciences and to promote the growth of a scientific knowledge system that drives economic growth and development.
  • Similarly, the UC qualification seeks to develop advanced analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that will enable them to improve upon existing practices in the mathematical sciences and position themselves as future leader in their field of work.

    Difference:
  • The SA qualification is offered over two years whereas the UC qualification is offered over eighteen months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 9

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Sol Plaatje 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.