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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
14396  Master of Science in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 
This qualification aims:
1. To prepare the learner to work in research and development laboratories.
2. To prepare the learner to teach Physical Science in school, college and university.
3. To provide the learner to work in a diverse range of industries ranging from physics-related to any industry needing the analytical and/or mathematical developed skills by a study of physics.
4. To develop an analytical and mathematical skill in the learner.
5. To provide the learner for further Postgraduate studies and careers in physics.
6. To provide the learner for Postgraduate studies and careers in other fields of the sciences and professional fields.
7. To provide the learner with a clear understanding of the laws of physics and their applications.
8. To provide the learner with the ability to make meaningful and reproducible observations, to convert these observations into mathematical language and to reach logical conclusions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Regularly written tests and a final written examination on the aspects of theoretical courses taken can test the knowledge of the speciality field and its applications, as well as the analytical and mathematical skills to solve basic problems of this field.
    2. Evaluation of the dissertation and/or publications can give judgement on the ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or the community.
    3. Evaluation of reports and publications can give judgement on the ability in collecting, analysing, organising and evaluating information.
    4. Evaluation of the dissertation and its oral examination can give judgement on the ability to communicate effectively using mathematical and language skills.
    5. A final oral representation can stimulate and develop thinking patterns. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Do research in physics and report it in scientific journals and in a dissertation.
  • To conduct a literature search.
  • Understand, interpret and analyse the literature relevant to his field of study.
  • Handle the techniques relevant in his field.
  • Interpret, analyse and evaluate his/her research results.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Written examinations on theoretical courses taken.
  • Written tests on theoretical courses taken.
  • Dissertation.
  • Computer representation of practical/project reports/dissertation.
  • Oral examination.
  • Seminar.
  • Integrated assessment:
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.

    Other:
  • Dissertations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Physics, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Physics, NQF Level10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.