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

Master of Arts: History: Research 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15744  Master of Arts: History: Research 
ORIGINATOR
University of North West 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  Traditions, History and Legacies 
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 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the qualification is to develop the student 's capacity for autonomous synthesising and adequate analysis of information, and thereby contributing to the redefinition of knowledge in the field of history. Moreover, the student should compile a piece of research in the form of a dissertation which manifestly provides evidence of their thorough familiarity with a wide variety of research methods, and understanding of the main sources in the field of history and related disciplines. Critical thinking in the form of making valid judgements about the significance of evidence, and examining issues and problems from a range of perspectives should be demonstrated by the learner. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A Bachelor of Arts (Hons0 degree in history or a recognition of prior learning equivalent. Some knowledge, skills, attitudes are assumed to be part of prior learning.

Some assessment tools to determine prior learning:
  • Interview or oral test to ascertain the level of competence in the field of history.
  • A written test will also be administered to test understanding of concepts, knowledge, and some skills related to historical studies.
  • Assessment criteria derived from the programme 's specific outcomes will be used to determine the competency or mastery level of the potential student.
  • To gain insight into the learner 's knowledge, skills and orientations a former educator 's report or profile of the student may be required to help determine the prior learning level.
  • The University Senate may in some cases give permission to candidates to register on condition they satisfy certain requirements. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of the programme leading to the qualification learners will be capable of:
  • Applying a wide range of research methods and techniques reflecting capacity for critical thought and autonomous synthesis and analysis of data from a wide variety of historical and other related sources.
  • Presenting a copy of a coherent treatment of a well specified subject in the form of a dissertation


    Specific outcomes

    1.1. Demonstrating the usage of a sufficiently wide variety of sources of evidence.

    1.2. Developing capacity for a critical review of evidence by challenging existing knowledge.

    1.3. Deploying a satisfactory range of research techniques.

    1.4. Analysing and evaluating information found in source materials.

    1.5. Synthesizing ideas and information appropriately.


    2.1. Defining the research problem concisely and constructing a hypothesis

    2.2. Relating theoretical. ideas to practical tasks involved in the research project.

    2.3. Producing a well ordered and carefully structured dissertation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1.1. Reflecting awareness of and comprehensive knowledge of relevant sources to be consulted for the research project.

    1.1.2. Integrating data from different sources.

    1.1.3. Drawing from own personal experiences and from several other sources to advance and corroborate arguments.

    1.1.4. Exhibiting familiarity with a broad coverage of the main "authorities" in the field of history.


    1.2.1. Examining issues, problems, events, and experiences from a wide variety of perspectives.

    1.2.2. Formulating valid judgments about the value of evidence to own work and that of other scholars in the field history.

    1.2.3. Developing own opinions on issues and ideas raised in the discipline of history.


    1.3.1. Demonstrating satisfactory familiarity with oral interviews by recognizing possible drawbacks such as inconsistencies and contradictions in oral accounts.

    1.3.2. Deploying archival material effectively and appropriately.

    1.3.3. Consulting specialist texts, journals and relevant library books to authenticate views and opinions expressed.


    1.4.1. Identifying important ideas, concepts and theories in the sources or literature consulted.

    1.4.2. Recognizing differences between evidence, argument and assertion.


    1.5.1. Organizing and structuring ideas and information into a coherent whole

    1.5.2. Elucidating or supporting ideas and points made with references to appropriate sources and evidence.

    1.5.3. Structuring carefully and demonstrating the interrelationships between the various parts of the dissertation to reflect and enhance the overall purpose of the research.


    2.1.1. Stating the research problem in explicit. terms.

    2.1.2. Analysing and interpreting the problem to ensure that the research plan is not vague.
    2.1.3. Identifying the purpose for researching into the problem, what the research would accomplish and what its anticipated outcomes would be.

    2.1.4. Providing a research hypothesis to tentatively explain observed facts or phenomena.

    2.2.1. Supplying examples of theoretical ideas

    2.2.2. Illustrating the practical applications of own answer (s) to the research problem to contribute to "originality" of own research.

    2.3.1. Delivering a formal presentation of the dissertation to different audiences such as university Staff and students.

    2.3.2. Demonstrating ability to defend the dissertation to academics in the field.


    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT


    Formative and summative assessment procedures will be used throughout the duration of learning to track the learner's progress towards the envisaged competences and provide appropriate remedial work and support when necessary. A learner profile will be developed reflecting or integrating the knowledge, skills, orientations testifying to competence in conducting research 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    VERTICAL: The qualification gives access to post-graduate studies in PhD.

    HORIZONTAL: Articulates generally with the qualifications such as M A in Development Studies, in Sociology and Geography. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation by first and second examiners /markers will be used to ensure that agreed standards are used to assess the learner 's work. An external moderator will check the learner 's portfolio. In compliance with the N Q F, the learner 's work may also be moderated by the Education and Training Quality Assurers (E T Q A's) or other bodies accredited by the E T Q A's. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    University of North West Staff will be used as assessors in accordance with the quality assurance model of the university. Other assessors to be identified by the HEQC. 

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

    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.