SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Arts: Communication

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
15850	Master of Arts: Communication
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Communication Studies
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 programme offers research work in the broad field of communication, with student selecting their own topic relevant to the mainstream communication course, and doing extensive reading and research on policy for graduate learners in the areas of research methodology, media theories, policy and culture, visual literacy and semiotics, as foundation literature for the dissertation. Students further they need to demonstrate a critical evaluation of the literature used in the preparation the research dissertation.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Prior learning in communication and any recognised four year degree/diploma and/or experience in the fields of communication, research, political science, international relations, development, population, diplomacy, media policy, and any other field that is related to communication. It is assumed that some applicants will be already practising as communication specialists in their espective fields and these will be considered on the strength of the type of evidence that suggests that they qualify for entry into the honours programme. The university senate will in some cases grant permission to students to participate in this programe provided that they satisfy certain requirements.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes:

1. Master instrumentation refinement, use of computer research tools and literature search.
2. Refinement of variables and construct through pilot study replication.
3. Master Research Proposal and Methodology Design.

Specific Outcomes:

1.1 Define variables comprehensively.
1.2 Select a research topic in Communication.
1.3 Conduct a pilot study on the topic within a limited locality.

2.1 Conduct a replication for the next phase.
2.2 Define variables comprehensively.

3.1 Design the stages of the proposal for the actual research.
3.2 Design the methodology.
3.3 Conduct the research.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1.1 Refine instrumentation
1.1.2. Increase sample and repeat process
1.1.3. process data using SPSS tools
1.1.4. Interpret data for findings
1.1.5 . Discuss findings (refer to literature)
1.1.6. Evaluate the study
1.1.7. Make valid recommendations (refer to literature)

1.2.1 Conduct extensive literature search in the subject of interest
1.2.2 Conduct extensive background research on topic
1.2.3 Conduct feasibility studies
1.2.4 Define terms comprehensively

1.3.1 Test the instrument for reliability
1.3.2 Establish tentative correlations
1.3.3 Cross reference the results
1.3.4 Revisit the literature

2.1.1 Test instrumentation (eg survey questionnaire) for reliability
2.1.2 Test research instrument for validity
2.1.3 Revisit instrument items
2.1.4 Check research design (construct validity)

2.2.1 Refine instrumentation
2.2.2 Increase sample and repeat process
2.2.3 Process data using SPSS tools
2.2.4 Interpret data for findings
2.2.5 Discuss findings (refer to literature)
2.2.6 Evaluate the study
2.2.7 Make valid recommendations (refer to literature)

3.1.1 Introduce the research concept (background of study)
3.1.2 Outline the objectives of the study
3.1.3 Formulate the hypothesis
3.1.4 Cite the boundaries of the study
3.1.5 Define terms used in study
3.1.6 Submit a literature reference list

3.2.1 Describe and discuss the instruments used
3.2.2 Describe and discuss the methods used in the study
3.2.3 Describe sampling techniques used in study
3.2.4 Discuss ethical considerations within the study

3.3.1 Design new research instruments
3.3.2 Administer field research
3.3.3 Process data
3.3.4 Record results
3.3.5 Discuss findings

Integrated assessment:

Formative and summative assessment are the modes of assessment used. The entire programme focuses on intensive reading and research in all the areas of communication indicated in the programme greater part of the work. The student learners submit proof of literature readings throughout, and concentrate on the most crucial communication issues in the subject content. Supervision of research, analysis, use of research tools, and interpretation of data and facts is done on a continuous basis, and learners work independently for the better part of the course, with supervision sessions organised by themselves from time to time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Learners actually audit other programmes in political science, media law, and ethics, international relations, development communication, sociology, industrial psychology, economics and management, including organisational structures and leadership studies, research studies where they may fit in for their research work, and for broadening their knowledge, form time to time. The degree has the potential to embrace most fields of human learning, and because of its broad exclusivity, has the capacity to fit into several programmes within the campus and elsewhere, both in South Africa and abroad. The programme articulates with the existing BA Communication Honours.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal en external moderators are used to ensure that the agreed standards are used to assess the work. External moderators may be practitioners in the indicated in this programme, who have the necessary expertise and experience in the field. The Education and Training Quality Assurers (ETQA's) also moderate the work of students.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Professors and academics within the university with expertise in above areas are used for assessing work related to their field of expertise from time to time.

External assessors from other universities and communication experts in government and the private sector are used as external supervisors for thesis work. Other assessors are 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.

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