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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17367  Master of Science in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The main purpose of the Masters programme in physics is to develop a higher-level research skill in physics and to prepare the learners for a career with specific skills. In addition to that this qualification aims.

- To provide the qualifiers with advanced specialised knowledge in theoretical/experimental physics.
- To acquire skills to carry out experiments with advanced and sensitive instruments.
- To have an advanced talent to analyse and interpret scientific data and use them for the development of the society.
- To gain confidence to handle equipment in specialised laboratories.
- To provide the society and industry with a number of qualifiers with advanced skills in physics.
- To lay a good foundation to become future academics in higher institutions.
- To create awareness among the learners that research in physics is the source of technological developments in medicine, engineering, electronics, transport, defence and many other areas, which over the centuries have vastly improved the quality of life. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation exemption certificate or equivalent

Bachelor of Science (Physics) or its equivalent

Honours in Physics 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
The qualifiers will
  • Have the ability to formulate and solve problems in physics.
  • Be able to design and carryout experiments.
  • Be able to collect and analyse scientific data.
  • Be able to carryout independent research.
  • Have the capacity to work as a team.
  • Be able to engage in intellectual growth and gainful economical activities.
  • Be able to pursue future studies in specialised fields in physics.
  • Be able to fit in any institution/organisation where in research activities in theoretical and experimental research one carried out.

    Specify critical cross-field outcomes:

    The qualifier will:
    * Able to appreciate and use proper technology.
    * Able to solve problems individually and as part of a team.
    * Able to work effectively and responsibly within a team.
    * Able to approach problems in a scientific way.
    * Able to pursue the learning process independently.
    * Able to develop communication skill. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Qualification is awarded on successful completion of all the modules in level 7b. Written examination, oral examination and assessment of project reports form an integral part of assessment for the award of qualification.

    Integrated assessment incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the degree is achieved:

    1. Written examinations
    2. Oral examinations

    Project report 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification serves as an entry point to the related qualification(s):
    Ph.D. (Physics) 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The staff and the head of the department will be in constant interaction with the learners. Suggestions from both staff and learners are discussed in the departmental meetings to ensure that the standard of teaching are at an acceptable level.

    The written examination for each module / the research project report are evaluated by the internal and external examiners. Views and comments of the external examiners will be taken into consideration and all the suggestions to improve the quality of learning and teaching will be given serious consideration to make sure that a fair assessment is always in place. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal: M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Physics
    External: Ph.D. in Physics

    Internal: Academic and Research
    External: Academic and Research (Industrial experience is desirable)

    Must have extensive teaching experience at tertiary level academic institutions. 

    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 Venda 


    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.