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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21001  Master of Science 
ORIGINATOR
Vista 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  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 M Sc qualification is aimed at producing scientists and a researcher who:

1. Are masters in the principles and concepts of science and technology in the field of their choice

2. Have the necessary research skills in science and technology to design and develop new products

3. Have the necessary skills and competencies that are required in the workplace that will enhance the likelihood of employment

4. Have the necessary skills and competencies that are required to contribute to the development of science and technology in the community

5. Have the capacity to undertake postgraduate studies 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
BSc Honours or equivalent qualification on level 7 to complete a Masters degree of 120 credits (Dissertation of 120 credits) on NQF level 8.

BSc or equivalent with 60% in the appropriate major to enroll in the master's degree of 240 credits (120 credits course work and desolation 120 credits) 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
The M Sc graduate is able to:

1. To know and comprehend the advanced principles in the field of study

2. To apply advanced science and technology skills in the workplace

3. To conduct basic, advanced and applied research in the field of study and/or related fields under minimal guidance

4. Effectively use scientific equipment and utilise technology independently

5. To apply quality control procedure on results obtained using scientific equipment and technology

6. Competently collect data, organise data, analyse scientific data, critically evaluate results and prepare draft reports under supervision

7. Work effectively a part of a team, group and community

8. Identify and solve problems in a positive, responsible and innovative manner using critical and creative thinking

9. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the community, environment and the health of others. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
A comprehensive range of assessment criteria will be used to determine learner accomplishment. The overall criteria will include, but will not be confined to:

1. Mastery of the principles, concepts and research in the field of study

2. Ability to prepare materials and conduct advanced scientific laboratory experiments

3. Ability to plan and develop and apply technology in the laboratory situation

4. Interpret experimental results and prepare reports

5. Carry out literature searches and do research in the field of study with the view on presenting written and/or oral seminars/reports/mini dissertation/dissertation on the selected topic

6. Show mastery in the use of laboratory equipment

7. Demonstrate an awareness of safe laboratory practice

8. Demonstrate competence and ability to identify and solve problems in the work environments

9. Ability to work independently, as a team member and/or as a team leader

10. Demonstrate ability to work in a community, understand community needs in regards science and technology and contribute to community development in this regard.


ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

Continuous and authentic assessment strategies will be utilised in the evaluation of learners. Learners will have multiple opportunities using any three of the following methods of assessment:
  • Regular tests (written and oral)
  • Examinations (written and oral)
  • Portfolios
  • Written and oral presentations of mini projects or seminars in an individual as well as a group context
  • Research trip reports
  • Reports on surveys and questionnaires
  • Community development reports

    A detailed record an monitoring of learner progress will be maintained 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    There is a scope for articulation in the programmes Externally the programme offers the potential for articulation with similar programmes offered by other universities or horizontally by transferring to a MBA 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation of the MSc degree will be done in conjunction with the South African Society of Natural Scientists, Senate and Council of Vista University 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal assessors will be academics with a Ph D degree from the relevant department in the Faculty of Science at Vista University selected on the basis of their recognised expertise in the modules being examined.

    External assessors will comprise academics with a PhD degree from relevant departments in the Faculties of Science and/or related Faculties at other universities as well as professional scientists in the relevant field with a Ph D and on the basis of their familiarity and insight, experience and/or publications in the field 

    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.