SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Commerce: Economics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
3161	Master of Commerce: Economics
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
73973	Master of Commerce in Economics	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied competence, on an advanced level, in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of economic principles and methods. Learners should be able to undertake independent and scientific research. Learners should also be able to communicate research results and findings in written form.
This qualification will prepare learners to reflect on their own economic applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of Economics as a social science within their everyday lives. Lastly, it will prepare them for further study in Economics as a science.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should have demonstrated their ability to read, analyse, interpret and synthesize advanced relevant literature on a postgraduate level. Learners should be able to reflect and advise on factors affecting the economy, and on the effects of different courses of action.

A potential learner should posses an Honours Degree in Economics on NQF level 7, or, with the permission of the Department of Economics, an Honours Degree in Econometrics. Alternatively any other qualification or related experience, which is considered relevant and sufficient by the Department of Economics (RAU) will be assessed.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learners should be able to:

1. Demonstrate their competence in applying the advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of economic, business and financial management correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills)

2. Plan and undertake advanced research in the field of economic, business and financial management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on economic and business related issues correctly by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken? (Research skills)

3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing on an advanced level with the different role players in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (Communication skills)

4. Accountably develop an advanced theoretical and practical macro vision, taking into account socio-political and multi-cultural factors of economic, business and financial management internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (Develop a macro vision)

5. Effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying advanced relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof. (Entrepreneurship)

6. Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of economic, business and financial management. (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills)

7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing advanced relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof. (Team ship)

8. Utilize appropriate management technology (e.g. computer and e-mail) effectively in the economic, business and financial management environment (Technological and environmental literacy)

9. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different skills within the field of economic, business and financial management (Explore learning strategies)

10. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of advanced management capabilities within the field of economic, business and financial management both on the local and national level (Promoting citizenship)

11. Practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, towards the different role players in the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)

12. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills, for entry into the different sectors of the economic, business and financial management industry utilizing the theoretical principles and reflect on the application thereof? (Employment seeking skills)

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Can the learner demonstrate their ability to identify and solve problems in the field of economic, business and financial management correctly by applying the advanced theoretical principles correctly and reflect on the application made? (Problem solving skills)

2. Are the learners able to plan and undertake advanced research in the field of economic, business and financial management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on economic, business and financial management issues correctly, by utilizing the relevant theoretical research undertaken principles and reflect on the research undertaken? (Research skills)

3. Can the learner communicate effectively orally and in writing on an advanced level with the different role players in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made correctly?

4. Have the learner developed an accountable and advanced effective theoretical and practical macro vision of economic, business and financial management nationally and internationally, provincially,regionally and locally?

5. Are the learners able to effectively and responsibly organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of economics, business and financial management by applying advanced relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof? (Entrepreneurship)

6. Are the learners able to accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of economic, business and financial management? (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills)

7. Can the learners practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof? (Team ship)

8. Are the learners able to utilise appropriate management technology (e.g. computer and e-mail) effectively in the economic, business and financial management environment? (Technological and environmental literacy)

9. Are the learners able to explore different effective learning strategies, to acquire the different skills within the field of economic, business and financial management? (Explore learning strategies)

10. Are the learners able to promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of management capabilities within the field of economic, business and financial management? (Promoting citizenship)

11. Are the learners able to practise acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, towards the different role players in the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made? (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)

12. Do the learners demonstrate the acceptable employment seeking skills, for entry into the different sectors of the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking and reflect on the application thereof? (Employment seeking skills)

Formative assessment practice that will be implemented:
Course work:

Learners are continuously assessed via written ad hoc modular tests which will be utilised as an entry requirement for exam purposes. A minimum modular mark of 40% is required for entry into summative assessment.
Learners will also need to complete a written research paper, which will count 25% of their final mark.
Dissertation:
Learners are continuously assessed by their supervisors.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
Course work:
Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written 3 hour examination. A final mark will be calculated on the average of a modular and exam mark.

Dissertation:
Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a dissertation on a selected topic within the field of economics. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate some evidence of original work.
The dissertation is submitted to the supervisor as well as at least one external examiner. They will typically judge the dissertation in accordance with the following criteria: the standard of the research methodology; the scientific and academic quality of the processes and structures; the technical presentation and layout, including the standard of language usage and editing.
Each examiner (internal and external) submits a report regarding the dissertation. A percentage mark is allotted and a examination report clearly indicates whether the dissertation is: accepted un-amended; or accepted after improvements have been made; or referred back for revision and re-submission for examination; or rejected.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

1. Access to qualifications on a lower level:

Learners who wish to gain access to certificates, diplomas or degrees on NQF level 5 to 7 may be allowed, subject to approval by the Dean and panel of participating departments. Credit will be retained for modules passed previously.

2. Access to qualifications on the same level:
Course work:

Learners who are (or have been) registered for this or another related qualification on NQF level 8 at another higher educational institution will be allowed to enter mid-stream. Such learners will retain credit for subjects that have been passed, after recognition by the previous institution and the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (RAU).
Learners, who want to switch to another qualification or other modules at this institution, may do so subject to certain time limits. They will retain full credit for modules les that have been passed.
If learners want to continue their studies at another higher educational institution, they may switch towards the end of the first or the second semester. This will also be in accordance with the regulations of other institutions.

Dissertation:
Learners, who want to continue their Masters studies at this institution, may do so if they can provide formal evidence of their previous academic training on a Masters study level 8 of the NQF. Their previous exposure to masters training will be assessed by the dean 's committee, whereupon the necessary status and credit will be recognized. The dean may refuse a candidate to continue with the masters degree, if in his/her opinion the applicant 's prior training or academic standard is insufficient. Such a candidate may appeal to the Executive Committee of the Senate. A supplementary study programme may be required as condition for mid-stream entry. Learners, who want to switch to another qualification or to another field of research, may do so, after consultation with their promoter(s) or the departmental head. Credit will be retained for formal prior training (courses that have been passed). Learners are allowed to continue their studies at another institution, in the case of them still being busy with the lecture-and exam-based components of the Masters degree (if such an option exists). However, as soon as a learner has started his/her dissertation, the transition to another institution will only be possible after careful deliberation with the promoter(s) and corresponding department(s) at that institution. The learner who wishes to exit the RAU M.Com (Economics) in mid-stream, i. e. change to another similar degree at RAU or another higher education institution, may do so, with the permission and motivation of his/her new promoter.

3. Access to qualifications on a higher level:

Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study of higher education programme exist, namely a doctoral degree programme in Economics on NQF level 8 at any university.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Both internal and external examiners will be appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences upon recommendation by the Department of Economics at this institution.
At least one internal and external examiner will be appointed. External examiners with at least a doctoral degree will be selected from within the different higher education institutions or other educational institutions in South Africa or abroad.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Formal qualified assessors for assessing learners in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive outcomes per module, with at least a doctoral degree in the related field of study, will be appointed by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences of this institution upon recommendation by the particular department.
Assessors should have job related or learning area experience and be SAQA accredited with assessment experience in the field of study to be able to act as an assessor.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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