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

Master of Arts: Corporate Communication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
4157  Master of Arts: Corporate Communication 
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  Public Relations 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  256  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
73947  Master of Arts in Corporate Communication  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop advanced applied competence of qualifying learners in Corporate Communication. Advanced applied competence implies the highly developed ability to acquire, analyse, interpret and apply advanced communication principles and theories related to the context of public relations in the Corporate Communication industry. Furthermore, learners will develop the highly sophisticated ability to internalise, reflect and communicate highly complex strategic decisions and applications effectively through the progressive and suitable use of scientific language and technical terminology associated with Corporate Communication. The qualification will facilitate effective critical learning and foster appropriate research capabilities through the exposure to and application of specialised learning and research styles, thereby enabling the learner to navigate and manage the compounded, dynamic context of Corporate Communication holistically. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
To enrol for this qualification, a potential learners need to demonstrate the following competences:
  • *The ability to write academic texts;
  • *The ability to write a research proposal and report;
  • *The ability to orally present and defend an argument that is supported by evidence;
  • *The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of their peers in a constructive manner;
  • *The ability to design, plan, and execute a meso-level research task, based on a theoretical framework in a group context on an immediate level, to reflect on their own research and report on research findings;
  • The ability to search for, access, organise and interpret information at an intermediate level.
  • The ability to use various information and communication technologies in an academic environment;
  • *The ability to discuss the theory and methodology of Communication and Corporate Communication and to be able to contribute to current debates in Corporate Communication at intermediate level;
  • *The ability to, critically and creatively, describe and apply different communication models and construct specific to Corporate Communication problems in South African, and global Corporate Communication industry at an intermediate level.

    A potential learner should be in possession of an Honours degree in communication or Corporate Communication, with an average of 65% at NQF level 7, with a minimum of 120 credits. Potential learners who are not in possession of such a degree, but are in possession of a qualification, must apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for accreditation.

    Recognition of prior learning:
    All potential learners who are not in possession of an Honour degree in Communication or Corporate Communication, need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the programme, need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication for recognition of prior learning.

    Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules he/she wants to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

    The principles or RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not be to the detriment of the potential student and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.
    The committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for
    g) access to, or
    h) advanced placement in, or
    i) recognition of status for this qualification 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learners should be able to

    1. identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced Corporate Communication and communication problems by using critical and creative thinking;

    2. strategically manage and work effectively with others as member of a Corporate Communication team or a group, to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex Communication and Corporate Communication problems;

    3. organize and manage personal activities related to the Corporate Communication learning process and research in an accountable manner;

    4. collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to Corporate Communication ;

    5. communicate specialised Corporate Communication information effectively, using appropriate communication skills and media and facilitating effective and non-verbal persuasive communication;

    6. use intricate Corporate Communication science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to Corporate Communication;

    7. demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of Corporate Communication and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context;

    8. acquire a reflect and specialized reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Corporate Communication;

    9. acquire a specialized understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to Corporate Communication in local, national and global communities;

    10. comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of Corporate Communication;

    11. develop advanced career-development skills within the Corporate Communication employment context;

    12. identify and develop strategic Corporate Communication entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Does the learner identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced Corporate Communication problems by using critical and creative thinking?

    2. Does the learner strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of a Corporate Communication team or a group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex Corporate Communication problems?

    3. Does the learner organize and manage activities related to the Corporate Communication learning process in an accountable manner?

    4. Does the learner collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to information pertaining to Corporate Communication ?

    5. Does the learner communicate specialised Corporate Communication information effectively, using appropriate communication skills and media , and facilitating effective and non-verbal persuasive communication?

    6. Does the learner use intricate Corporate Communication science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to Corporate Communication?

    7. Does the learner demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of Corporate Communication and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context?

    8. Does the learner acquire and reflect on specialized reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Corporate Communication?

    9. Does the learner acquire a specialized understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to Corporate Communication in local, national and global communities?

    10. Does the learner comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of Corporate Communication?

    11. Does the learner develop advanced career-development skills within the Corporate Communication employment context?

    12. Does the learner identify and develop strategic Corporate Communication entrepreneurial opportunities?

    Integrated assessment
    Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among others, short essays, oral class presentations to a group of peers, and practical computer-based activities, personal interviews and practical projects. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, include the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report.
    For the structured programme, summative assessment on essays and an oral examination also takes place. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Access to qualifications on a lower level:
    Potential learners should be in possession of an Honours degree in Communication or Corporate Communication at NQF level 7. The achievement of this qualification should give the learner access to certificates and diplomas in this field at level 7.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:
    The achievement of this qualification should give learners access to certificates and diplomas in this field on level 8. Learners who are (or have been) registered for this (or related) qualification at another higher education institution or at RAU, may, with the permission of the Dean of Arts, enter the Master's programmes in Communication or Corporate Communication mid-stream, given that the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will therefore be credited for prior learning.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study in higher education programme exist:
    * a Doctoral programme in Communication or Corporate Communication. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examination processes to be implemented:
    An assessor within the department as well as a moderator, administer the final assessment. A departmental committee appoints external assessors.
  • External examiners/moderators that will be appointed for this qualification and the type of institutions or professional bodies from which they will typically be:
    One per module from the Communication Department of a tertiary institution, or a qualified assessor from a related industry or professional body. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria regarding formal qualifications which assessors should have:
    An assessor should at least have a Master's degree in Communication or a related field of study and/or, be regarded as an expert in the subject field and competent to act as an assessor by the academic community
  • Criteria regarding job or learning area experience:
    Assessors should be proficient in the subject matter of the learning area in which he/she is assessing and have good interpersonal skills.
  • Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:
    An assessor needs to have prior assessment experience and/or be trained in assessment practises on higher education level:
    *As part of qualifying as an education and training practitioner, or
    *through a mentoring process, or
    *through on-the-job training, or
    *through additional study of a unit standard or qualification on assessment. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This MA honours with endorsement qualification is registered as a separate qualification only with SAQA. At the Department of Education it is not registered separately, but is included in the registration of the generic MA. 

    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.
     
    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.