SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Arts: Social Science: Research

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
4295	Master of Arts: Social Science: Research
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 07 - Human and Social Studies		General Social Science
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
73965	Master of Arts in Social Science	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 enhanced competence on theoretical, methodological and practical levels of research in a specific field of interest within the domain of social work. The dissertation should be proof of the candidate's capacity and skill in a competent manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the proper written communication of knowledge on the topic, the research process and findings.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners need to demonstrate that they have acquired advanced intellectual competence and practical skills in the interpretation and application of scientific and social-work-specific principles and methods and the research-practice paradigm.

A prospective applicant for this qualification must have:

Knowledge and understanding

The learner should have knowledge and understanding of ethical, social and economic problems.

The learner should have knowledge and understanding of the helping process with individuals, groups, organization and communities.

The learner should have knowledge and understanding of human and environmental resources.

The learner should have knowledge and understanding of assessment, intervention and evaluative techniques in the process of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities.

Cognitive skills

o The learner should be able to analyse and evaluate existing ethical, social and economic problems.
o The learner should be able to function within an intellectually independent environment where flexibility and creativity are exercised.
o The learner should be able to assess and evaluate information gathered to the benefit of individuals, groups, organizations and communities.

Practical and professional skills

The learner should be able to develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions to elleviate ethical, social and economic problems.

The learner should be able to work effectively with others as members of a multi-disciplinary team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities using visual, language and therapeutic skills.

The learner should be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with individuals, groups, organizations and communities using visual, language and therapeutic skills.

The learner should be able to manage human and environmental resources.

The learner should be able to use assessment, intervention and evaluate techniques in the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities.

The learner should be able to develop and maintain human capacity.

Values and attitudes

v The learner should be able to work independently and creatively.
v The learner should be able to work effectively in a team setting, and maintain a flexible attitude.
v The learner should be able to communicate openly, clearly and honesty with individuals, groups, organizations and communities.
v The learners should be able to act as a professional within a professional environment.
v The learner should be able to facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities.
v The learner should have a client focus in dealing with individuals and groups, organizations and communities.

The Head of the Department approves the qualifications of prospective candidates. A supplementary study programme may be required as a condition of admission. A potential learner should possess a four-year BA degree in Social work or an equivalent qualification or a three-year BA degree in Social Work and a BA Honours degree in any related field. Master's students are required to produce proof of competency in research methods. This competency will be assessed by means of an entrance examination before commencement of the programme.

Recognition of prior learning

All potential learners who are not in possession of an Honours degree 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 Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for recognition of prior learning.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will e implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not 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 a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification, providing that they are willing to further their studies at this university.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learner should:

1. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

2. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

3. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity.

4. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

5. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods.

6. The learner should at an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to communicate effectively and appropriately the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?

7. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able t analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

8. At an advanced level integrate technology during the problem-solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.

9. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

10. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.

11. At an advanced level and in an intergraded manner to contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

12. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

13. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities.

14. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner appropriately identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?

2. Does the learner, at an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?

3. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity?

4. Does the learner at an advanced level and integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?

5. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods?

6. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner communicate according to set standards the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?

7. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

8. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated technology during the problem solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.

9. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?

10. Does the learner at an advanced level integrate manner explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.

11. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

12. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?

13. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities?

14. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Learners are continuously assessed during progress supervision sessions with an assigned study supervisor.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written research proposal at commencement of studies ad an oral presentation of this research proposal to the staff of the department submission of a dissertation of not more than 200 pages, and an article that is ready for publication are required from candidates.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Access to qualifications on a lower level:

Learners who achieve this qualification will be allowed access to qualification on lower level than level 8, within the field of Social Service Professions. Such learners will retain credit for relevant modules that have been passed, after recognition by the institution and approval by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

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 have obtained this qualification may, with the permission of the Dean of the relevant faculty, enter a range of programmes in the social sciences mid-stream given that the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will therefore be credited for prior learning. Learners who are (or have been) registered for this (or a related) qualification at another higher education institution will be allowed, with the permission of the Dean of Arts, to enter mid-stream, given that the rules of access have been compiled with. Such learners will therefore be credited for prior learning. Students wishing to change to the master's programme by coursework can do so on departmental approval of such a request. In the latter case research proposals will be re-assessed to ensure that they fulfil the requirements of the degree.

Access to qualifications on a higher level

Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study in higher education programme exist: a D Litt et Phil., or equivalent degree in Social Work at this or any other university.

MODERATION OPTIONS

External examiners will be appointed for the mini-dissertation by the Dean of the Faculty concerned, on recommendation by the Department of Social Work. At least one external examiner from another university who has the necessary expertise on the subjects is used for moderating completed dissertations. External examiners will be selected from other higher education institutions or from the ranks of practising professional people outside of academia.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

He/she must at least have a master's degree in an appropriate field of study and/or be regarded by the academic community as competent to act as an assessor. An assessor should be proficient in the subject matter of the learning area which he/she is assessing. An assessors needs to have prior assessment experience and/or be trained in assessment practices 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 is an old qualification that was registered in June 1998.

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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