SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Arts: Information Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
4457	Master of Arts: Information Science
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans 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 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Information Studies
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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with an increased knowledge of specialised aspects if Information Science and with experience in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners for a science-based career, and provides a basis for further learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners must demonstrate the following competencies:

Advance development of learning and experimental skills

A scientific attitude

Advanced research skills

Practical knowledge and skills in the management of information retrieval, information dissemination, information technology applications, value-adding of information, information as a resource, knowledge

A prerequisite for admission to the degree is a BA Honours in Information Science, or equivalent degree, or the Post-graduate Diploma in Information Management with a pass mark of at least 65%.

Recognition of prior learning:

All potential learners who are not in possession of a relevant Honour on NQF level 7, must provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning, which should give them access to the programme, must apply via the Chairperson of the department offering the module or modules, to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for recognition of prior learning. The potential learner must clearly state the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of 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 detrimental to the potential student and that his/her chances of success 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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Learner should be able to:

1. Advanced research on a theme from Information Science that will attest to a critical ability and research competence. Collect, analyse, organise, interpret and evaluate all kinds of scientific and other information in addition to using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the study of Information Science;

2. Work effectively with other scientists and role players in a team aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena about Information Science, have the ability to do comprehensive independent research and/or team work where required;

3. Competently apply methods, techniques and methodological approaches from Information Science. Identify problems in the field of Information Science and suggest workable and appropriate responses to these, through creative thinking;

4. Communicate effectively with other role players in the field of Information Science using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language (oral and written) skills. Demonstrate the ability to do in-depth research relevant to the information sciences;

5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret information relevant to Information Science from the scientific establishment, the media and the community;

6. Competently handle methods, techniques and methodological approaches
(Including entrepreneurship where relevant);

7. Perform advanced study of Information Science from a managerial and holistic perspective. Use of advanced concepts, definitions, knowledge and theories in the field of Information Science;

8. Use advanced terms, concepts, definitions, classifications and theories inherent in the field of Information Science and reflect on the application of these;

9. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the role of science and technology as applied in Information Science. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential role of information in the process of improving the quality of life of people;

10. Exhibit academic integrity`

11. Demonstrate self-reliance, honesty, responsibility, hard work and sensitivity to differences in the execution of their tasks

12. Acquire employment-seeking skills for entry into the different areas of Information Science

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner can: / Does the learner:

1. Can the learner do advanced research on a theme from Information Science that will attest to a critical ability and research competence? Does the learner have the ability to collect, analyse, organise, interpret and evaluate all kinds of scientific and other information in addition to using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the study of the Information Sciences?

2. Does the learner have the ability to work effectively with other scientists and role players in a team aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena about the information Sciences? Does the learner have the ability to do comprehensive independent research and/or teamwork where required?

3. Does the learner have the ability apply methods, techniques and methodological approaches from Information Science? Can the learner identify problems in the field of Information Science and suggest workable and appropriate responses to these through creative and critical thinking?

4. Can the learner communicate effectively with other role players in the field of information Science by using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language (oral and written ) skills? Does the learner have the ability to do in-depth research relevant to information Science?

5. Does the learner have the ability to analyse and interpret information relevant to Information Science from the scientific establishment, the media and the community?

6. Does the learner have the ability to handle methods, techniques and methodological approaches (including entreprenuership where relevant)

7. Can the learner do advanced study of Information Science from a managerial and holistic perspective? Can the learner use advanced concepts, definitions, knowledge and theories in Information Science.

8. Can the learner use advanced terms, concepts, definitions, classifications and theories inherent in the field of Information Science and reflect on the application of these?

9. Does the learner demonstrate an advanced understanding of the role of science and technology as applied to Information Science? Does the learner understand the potential role of information in the process of improving the quality of life of people?

10. Does the learner exhibit academic integrity?

11. Can the learner demonstrate self-reliance, honesty, responsibility, hard work and sensitivity to differences in the execution of his or hers tasks?

12. Has the learner acquired employment-seeking skills for entry into the different areas if Information Science?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Learners are continuously assessed via assignments and seminars, which are evaluated by the lectures

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Learners are required to write a three-hour examination on each module. In addition to this, learners are assessed on a mini-dissertation of at least 100 pages.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Access to qualification at lower level:

Access to the programme is possible if the learner is in possession of a BA Honours degree in Information Science, or equivalent degree.

Access to qualifications on the same level:

Learners who are (or have been) registered for this or another related qualification (or for some of the same or related modules) at another higher education institution, will be allowed, with the permission of the chairman of the Department and the Dean of Arts, to enter a similar programme at the same level, provided the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will retain credit for relevant modules that have been passed at another institution.

Access to qualifications on a higher level:

Having obtained this qualification the learner will be in a position to enrol for a doctoral programme in Information Science at any institution of higher education in South Africa, or for a doctoral programme in any other related discipline, depending on the rules of access of such a program
.

MODERATION OPTIONS

What external examination processes will be implemented?

External examiners and moderators are used for all modules. The Faculty of Arts will appoint external examiners upon recommendation by the Department of Information Studies.

How many external examiners/moderators will be appointed for this qualification and from which type of institutions or professional bodies will typically be?

One external examiner per module and one for the mini-dissertation will be appointed. These external examiners will be in possession of at least a Masters degree in Information Science or a related field of study and will be selected from other higher education institutions and/or are subject specialists in the relevant field.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Criteria regarding formal qualifications that assessors should have:

Formal qualified assessors for assessment will be in possession of at least a masters degree in a relevant field of study.

Criteria regarding job or learning area experience:

Assessors should have at least three years of job related or learning area experience.

Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:

Assessors are required to be SAQA accredited with at least two years of assessment experience in the related field of study.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

This is an old qualification recorded by SAQA in June 1998, AS Magister Informationes, but now submitted under a new title.

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.

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