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

Master of Commerce: Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
5112  Master of Commerce: Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 student is capable of independent empirical research in the field of information systems. In doing this, the student must be able to demonstrate:

1. Mastery of the current theoretical material in the field of information systems.
2. Mastery of the methods of research common in information systems.
3. The ability to assess critically existing research material in the field of information systems
4. The ability to design and execute original research in the field of information systems. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
1. Ability to read and comprehend the content of any current research article in information systems.
2. Understanding of how information systems are developed and deployed in modern organisations.
3. Mastery of at least one programming language or demonstration of the ability to read programming specifications or demonstration of ability to sue a range of software in a creative way in an application area (beyond so-called) " productivity tools" such as spreadsheets, databases and word processors.
4. Understanding of information technology basics such as how computers work, how databases function, how networks operate.

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or Equivalent university admission qualification

First degree:
BCom (Information Systems)
BBusSci (Information Systems)

Honours degree:
BCom (Hons) (Information Systems)
BBus.Sci (Information Systems) or equivalent degrees in Engineering (computer specialisation), Computer Science, Library Science or similar or related areas

Recognition of prior learning

Work experience may be a substitute for the field in the sense that a research honours degree is required but it might not have to be in the field stated above if

1) The learner has sufficient practical experience with information systems as a developer, manager, or supervisor to be fully conversant with the technology

2) The learner has undertaken directed research in information systems or has had major responsibility for developing a major information system with a strong evaluation report. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Cross-field outcomes:

a) Critical cross-field outcomes (generic to all teaching and learning)

i) The Masters graduate is able to demonstrate mastery to depth of a theoretically sophisticated subject matter;

ii) The Masters graduate is equipped with proficiency in research methodology sufficient to proceed to a PhD Graduates have mastered the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication.
  • Critical reading
  • Critical writing
  • Critical Evaluation
  • Critical Attitude

    b) General outcomes (contextually demonstrated general knowledge, skills and values of the programme)

    The Masters graduate is able to:

    i) Conduct independent research in the discipline (or inter-disciplinary field);
    ii) Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences;
    iii) Apply disciplinary knowledge and research skills;
    iv) Analyse and critique communications of an academic and popular nature.
    v) Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline
    vi) Challenge orthodoxies and redefine existing knowledge, while demonstrating awareness of the nature of knowledge in the field.
    vii) Have mastered a body of knowledge within a specified area of the discipline
    viii) Have mastered all relevant research techniques, both general and specific in relation to a particular field of study
    ix) Be able to summarise clearly, accurately and comprehensively all relevant aspects of an academic debate
    x) Be able to relate or apply existing knowledge in novel contexts
    xi) Have sufficient knowledge for teaching undergraduates
    xii) Be equipped to undertake supervised research at doctoral level
    xiii) Be able to make an expert contribution to the conduct of business in a particular area of economic activity
    xiv) Will understand and endorse the need for very high standards of rigour in academic research
  • knowledge of IS research
  • knowledge of IS research methods
  • ability to formulate IS theories and hypotheses

    c) Specific Outcomes, including professional outcomes, contextually demonstrated)
  • Ability to create, run, and manage a major, original research project in an IS topic
  • Ability to write up research results in a credible and presentable way. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    a) Critical review papers.

    b) Literature survey papers
  • Critical evaluation of research methodology through papers
  • Presentation of research topics
  • Development of term papers that present theories of others and of oneself
  • Development and writing of research proposal

    c) Development and writing of masters mini-dissertation that is passed by two external reviewers. This paper will develop a theoretical idea, report on a design to test it, describe the data collection and analysis, and put forth the results in a convincing way.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

    Assessment methods (Year 1)
    Term papers: Demonstrates critical skills and capture of material
    Presentations of ideas Demonstrates critical thinking and presentation skills
    Literature Survey: Demonstrates integration of material from research literature, critical reading and evaluation skills
    Research proposal: Demonstrates ability to design research and understanding of research methods

    Assessment method (year 2)
    Writing of dissertation (original research) and assessment by two external evaluators: Demonstrates ability to design, execute, manage research project and to interpret the results into written form. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Title(s) of related qualification(s)

    1) PhD
    2) MSc (IS)

    This qualification serves as an entry point to the related qualification:

    PhD
    MSc (IS)

    This qualification provides credits for the related qualification(s)

    Not generally. In most countries outside N. America, credits aren't counted towards a research degree such as the PhD a research masters degree is, however, universally a prerequisite (although MBA may also be used as a prerequisite)

    MSc (IS): Could be used for some credits, although the MSc degree and is not necessary research related.

    Entry to this qualification in midstream:
    Not possible

    Exit from qualification in midstream:
    The period of attendance and credits for course work are recorded on the academic transcript and may be recognised by another institution.

    Other higher education programmes which articulate with this qualification without "going back to square one"

    The MCom articulates with the PhD in the Faculty of Commerce 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The University of Cape Town has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The academic staff of the University of Cape Town will be used in a manner, which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the University. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    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.