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

Master of Science in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
6413  Master of Science in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  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 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 qualification is for Honours qualified learner in Geography or an allied discipline who wish to advance to research at a higher level. It is for qualified learner who wish to embark on a tractable research topic that will provide them with the experience and skills to write a dissertation and will thus also prepare themselves for doctoral studies.

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualified learner with an opportunity to conduct an innovative piece of research under supervision.

The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a body of skilled independent researchers capable of providing scientific leadership and who possess a reasonable array of high-level analytical and interpretative skills that are appropriate for addressing local, regional, national, and international issues in a practical way in the broad realm of the field of geography and spatial analysis.

The third purpose is to provide a level of training in focussed research that will and that will also provide a stepping-stone to more advanced research (theoretical and/or practical) of an international standard focussed on multi-dimensional geographic issues suitable for doctoral qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learning outcomes:
    Know:
    1. Current paradigms relevant to the field of research.
    2. The relevant international literature related to the topic being researched.
    3. Suitable analytical and methodological approaches to the topic.

    Skills:
    4. Application of the appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative techniques or measurement and analysis.
    5. Adopt appropriate research paradigms for new techniques.
    6. Develop high-level skills of scientific writing appropriate for publishing research findings in high-level journals.

    Values:
    7. Embrace the ethical standards associated with scientific research in general and with the topic in particular.
    8. Appreciate the environmental ethic.
    9. Accept public accountability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Prepare and submit at least one research paper of an international standard.
  • Presenting research findings at an appropriate scientific forum.
  • Generating an integrated dissertation on the particular focus within an overview of the appropriate literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Other:
    Dissertation examination by an internal examiner and external examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master of Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Geography, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.