SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Science: Exploration Geophysics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
6473	Master of Science: Exploration Geophysics
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Earth and Space Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	160	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 091/21	2021-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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 purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifier with advanced knowledge and practical skills in research methodology, in the field of earth science, in order to solve multi-faceted geological problems and in doing so contribute to the long term social and economic needs of South Africa. A measure of specialisation and a limited contribution to the global knowledge base are commonly inherent in an M Sc qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Matriculation certificate
First degree: B Sc
Honours degree: B Sc Hons
Other:
Before application for admission to the M Sc (Exploration Geophysics) candidates must be in possession of a B Sc (Hons) with training in Geophysics

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

M Sc

Learning outcomes:
Graduates must be able:

to demonstrate research ability

to apply rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis of the physics of the Earth in order to solve multidisciplinary problems in the earth sciences

to apply fundamental knowledge of the Earth, and the mathematics and physics that govern the Earth, to communicate relevant scientific information to scientific society

to examine and develop linkages between earth science, relevant industry, the environment and society

to make contributions to the long term stability of the country's economy

Critical cross-field outcomes:
The qualifier will broaden his/her outlook on the role of science in society and be able to identify and solve problems in a creative and responsible way
Collect data and do data reduction in a systematic and critical way
Appreciating the role and need for team efforts when necessary
Do effective communication of scientific knowledge and methods to relevant scientific communities and to society when the need arises
Using technology, including communication technology, effectively remain in touch with the modern trends and development in the relevant science and its impact on society
Be sensitive to cultural heritage and differences

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Thesis showing ability to identify critical problems in the relevant science
Plan a research project to solve a problem
Accumulate relevant data and information through literature surveys
Experimentation and observation
Assess new and existing information
Compile scientific report
Put forward solutions that are tenable within the relevant scientific discipline
Show applicability to the social and industrial system of the day
Compile a scientific publication acceptable within nationally recognised earth science journals

Integrated assessment:
Oral examinations
Other:
Thesis

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Related qualifications:
Ph D Exploration Geophysics

Ph D Exploration Geophysics serves as an entry point to the related qualification

MODERATION OPTIONS

External assessment of Thesis
External participation in oral exams

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Qualifications required:
Ph D

Career experience required:
Demonstrated experience within the profession of exploration geophysics

Other criteria:
Familiarity with norms of graduate training
Proficiency in education assessment and guidance

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 Pretoria