SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Postgraduate Diploma: Mathematical Sciences

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
73609	Postgraduate Diploma: Mathematical Sciences
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Mathematical Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 8 and above	Level TBA: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 0695/12	2012-07-01	2014-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31		2018-12-31

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
96963	Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The AIMS-Cambridge Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Sciences ("the Diploma" for short) will be a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary course involving lecturers from all participating universities. Its generic purpose is:

To bring the worldwide convergence of mathematics, physics and computational sciences into the classroom.

To equip students with an in-depth theoretical knowledge in their chosen specialization within the AIMS interdisciplinary knowledge base and to train them to acquire such knowledge from primary publications, original source material, interaction with lecturers, industrial partners and other students.

To provide training in rigorous research techniques and methodology at a mathematically and computationally high level.

To train students through frequent interaction how to approach complex problems and find workable solutions, to evolve a defensible viewpoint, and to be able to communicate their findings in a scholarly and scientifically coherent manner.

To show students how to use to their advantage the cultural and linguistic differences existing between participating disciplines.

To encourage students to aspire to the highest levels of academic excellence and to internalize academic integrity and professional ethics.

To anticipate the growing need for scientists in industry and government who can comfortably traverse current disciplinary barriers.

The purpose of the Qualification is:

To provide students direct access to knowledge currently being generated and discussed on the forefronts of the mathematical sciences.

To facilitate the flow of ideas and techniques between the disciplines involved.

To expand students' scientific world views to encompass mathematical science disciplines other than their own.

To further the creation of a "Web of Mathematical Scientists" covering the African continent through expanded contact with other African universities and AIMS alumni.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The normal procedures of the University of Stellenbosch for admission to postgraduate study apply. The Departments of Physics and Mathematics considers all the applications and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of students' previous qualifications and other learning experiences for this programme. The department may recommend direct admission or admission on condition of additional work to be completed before or during the programme, or that the student is not admitted. The Faculty board of the Faculty of Natural Sciences considers the recommendations and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee of Senate where the final decision is taken. Where applicable and justified, the option of admission on Senate discretion is considered and granted.

Access to the Qualification:

The Diploma aims to recruit students not only from the local participating universities, but also from the whole African continent and (on a fee-paying basis) from other continents. Whilst the programme will be planned to take into account a wide variety in backgrounds and attainments of students, it will be highly demanding and therefore only students with a proven capacity for study at this level will be considered. Admission will be based on fulfillment of three criteria:

Within the Cambridge context, the minimum entry requirements will be a high upper second class honours degree from one of the faculties of science or engineering from a recognized institution of higher education.

In the African context, a wide range of qualifications, roughly equivalent to a South African BSc(Honours) degree, will hence be considered. Examples within the South African system include:

BSc(Hons) in Physical and Mathematical Analysis.

BSc(Hons) in Theoretical Physics.

BSc(Hons) in Mathematics.

BSc(Hons) in Applied Mathematics.

BSc(Hons) in Computer Science (plus either Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Theoretical Physics as major on NQF Level 6, ie third year level) or an equivalent NQF Level 7 Qualification approved for this purpose by the AIMS Board.

Strongly positive letters of recommendation from academic staff familiar with the students work must be presented to the AIMS Board.

Selection process: The diversity of standards and systems spanning African education, and the stated intent of AIMS to create a centre of excellence, will necessitate a selection process on the part of the AIMS steering committee, based inter alia on the perceived quality of the student's prior Qualifications, the letter of recommendation, strategic considerations and, where necessary, interviews with candidates and entrance examinations.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Level, Credits and learning components assigned to the Qualification:

One year; 120 Credits.

Not fewer than 120 at Level 8.

Programme pegged at NQF Level 8.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Generic outcomes:

Graduates will demonstrate their abilities:

To assimilate knowledge from a wide range of mathematical topics and research areas.

To master the research process, leading.

From selection of one of the mathematical science topics.

To self-driven but supervised investigation.

To critical discussion, analysis and simulation.

To understanding and coherent presentation.

To organize and manage their time and activities responsibly and effectively,

To use visual, oral and written skills to communicate effectively.

Specific outcomes:

Graduates will specifically demonstrate their ability:

To have a well-founded general knowledge of the theory and current questions in the disciplinary and interdisciplinary topics covered during coursework.

To gain experience in, and learn the value of, applying the same mathematical techniques to a range of problems.

To have an appreciation for the indivisibility of knowledge in the modern mathematical sciences and its embodiment in interdisciplinary work.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 8a as follows:

By means of the coursework plus associated assignments, exercises, seminars and written homework, outcomes (a), (e) and (f) of those specified in 7.a) above are assessed.

The essay and the continual high-level interaction with study supervisors assess all of the above outcomes, but especially outcomes (b), (d) and (g).

Compliance with deadlines without sacrificing quality of work is used to show competence in outcome (c).

Integrated assessment:

As successful completion of the essay and oral presentations requires a high degree of skills integration, these also provide both an integrated and a detailed assessment of the student.

Review courses are taught by cutting-edge researchers on their respective specialisations. Every AIMS student selects one of the course topics for his/her essay and oral presentation. The essay and presentation hence provide a vehicle for integrated assessment of acquired research skills and lead the student into deeper understanding of the chosen research topic.

Postgraduate Support:

Students and staff are in constant contact, and regular contact sessions are held. Student progress is monitored, and regular feedback sessions are also organized. All the lecturers involved in the programme are committed to assisting students in finishing their studies in the minimum set time.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The departments concerned (Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science) at the participating universities have broad expertise and experience both in research and teaching within the mathematical sciences.

The universities already offer a variety of degrees on MSc and PhD level.

The infrastructure of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences is expected to cover all needs of the programme such as computers, study and teaching facilities and a well-stocked library. Accommodation and catering both for students and visiting lecturers shall be available on site in Muizenberg. Facilities of the participating universities are also available for use by AIMS students, including libraries and computational resources.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontally:

The AIMS Diploma is unique in the specific combination of participating bodies and mode of instruction. The Diploma is related to postgraduate mathematical science programmes at the participating universities in sharing lecturers and, where necessary and possible, facilities.

Vertically:

Pitched at a post-Honours level, the Diploma is, after passing a selection process detailed below, accessible to students holding various Honours degrees in the Mathematical Sciences, and in turn is intended to articulate into the various existing Masters' programmes in the Mathematical Sciences at the participating universities such as MSc's in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics and Physical and Mathematical Analysis.

MODERATION OPTIONS

AIMS will have an inherently rigorous moderating system provided by independent quality assessment of its outcomes by the participating universities.

The University of Stellenbosch has a system of external peer review and evaluation of departments.

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

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

N/A

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.

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.	Stellenbosch University