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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Journalism 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73957  Master of Arts in Journalism 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Communication Studies 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop the advanced applied competence of qualifying learners in journalism. Advanced applied competence implies the highly developed ability to acquire, analyse, interpret and applied advanced communications principles and theories related to the context of Journalism with relevant sectors of the print and electronic media and the broadcasting industry. Furthermore, learners will develop the highly sophisticated ability to internalise, reflect and communicate highly complex strategic decisions and applications effectively through the progressive and suitable use of scientific language and technical terminology associated with journalism. The qualification will facilitate effective critical learning and foster appropriate research capabilities through exposure to and application of specialised learning and research styles, thereby enabling the learner to navigate and holistically manage the complex, dynamic context of journalism. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Potential learners should be in possession of an Honours Degree in Communication or Journalism with an average of 65% at NQF level 7, with a minimum of 120 credits. Potential learners who are not in possession of such a degree, but who are in possession of a qualification that could be regarded as equivalent to such a qualification, must apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for accreditation.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL):
All potential learners who are not in possession of an Honours Degree in Communication or Journalism need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the programme need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication for Recognition of Prior Learning.

A potential learner who wants to be credited for prior learning, and/or experience for a particular module or modules, needs to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules he/she wants to be credited for, as well as the basis on which he/she believes 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 by the provision that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are 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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced Journalism and communication problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of a journalism team or a group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex communication and Journalism problems.
    3. Organise and manage personal activities related to the Journalism learning process in an accountable manner.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise, critically evaluate conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to journalism.
    5. Communicate specialised Journalism information effectively using appropriate communication skills and media, and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication.
    6. Use intricate Journalism science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to Journalism.
    7. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of Journalism and the dynamic interrelationship between these nits and the broader context.
    8. Acquire and reflect on specialised reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Journalism.
    9. Acquire a specialised understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to journalism in local, national and global communities.
    10. Comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to the process of Journalism.
    11. Develop advanced career-development skills within the Journalism employment context.
    12. Identify and develop strategic Journalism entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Did the learner identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced Journalism problems by using critical and creative thinking?
    2. Did the learner strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of a journalism team or a group to identify, solve and critically valuate highly complex communication and Journalism problems?
    3. Did the learner organize and manage personal activities related to the Journalism learning process in an accountable manner?
    4. Did the learner collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to journalism?
    5. Did the learner communicate specialized Journalism information effectively using appropriate communication skills and media, and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication?
    6. Did the learner use intricate Journalism science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to Journalism?
    7. Did the learner demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of Journalism and the dynamic interrelationship between these nits and the broader context?
    8. Did the learner acquired and reflect on specialized reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Journalism?
    9. Did the learner acquire a specialized understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to journalism in local, national and global communities?
    10. Did the learner comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to the process of Journalism?
    11. Did the learner develop advanced career-development skills within the Journalism employment context?
    12. Did the learner identify and develop strategic Journalism entrepreneurial opportunities?

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair between formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, inter alia, short essays, oral presentations to a group of peers, and practical computer-based activities, personal discussions and practical projects. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, include the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report.
    And
    For the structured qualification, summative assessment of essays and an oral examination also take place. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Journalism, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism, 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 
    This MA with endorsement qualification is registered as a separate qualification only with SAQA. At the Department of Education it is not registered separately, but is included in the registration of the generic MA. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Johannesburg 


    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.