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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73965  Master of Arts in Social Science 
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 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
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 provide qualifying learners with enhanced competence on theoretical, methodological and practical levels of research in a specific field of interest within the domain of social work. The dissertation should be proof of the learner's capacity and skill in a competent manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the proper written communication of knowledge on the topic, the research process and findings. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All potential learners who are not in possession of an Honours qualification 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 qualification need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of Prior Learning.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will e implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be 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, providing that they are willing to further their studies at this institution.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    2. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    3. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity.
    4. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    5. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods.
    6. The learner should at an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to communicate effectively and appropriately the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?
    7. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able t analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    8. At an advanced level integrate technology during the problem-solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.
    9. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    10. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.
    11. At an advanced level and in an intergraded manner to contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    12. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    13. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities.
    14. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research dissertation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner appropriately identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
    2. Does the learner, at an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
    3. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity?
    4. Does the learner at an advanced level and integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
    5. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods?
    6. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner communicate according to set standards the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?
    7. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    8. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated technology during the problem solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.
    9. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
    10. Does the learner at an advanced level integrate manner explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.
    11. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
    12. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
    13. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities?
    14. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research?

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Learners are continuously assessed during progress supervision sessions with an assigned study supervisor.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written research proposal at commencement of studies ad an oral presentation of this research proposal to the staff of the department submission of a dissertation of not more than 200 pages, and an article that is ready for publication are required from candidates. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Social Science in Psychology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Social Sciences. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examiners will be appointed for the mini-dissertation by the Dean of the Faculty concerned, on recommendation by the Department of Social Work. At least one external examiner from another university who has the necessary expertise on the subjects is used for moderating completed dissertations. External examiners will be selected from other higher education institutions or from the ranks of practising professional people outside of academia. 

    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: 
    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.