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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74033  Master of Science in Information Technology 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
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 
Purpose:

The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the degree obtained by the graduates. This degree is intended to follow on the BSc Honours (Information Technology) degree that is in the process of receiving full accreditation by the BCS.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to:
  • Carry out independent research in the field of information technology and mastering the required study field.
  • Demonstrate the required level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into computer science problems, thereby revealing his/her ability for critical reasoning, formulation, analysis and evaluation of a specific information technology problem.
  • Demonstrate reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision-making, strategic thinking and organizational abilities.
  • Access further education and training and to enhance his/her marketability and employability in the field of Information Technology.
  • Do research in the interest fields of the lecturers in the RAU-Standard Bank Academy for Information Technology.
  • Write a dissertation about the research field.
  • Write articles in the relevant field to be presented at national and international conferences.

    Rationale:

    In April 2002 a delegation of the British Computer Society (BCS) visited the Academy to investigate the accreditation of the BSc (Information Technology) degree and the honours degree by the body. During February 2003 the BSc Information Technology degree (BSc 310) was formally accredited by this body. Feedback received from the BCS suggested that if minor changes were made to the current BSc Honours (Computer Science and Informatics) degree it would receive partial registration to the British Engineering Council. (Currently the registration of an Information Technology graduate is not possible at the South African Engineering Council). The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the degree obtained by the graduates. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners with a B.Sc Honours (Information Technology) that is a NQF 7 degree qualification would be able to register for this qualification.

    The entrance level outcomes that applies is:
  • The mathematical ability to understand and apply advanced algorithms in problem solutions.
  • The ability to design advanced algorithms for implementation in a computer system.
  • The ability to program and implement algorithms using a recognized programming language.
  • The ability to demonstrate the representation of data structures in a computer system and the functioning of data models.
  • The ability to demonstrate the latest developments in the IT industry.
  • The ability to demonstrate the roll and meaning of IT systems in the modern society.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the learner is found to be competent, the learner may gain:
  • Access.
  • Advanced placement.
  • Any equivalent course done at another university's course content is evaluated on an individual basis with each application by the head of the department or recognition of certificate status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

    Access to the qualification:
  • M.Sc (Information Technology) leads to PhD (Information Technology). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Credits: NQF Levels
    Core: Levels 8: 120 credits, Total: 120 credits
    Total: 120 credits

    Module/Subject:
    Core: IT Research Dissertation:120 credits
    Total: 120 credits

    Additional information on modules

    Title of module: IT Research Dissertation, NQF level: 8, Credits: 120, Duration: 1 year full time, Nature of module: Research, Purpose: Completion of a supervised research dissertation, Prerequisites: B.Sc Honors (Information Technology), Assessment: The dissertation is assessed by the study leader and at least one external examiner in the research field from another institution with at least a masters degree in the research area.

    Learning components

    The learner completes a research dissertation under supervision of a study leader in a current and relevant area of Information Technology research. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learners should be able to:

    1. Problem-solving skills

    1.1. Demonstrate an ability to conduct a research study.
    1.2. Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate relevant literature on the research project, and generate, analyse and evaluate obtained literature.
    1.3. Write a dissertation that is well structured and contains relevant research in the field.
    1.4. Write a research paper on the research topic.
    1.5. Demonstrate the ability to identify a research project in the information technology domain.

    2. Teamship
  • Work in a team relation with the study leader(s) in the research area identified to complete the research for the dissertation.

    3. Self-responsibility skills
  • Take responsibility for the research project.
  • Be responsible for completing each one of the deliverables in time.
  • Be able to produce a project plan for the proposed research.

    4. Research skills
  • Consult current information technology research literature to identify current trends in the different subject areas and identify research opportunities.
  • Consult current information technology research literature to identify current trends in the relevant subject areas pertaining to the proposed research and to synthesize current research and report on it.

    5. Communication skills
  • Demonstrate that they can communicate their research in a written report format.
  • Demonstrate that they can communicate their research orally.
  • Demonstrate competent levels of scientific reporting.

    6. Technological and environmental literacy
  • Access and understand the information technological knowledge of the research dissertation in relation to broader technological fields and the environment.
  • Be able to reason about and synthesize reports on current information technological trends.

    7. Developing macrovision
  • The learner can relate his/her research to different subject areas in information technology.
  • The learner can relate his/her research to different research in the same area.

    8. Learning skills
  • Learn to do independent research.

    9. Citizenship
  • Be able to conduct the research in a responsible and innovative manner demonstrating a responsible and innovative approach.
  • Be able to conduct the research in a professional and ethical manner.

    10. Cultural and aesthetic understanding
  • Demonstrate and understanding of applicable cultural and aesthetic issues in the relevant research area.

    11. Employment seeking skills
  • Express him/herself clearly in information technology terminology.
  • Be aware of his/her abilities as an information technology researcher.

    12. Entrepreneurship
  • The learner should be able to identify new research opportunities in the relevant research area. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Can the learners:
    1. Problem-solving skills

    1.1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct a research study.
    1.2. Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate relevant literature on the research project and generate, analyse and evaluate obtained literature.
    1.3. Write a dissertation that is well structured and contains relevant research in the field.
    1.4. Write a research paper on the research topic.

    2. Teamship
  • Function with the study leader(s) as part of a research team in order to complete the dissertation.

    3. Self-responsibility skills
  • Complete sections of the research on his/her own in a responsible manner.
  • Create a project plan for the proposed research and completion thereof.

    4. Research skills
  • Write a dissertation that is well structured and contains relevant research in the field.
  • Write a research paper on the research topic.
  • Write a critical evaluation of methods and technologies used in their research and to relate their research to research of a similar nature.

    5. Communication skills
  • Can write a dissertation that demonstrates competent levels of scientific reporting.
  • Can write a well structured dissertation in terms of chapter division.
  • Can communicate the contents of the research to his/her study leader in regular meetings.
  • If applicable, demonstrate any implementation of the work to external examiners.

    6. Technological and environmental literacy
  • Critically evaluate the applicability of the learner's research to the broader technological environment.

    7. Developing macrovision
  • Identify a suitable research project.
  • Give an overview chapter in the dissertation reporting on:
    > Similar research.
    > How the learners research relates to the broader IT field.

    8. Learning skills
  • Report on independent research in the dissertation in a scientific manner.

    9. Citizenship
  • Identify unethical behaviour in the relevant research area. Identify unlawful research practices in the relevant research area.
  • Demonstrate the potential to become a responsible and ethical IT researcher by his actions during the development of the dissertation in the selected field.

    10. Cultural and aesthetic understanding
  • Identify cultural and aesthetic issues in different subject areas of information technology.
  • Justification that the learner took into consideration applicable cultural and aesthetic issues in the related research area.

    11. Employment seeking skills
  • Meetings with study leader(s).

    12. Entrepreneurship
  • Can the learner correctly identify a research project of sufficient scope and difficulty in order to complete a supervised research dissertation.

    Integrated assessment

    Assessment is focused on candidate's ability to fulfil their life role performance as well as to demonstrate broad enabling competences. They have to be able to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and understanding of applications with discussions and debates on scientific issues and practice. Assessment strategies and procedures include:

    Formative (continuous) assessment practices
  • Research progress is assessed at regular intervals by meetings scheduled with the study leader and other stakeholders in the research field.

    Summative (final) assessment practices
  • The dissertation is assessed by the study leader and at least one external examiner in the research field from another institution with at least a masters degree in the research area. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Lecturers and students of the RAU-Standard Bank Academy regularly present papers at peer reviewed international conferences, demonstrating that the research done at the Academy is comparable to research done at international institutions.

    In the period 1992-2002, the Academy published 230 papers in peer reviewed international journals and presented 128 peer reviewed papers at international conferences.

    In addition, three of the senior staff members are NRF rated scientists. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • M.Sc (Information Technology) leads to PhD (Information Technology).

    Vertical articulation
  • The MSc IT degree articulates with the PhD IT degree.

    Articulation with other providers
  • It should be possible for qualifying candidates to apply for credits at any Higher Education institution also offering similar MSc degrees. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    At least one external examiner, usually recommended by the supervisor, must be approved by the head of department and the dean's committee of the faculty.

    At least one external examiner (from another higher education institution or from a relevant field in labour or industry) of national stature is used for the external examination of the dissertation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors of a masters degree must at least have a PhD qualification. 

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been accredited and approved by the CHE and the Department of education.
    This qualification is accredited by the BCS, well received by peer review (FOTIM) and received PQM clearance in August 2003. 

    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.