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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Mathematics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74034  Master of Science in Mathematics 
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  Mathematical 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 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop the intellectual, practical and analytical skills of the learner in order to enable the learner to independently read, analyse, formulate, interpret, understand, communicate and apply Mathematics. The qualification prepares students to evaluate existing mathematics regarding quality and applicability to other fields. This qualification is a basis for Ph.D. studies in Mathematics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A learner accessing this qualification should demonstrate the ability to:
  • Apply the knowledge, insight and skills acquired by studying the modules on level 7
  • Make correct interpretations and appropriate deductions on levels of complexity commensurate with the level of the qualification
  • Motivate complex logical conclusions mathematically
  • Evaluate complex mathematical problems in terms of the underlying mathematically theory
  • Work independently as well as in groups with others in the identification and solving of mathematical problems at levels of complexity commensurate with the level of the qualification
  • Work independently, after being given suitable instruction in the mastery of subject contents, the compilation of reports and the writing of tests and examinations
  • Work without being driven
  • Find and integrate appropriate literature and factual information on a complex mathematical subject into a cohesive whole
  • Use appropriate mathematical language and terminology (both in written and oral form) and natural language in the presentation of mathematical findings
  • Apply scientific methodology - both theoretically and practically-
  • Acquire, analyse, interpret and evaluate published Mathematics
  • Take part in scientific interaction and teamwork on appropriate levels
  • Master all the practical, technical and professional skills necessary for his/her studies
  • Plan and execute his/her own learning programme suitable for studies on the level of the qualification
  • Perform the practice of science and technology effectively without endangering the environment or the well being of their associates
  • Investigate further training and employment possibilities
  • Function in the philosophy of the mathematical discipline and associated disciplines by the generation of new insights and interpretations
  • Investigate and evaluate entrepreneurial possibilities in his/her field of competence
  • Appreciate academic values (such as self-reliance, teamwork open and clear communication, honesty, accuracy and professionalism)

    144 credits on level 7 (an Honours degree) in Mathematics or related discipline.
    Acceptance to the Master's course is not automatic and involves application to the Department followed by an assessment of the applicant's record up to the time of assessment. The Department reserves the right to decline an application in the case of an applicant who has not shown the potential to succeed in the envisaged course of study.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experimental learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent, the student may gain:
  • access,
  • advanced placement
  • or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner should be able to:

    1. Analyse, interpret, solve, implement and evaluate highly complex mathematical problems in terms of the underlying mathematical theory, make logical conclusions that he/she can mathematically motivate.

    2. Work effectively with other members of his/her class/study on solving highly complex mathematical problems and reflect on their group activities

    3. Organise and manage responsibly and effectively his/her learning activities and time

    4. Collect, analyse and organise suitable literature on a mathematical subject (suitable for the level of the qualification) and consolidate it with previous mathematical knowledge.

    5. Communicate Mathematics effectively and logically, using visual, mathematical and natural language in written and oral form

    6. (When necessary for his/her studies) use the available computer technology, effectively, safely and responsibly

    7. See the possibility of application of mathematical theories (studied in the modules required for the qualification) to other fields

    8. Explore, apply and reflect on a variety of learning strategies on studying the Mathematics of the modules required for the qualification

    9. Participate as a responsible citizen in his/her local and national community by applying the cognitive skills, values and attitudes acquired by doing Mathematics on the level of this qualification

    10. Be sensitive to the role of Mathematics and mathematicians in cultural and aesthetic activities

    11. Explore the career opportunities obtained via the qualification within the field of Mathematics and related fields

    12. Explore the entrepreneurial opportunities obtained via the qualification within the field of Mathematics and related fields. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The learner can:

    1. Analyse, interpret, solve, implement and evaluate highly complex mathematical problems in terms of the underlying mathematical theory, make logical conclusions that he/she can mathematically motivate.

    2. Work effectively with other members of his/her class/study on solving highly complex mathematical problems and reflect on their group activities

    3. Demonstrate the ability to organise and manage responsibly and effectively his/her learning activities and time

    4. Collect, analyse and organise suitable literature on a mathematical subject (suitable for the level of the qualification) and consolidate it with previous mathematical knowledge.

    5. Show that he/she is able to communicate Mathematics effectively and logically, using visual, mathematical and natural language in written and oral form

    6. (When necessary for his/her studies) use the available computer technology, effectively, safely and responsibly

    7. Demonstrate the ability to see the possibility of application of mathematical theories (studied in the modules required for the qualification) to other fields

    8. Explore, apply and reflect on a variety of learning strategies on studying the Mathematics of the modules required for the qualification

    9. Participate as a responsible citizen in his/her local and national community by applying the cognitive skills, values and attitudes acquired by doing Mathematics on the level of this qualification

    10. Be sensitive to the role of Mathematics and mathematicians in cultural and aesthetic activities

    11. Explore the career opportunities obtained via the qualification within the field of Mathematics and related fields

    12. Explore the entrepreneurial opportunities obtained via the qualification within the field of Mathematics and related fields.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    The coursework learners are continuously assessed via informal discussions and periodic tests. The dissertation learners will be continuously assessed via informal discussions and periodic participation in seminars on the relevant research topic.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of:
  • One exam paper per subject-module per year and completion of a short dissertation (that has the weight of one paper) evaluated by one external examiner that must also be presented orally as a seminar to all members of the Department or
  • Completion of a dissertation assessed by at least one external assessor that must also be presented orally as a seminar to all members of the Department. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Access to qualification on a lower level:
    Learners who have been, or are, registered for this or similar qualification at another institution of higher education, may be allowed, under very exceptional circumstances, to enter in mid-stream. Any application for such entry will be evaluated ad hoc by the Department, subject to approval by the Dean's committee of the Facility of Science. Credit may be retained for any subjects so approved.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:
    Under normal circumstances there is no articulation between institutions during the course of study. However, learners who wish to switch to another qualification or subject at this institution may do so Credit for modules completed successfully will be granted subject to their acceptance in the new qualification or subject.
    Learners, who wish to continue their studies at another institution, may do so. The institution to which the relocation is made will decide on acceptance of credit for all work done at this university. Under normal circumstances this university will not give credit for research done at another tertiary institution.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, a learner may apply for acceptance to a programme of a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics or a similar programme at this or another institution. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • External evaluation will be inclusion of external assessors
  • One external examiner will be appointed for each module/dissertation and they are likely to be drawn from other higher education institutions or research institutions of appropriate standing. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Assessors of subject-modules or the short dissertation should have at least a Master's degree (level 8) in the appropriate discipline.
  • Assessors of the dissertation should have at least a Doctoral degree (level 8) in the appropriate discipline.
  • Assessors should have an appropriate level of experience in the appropriate discipline, at tertiary institution level or a level of equivalent status outside the tertiary establishment.
  • Assessors should have had appropriate exposure to assessment practices at tertiary or equivalent level. 
    		•

    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: 
    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.