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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
79306  Master of Philosophy in Arts 
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa 
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  Not Applicable  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 purpose for M Phil (Arts) is to equip learners with the necessary research skills and expertise that will enable them to undertake independent scientific research in a specialised area of inquiry, with aims that meet the requirements of each specific field of interest within the School of Arts. These specific areas include:
  • Communication and media studies.
  • Criminal justice and criminology.
  • International studies.
  • Geography and environmental studies.
  • Philosophy.
  • Sociology.
  • Psychology

    Completion of the programme will signify that the candidate has successfully fulfilled the course requirements and demonstrated that she/he can carry out a research project, critically analyse the results, and present them in relation to the current literature on a topic to the satisfaction of both internal and external examiners. Although the topic does not have to be an original major contribution to a body of knowledge as a PhD would, nevertheless the content of the research project should make an adequate contribution to an existing body of knowledge by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting current knowledge. Such research skills acquired through attainment of a Masters Degree is in keeping with the mission of Monash South Africa and the University as a whole as stated above.
    The aim of postgraduate research at MSA is:
  • To create an environment that values, supports and nurtures future research and development leaders.
  • To expand a broad range of disciplines in 10 faculties and over 36 specialist research centres and institutes to serve the African content.
  • To provide South African and African students access to generous scholarships, grants and funding opportunities.
  • To expand the world-class level of academic and technical expertise to enhance the research experience.

    Rationale:

    The purpose of a Master's Degree is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialized professional employment.

    The successful student will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at his/her disposal and communicate conclusions clearly. Students will be able to demonstrate self-directed learning and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level and continue to advance own knowledge, understanding and skills. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Applicants should also be able to communicate well, articulate thoughts and concepts verbally and in written form, work well in teams and demonstrate the ability to solve problems collectively and as an individual. Applicants should also be proficient in computer use.

    Participants in the Masters programme should have knowledge of mathematics, general management as well as more detailed knowledge of some related sector.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Recognition of Prior Learning may be used by learners who do not comply with the entrance requirements to gain admission to the programme.

    Access to the qualification:

    Prospective students should meet the following entry requirements:
  • A four year qualification or equivalent honours degree (NQF Level 8) in a related field of study from an accredited institution with an average of 65% or higher.
  • As English is the language of instruction and assessment at Monash South Africa, students must meet one of the following English requirements in order to be eligible for admission:
    > A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the higher grade (first or second language) in the South African Senior Certificate, or a score of 4 (50 - 59%) in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    > A pass in English at A level, O level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent.
    > American Tests of English (paper based) as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), achieving a minimum score of 580 with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4,5 or more - scores must be available for both TOEFL and TWE.
    > Computer-based TOEFL, achieving a minimum score of 237 and an essay rating (ER) score of 5 or more.
    > Internet-based TOEFL: 90 overall, Writing 20 and no section below 20.
    > International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), achieving a minimum score of 6.5 (Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6).
  • Practical experience in a related field is highly recommended. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The MPhil is a 24 months full-time programme at NQF Level 9. The programme consists completely of research, the results which are presented in a thesis consisting of no more than 40,000 words. The research and presentation are to conform with internationally accepted standards for masters degrees. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Graduates who completed this qualification would be able to:
  • Conduct independent research in a specialised area.
  • Generate the ability to contribute to knowledge in a specialised area.
  • Report and communicate research findings in a scientific manner.
  • Demonstrate expertise and leadership in a specialised area.
  • Handle cultural diversity as well as human and environmental rights in a sensitive manner.
  • Utilize science and technology appropriately and responsibly when dealing with the research area.
  • Think laterally, critically and creatively when dealing with their research area.
  • Develop and apply skills and programmes to assist the relevant systems, society, the economy and policy makers to deal more effective with the specialised area nationally, in Africa and internationally.
  • Work and communicate with others as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to deal effectively with a variety of aspects within the chosen discipline.
  • Act in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Know how apply the knowledge acquired in a specialised area in an entrepreneurial way in order to create employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

    Successful completion of the programme will signify that the candidate has successfully completed a research training and development course and has satisfied the examiners that he/she can carry out a research project and analyse critically the results.

    While it is not necessary that an M Phil thesis would make a major contribution to the discipline by way of new knowledge (as a PhD would require), an MPhil thesis would be expected to make a contribution to an existing body of knowledge by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification complies with general international requirements for a research based masters degree. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The M Phil (Arts) programme is vertically positioned well as it follows on from Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts Honours, and precedes a PhD. Moreover, it will be offered in a broad range of subjects congruent with majors offered at undergraduate level at MSA, giving it breadth. There are also various articulation opportunities with other institutions in South Africa offering the various areas as stated above. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Responsibility for the implementation of assessment and moderation policies is allocated with the various schools, with implementation monitored on different levels. For programmes, monitoring is undertaken by school level committees, the Research Committee (in the instance of postgraduate study) and the Head of School. The Board of Studies (MSA) has oversight at campus level, which reports to Faculty Boards and the Education Committee.

    The Higher Degree by Research guide informs students of the avenues for review of assessment decisions. There is a formal grievance or appeal procedures relating to exclusion for unsatisfactory progress. All Schools are required to appoint a senior academic staff member to hear and respond to the complaints from students in relation to academic matters. The appeals procedure for MSA is outlined in the assessment policy. The Board of Examiners meets before any results are submitted to ensure the validity and reliability of assessment results. A Pre-Board of examiners sit at MSA, prior to the Board of Examiners meeting in Australia. 

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

    NOTES 
    The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.