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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7957  Master of Social Science 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
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 aim of the MSS is to produce highly qualified researchers and scholars who can use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the national and international advancement of the social sciences.

Successful graduands will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research and will be able to continue with further postgraduate study. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Candidates should be in possession of an Honours degree in an appropriate discipline in order to qualify for admission to the degree. In exceptional cases candidates may be admitted to the programme with a Bachelor's degree or the equivalent.

Recognition for prior learning:

Persons who are able to give satisfactory evidence of their qualifications (formal or informal) may be specially exempted from the normal entrance requirements for the degree and may register as Ad Eundem Gradum students. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Specific Outcomes
1. The MSS graduate is competent to apply specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve problems and answer questions.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates are able to:

Knowledge outcomes
a. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a specialised field of the social sciences.
b. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the general field in which they have specialised.
Skills outcomes
c. Using this knowledge, contribute to the process of identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research methods, using critical and creative thinking.
d. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information needed to answer the questions formulated in c.
e. Assess and evaluate literature related to the field of study.
f. Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.
g. Communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word.
Value & Attitudes outcomes
i. Demonstrate sensitivity to the multi-cultural and multi-lingual nature of South African society.

2. The MSS graduate will have good communication skills.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates are able to:

Skills outcomes
a. Communicate the results of research in both the spoken and written word.
b. Use technology where appropriate to facilitate communication.
Value & Attitudes outcomes
c. Appreciate the need to publish the results of research.

3. The MSS graduate will have a full understanding of the nature of scholarly endeavour and of the need for life long learning.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates will:

Knowledge outcomes
a. Be aware that scholarly endeavour advances through the acquisition and application of new knowledge.
b. Possess a well-developed knowledge framework against which new information can be assimilated and assessed.
Skills outcomes
c. Be able to access and critically assess new information from libraries and other appropriate sources.
Value & Attitude outcomes
d. Understand that since knowledge is constantly evolving, there is a need for life-long learning. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
The candidate should provide evidence of a high level of competency in a specialised field. Where the degree is research based, the candidate will provide evidence of the ability to undertake all aspects of research. This will include the preparation of a research proposal and the writing of a thesis which shows that the candidate:
  • Is sufficiently acquainted with the appropriate methods and techniques of research;
  • Is sufficiently acquainted with the relevant literature;
  • Has both satisfactorily understood the nature of the problem or topic and assessed the significance of the findings;
  • Has satisfactorily presented the results of independent research for the award of the degree in a manner which is satisfactory as to literary style and presentation, and free from grammatical and typographical errors;
  • When the degree is awarded with distinction the candidate must have produced evidence of real methodological and conceptual skills, clarity of exposition and development of argument, sound judgement, originality of approach, and some contribution to knowledge.

    Where the degree is course-work based, the candidate will provide evidence of an ability to assimilate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a variety of situations. This may be assessed by formative examinations, both written and oral, and in some cases by the examination of a minor dissertation on some topical aspect of the field of specialisation.

    Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

    The candidate should provide evidence of a specialised and high level of competence and knowledge.

    Formative assessment is provided by the supervisor and other University staff members on written and oral research reports. Summative assessment is provided on the basis of a thesis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. Learners with an Honours degree from another university may be able to register for a Master's degree at Rhodes University.

    2. Learners with an MSS from Rhodes may be able to move to any other university in the country to undertake further postgraduate training.

    3. Learners with an MSS may be able to continue with a PhD, or they may be able to undertake other postgraduate training. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderators and examiners are used where the qualification is obtained by way of course work.

    In the case of a thesis, the learner will have at least one internal supervisor. The thesis will be examined by at least two examiners who are recognised as leaders in the field. At least one of the examiners will be from outside the University. Assessment conforms to the requirements and guidelines of Rhodes University as contained in the Higher Degrees Guide. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Academic staff of Rhodes University will be used as assessors. They will preferably have a PhD, but staff with a Master's degree and appropriate experience are acceptable. 

    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: 
     
    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. Rhodes University 


    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.