SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7993  Master of Economics 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
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 degree is aimed at producing highly qualified Economists who can use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the national and international advancement of economics.

The degree also provides the techniques for independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to further postgraduate study at Doctoral level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Candidates should be in possession of a BCom Honours degree in economics or a BEcon Honours degree in order to qualify for admission to the degree.

Recognition of 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.

Candidates should be able to communicate fluently in English. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. The MEcon graduate will be competent to apply specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve problems and answer questions relating to the economy.

2. The MEcon graduate will have good communication skills.

3. An appreciation of the need, and ability to be a life-long learner. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1. In order to meet this exit level outcome, the learner will:
a. Be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to Economics.
b. Have the ability to use this knowledge to participate in identifying problems; formulating questions and developing Economics research protocols.
c. Be able to collect, analyse and critically evaluate data needed to answer the questions so formulated.
d. Be able to work effectively with other members of a team or group.
e. Be able to organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.
f. Be able to communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word.
g. Have an appreciation of the need to respond ethically and to operate with integrity and moral courage, and with due consideration of cultural differences.

2. In order to meet this exit level outcome, the learner will:
a. Be able to communicate ideas and their understanding of the subject in both the spoken and written word.
b. Be able to use appropriate technology to facilitate communication.
c. Appreciate the need to publish research results.
d. Be aware of the multilingual nature of South African society, and able to use language appropriately.

3. In order to meet this exit level outcome, the learner will:
a. Possess a framework of knowledge against which new information and advances can be assessed and assimilated.
b. Be able to access new information from libraries, the Internet and other appropriate sources.
c. Understand that business and economic systems change continually requiring the acquisition and application of new information to address changing circumstances requiring the need for life-long learning.

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 in the field of Economics.

The degree may be studied by thesis or course-work and minor dissertation. In the thesis formative assessment is provided by the supervisor and other University staff members on written and oral research reports and individual chapters of the proposed thesis. Summative assessment is provided on the basis of a thesis. In the course-work approach learners receive lectures and formative assessment is based on essays and submitted written reports. Summative assessment is provided on the basis of examinations. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
1. Learners with Honours degrees from other universities may be able to register for a Master of Economics degree at Rhodes University
2. Learners with a MEcon degree from Rhodes University may be able to move to any other university in the country to undertake further postgraduate training.
3. Although the MEcon programme is designed to provide advanced training in one field, it develops skills such as critical analysis, evaluation of data and communication; consequently learners may be able to proceed thereafter in a variety of different directions.
4. Learners with a MEcon degree may be able to continue with a Ph.D. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
At least two external examiners will examine the thesis or minor dissertation. External moderators will moderate the examination papers and the examining. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
Academic staff of Rhodes University will be used as assessors. They will preferably have a PhD, but in exceptional cases staff with a Master's degree and extensive 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.