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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
80086	Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
ORIGINATOR
TT - Indigenous Knowledge Systems
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		Rural and Agrarian Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 091/21	2021-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with:

Advanced research skills in a chosen field of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).

The knowledge and skills to engage in independent Indigenous Knowledge Systems research, selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, technologies, methods and techniques in the chosen focus area of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

The ability to produce and communicate research findings.

Advanced, in-depth knowledge of a specific field of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practice.

The competencies to effectively, critically and systematically access, analyse, process, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge in order to advance knowledge and understanding of the field of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).

The ability to practically apply advanced professional skills in the chosen field.

Enhance the contribution of Indigenous Knowledge Systems to the global knowledge economy.

Rationale:

This qualification is designed to develop advanced expertise, knowledge and research skills in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, thereby promoting the achievement of the core purpose of Indigenous Knowledge Systems namely:

To achieve political imperatives in the interface of Indigenous Knowledge Systems with other knowledge systems regionally, continentally and globally that will ensure the integration of communities in the knowledge economy.

To promote, in line with government policy, SADC and NEPAD plans of action in science and technology.

To positioning South Africa as a continental leader in the promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems for sustainable development.

To Develop the skills and tools for more effective engagement with local communities based on their knowledge systems.

Due to the fact that Indigenous Knowledge Systems encompass such a broad spectrum of themes, fields and/or inter-disciplinary areas, it is essential to provide a qualification that enables candidates to acquire advanced skills, competencies, knowledge and values in Indigenous Knowledge Systems as well as independent thinking.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems can play a major role in addressing the many needs of South African society through providing a different paradigm and perspectives for meaningful engagement with issues in the realms of science, economics, governance, leadership and sustainable development. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership is vital within these sectors in order for IKS to impact on social needs and sustainable transformation.

This Indigenous Knowledge Systems qualification is also designed to enable candidates to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Candidates who register for this qualification must have an NQF Level 7 qualification in Indigenous Knowledge Systems or an equivalent thereof.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Applicants, who can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the service provider, that they have an appropriate, related qualification, experiential or work-based learning, which has taken the candidate to the equivalent of an NQF Level 8 Indigenous Knowledge Systems qualification, may be considered for admission into this Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme.

Access to the Qualification:

Candidates must have an appropriate level 8 qualification, being a relevant Bachelor Honours Degree or equivalent.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Research is embedded in this qualification whether the candidate earns it through either successfully completing:

A coursework programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and a research project. The credits earned at level 9 must at least be equally divided between high level coursework and a research project, written up as a dissertation or thesis.

1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in relation to a chosen focus area of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

2. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge in relation to the chosen area of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

3. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.

4. Engage in independent Indigenous Knowledge Systems research and produce findings in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.

5. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the chosen field of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practice.

6. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.

7. Critically analyse and evaluate the outcomes of Indigenous Knowledge Systems interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field.

8. Demonstrate advanced understanding of Indigenous Knowledge Systems values, principles of human rights and social justice and competency in their application in the chosen focus field.

9. Demonstrate ability to advance the value of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in sustainable development.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

All the exit level outcomes and the associated assessment criteria listed in the qualification are consistent with the following Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.

Lay the foundation for life-long learning and ongoing competency.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

1.1 Discussions reflect a clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
1.2 Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
1.3 Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

2.1 Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and transformed systematically in the chosen focus area.
2.2 Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of IKS research practice.
2.3 Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

3.1 Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
3.2 Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
3.3 Written and oral communication convey and appropriately highlight the information to specific target groups.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

4.1 The research inquiry is planned and conducted on the basis of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
4.2 Research themes are appropriately identified and demarcated.
4.3 Analyses of the research theme include a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
4.4 Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of IKS research theory and practice.
4.5 Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
4.6 Research reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions and making feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

5.1 Motivations of own position to specific debates are based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and a degree of independent, creative thinking.
5.2 Discussions demonstrate understanding of one's own position and its feasibility in relation to major debates.
5.3 Written and oral formats clearly and cogently communicate explanations of own position.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

6.1 Analyses of the problems and issues reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the focus area.
6.2 Interventions and/or recommendations reflect purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
6.3 Discussions and/or interventions reflect advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
6.4 Research and/or interventions include the appropriate and creative use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems tools and/or data relevant to the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

7.1 Evaluations comprehensively describe outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes in relation to the stated goals and in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
7.2 Evaluations critically analyse outcomes in accordance with the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
7.3 Evaluations are purposefully used as the basis for planning, implementation and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

8.1 Discussions reflect the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems values with human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
8.2 Descriptions demonstrate a coherent understanding of the application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems values, human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
8.3 Analyses and/or practice reflect the purposeful application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems values, human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
8.4 Analyses and/or practice exhibit a critical understanding of the ethical principles guiding Indigenous Knowledge Systems practice in the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

9.1 Ability to communicate to different stakeholders through publications, presentations and patents.
9.2 Scholarly participation and contribution in different forums such as conferences, workshops, policy forums etc. where Indigenous Knowledge Systems perspectives are relevant.
9.3 Contribute to valorisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the knowledge economy.

Integrated Assessment:

The following assessment strategies are used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved:

Written/oral assignments and/or assessments.

Examinations and/or seminars.

Independent research report assessed by an internal assessor and at least one external assessor.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

New Zealand:

University of Otago:

Master of Indigenous Studies provides in-depth study, research and training in indigenous studies. It provides advanced knowledge in the field and the ability to study independently and carry out original research in the following areas:

Cultural Studies, Indigenous History, Indigenous Language, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Literature, Research Methods and Treaty Politics.

The Master of Indigenous Studies (MIndS) degree is founded in the proposition that Maori, Pacific Island and other Indigenous peoples have unique bodies of knowledge about customary, environmental and cultural practices. This degree requires at least twelve months of full-time, or the equivalent in part-time, study to complete. The normal admission requirement is a four-year degree, but applications will be received from alternatively qualified individuals who have at least three year's relevant experience. Degree candidates enrol in one core and two elective papers, and submit a supervised research report at the end of the course. Graduates will have advanced communication and team work skills, know about current issues, have a multi-disciplinary and international perspective, be able to independently assess topical issues, and appreciate the key ethical considerations.

This degree prepares graduates for administrative and leadership roles with indigenous communities in New Zealand and abroad. It is also an entry qualification for the PhD.

The Master of Indigenous Studies (MIndS) is also available through Distance Learning.

Structure of the Programme:

The programme of study consists of one core paper (INGX 501 Indigenous Theory and Method; 36 points), a research paper (INGS 590 / INGX 590 Research Report; 60 points), and two approved elective papers from an approved list.

University of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi:

Master of Indigenous Studies Society and Culture » Studies in Human Society » Tikanga - Maori Customs, 240 credits.

Graduates gain skills and knowledge based upon political, cultural, social and economic research in indigenous studies in the wider world context and have expertise in a specialised field of study at a post-graduate level.

The candidate shall have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts with Honours or have been admitted with equivalent status to another undergraduate degree.

The Degree of Master of Indigenous Studies recognises that Maori aspirations are linked to a wider international context and that the aspirations of Maori are similarly expressed by other Indigenous peoples around the world. The programme also recognises that Indigenous peoples' aspirations are located within, and mediated by political, economic and social contexts of globalisation. Indigenous studies are an area of international scholarship that reflects the role played by Indigenous peoples at the global and local levels of world affairs.

Australia:

The Master of Arts (Indigenous Australian Studies) combines a year of coursework (identical to that undertaken in the Graduate Diploma) with a second year in which students undertake research for a sub-thesis under supervision of between 25,000-30,000 words.

The Master of Arts specialising in Indigenous Australian Studies is an interdisciplinary program in which it is possible to combine courses in anthropology, archaeology, English, gender and sexuality, history, linguistics, music and the visual arts for a broadly based understanding of Indigenous Australian societies and cultures both in the past and the present, and then to build on this understanding to explore an area in depth through the writing of a thesis.

The coursework provides a comprehensive insight into Indigenous Australian Studies including the origins of Indigenous Australian people, their occupation and adaptation to the continent, the impact of European colonisation, their traditional social, cultural, linguistic, musical and artistic practices, the place of Indigenous Australian people in Australian society today and the representation of indigeneity in literature and biography.

The degree is in two parts:

In Part A, candidates are required normally to complete courses to the value of 36 units taught in the area of their specialization. In order to proceed from Part A to Part B, a candidate must pass each course at their first attempt and achieve an overall 70% average or better.
Part B comprises an additional 36 units, normally comprising a thesis for a candidate to meet the requirements for admission to the degree, he or she must achieve a result of at least 70% (H2A) in the sub-thesis (Part B) component. A candidate's degree performance will be determined as a fail where this result is not achieved.

Alaska:

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks,the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies offers a Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies with an Emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It is designed to provide graduate students from various fields of interest an opportunity to pursue in-depth study of the role and contributions of indigenous knowledge in the contemporary world. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively with indigenous people in their studies.

Core courses:

CCS 601 - Documenting Indigenous Knowledge Systems: 3 credits.

CCS 608 - Indigenous Knowledge Systems: 3 credits.

CCS 612 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge: 3 credits.

CCS/ED 690 - Seminar in Cross-Cultural Studies: 3 credits.

Cross-cultural studies specialization courses:

ANS/ED 461 - Native Ways of Knowing: 3 credits.

CCS/ED 610 - Education & Cultural Processes: 3 credits.

RD 425 - Cultural Impact Analysis: 3 credits.

Additional approved electives to provide specialization depth:

CCS 602 - Cultural & Intellectual Property Rights: 3 credits.

CCS/ED 603 - Field Study Research Methods: 3 credits.

ANS 475 - Alaska Native Social Change: 3 credits.

Students also need to do a field study:

CCS 698 - Field Study/Elder Apprenticeship: 6 credits.

Canada:

The Department of Sociology and Equity Studies in Education (SESE) provides graduate programs leading to M.Ed., M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D. degrees. Students may pursue their degrees on a full-time or part-time basis.

To assist students in focusing their studies, graduate courses in SESE are organized through informal groupings clustered around the following faculty research interests:

Aboriginal and indigenous studies in education.

Culture, communication and critical education.

Critical race and anti-racism studies in education.

Feminist studies and gender relations in education.

Learning, work and change.

Kenya:

Programmes which embrace IKS in Kenya are included as specialisations in a range of Master degree qualifications. In particular, courses are offered on the following:

Indigenous environmental management which includes indigenous sheep breeds, rational use of the indigenous forests.

Indigenous Music.

Communication of Innovative Social Concerns.

Indigenous cultural study and customary law.

Indigenous Knowledge - Capturing, Preserving and Disseminating Indigenous Knowledge.

Malaysia:

This program offers an in-depth view of the Malay culture and language. The students are exposed to various aspects of the malayan Indigenous Knowledge. The Master of Malay Studies programme requires the candidate to do research which should culminate in a thesis of not more than 100,000 words under the supervision of a faculty staff.

There are three study options for this programme; a pure coursework option, a coursework and dissertation option and a pure dissertation option.

Candidates can choose to specialise their studies from the following departments:

Department of Malay Language:

Malay as a Language Corpus including Epistemology, Semiotics and Discourse.

Department of Malay Linguistic:

General Linguistic and the Linguistic Study of the Malay Language Group.

Department of Malay Literature:

Malay Literature: History, Theory, Philology, Sociology, Management and Marketing Genres.

Department of Malay Arts:

Theory and Pragmatics of Malay Arts: Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Arts Management.

Department of Malay Socio-Cultural:

Malay Society and Culture: Family, Religion, Law, Politics, Economy, Health and Popular Culture.

Candidates are required to complete the compulsory coursework prepared by the Faculty, and any electives chosen by the candidate. At the end of the period of study, a dissertation must be submitted. Upon successful defense of the dissertation, the candidate will be awarded a Master degree.

Scotland:

The University of Glasgow offers a masters in Scottish Folklore Mlitt as part of Cultural Studies. This degree focuses on the folklore and ethnology of Scotland: Lowland and highland; urban and rural; historical past and present day; students can study the rich folklore and heritage of Scotland at a local and/or international level; specific genres of folklore that may be included in the programme, include: folktale, legend, proverbs and jokes; ballad and song; folk art, traditional crafts, objects and costumes; folk belief, supernatural belief, calendar customs and rituals such as weddings, baptisms and funerals; material culture.

Programme modules:

Folklore genres.

Fieldwork and research methodologies.

Dissertation and optional courses from: ballads; storytelling; witch beliefs and the Scottish witch-hunts; folklore and cultural history of animals.

Conclusion:

South Africa's Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy was approved by Cabinet in 2004, and the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office (NIKSO) was opened in the Department of Science and Technology in 2006. Proposing the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the arenas of education, commerce, agriculture, the sciences, law, languages, arts, social sciences, and health, the policy document implies several challenges to the idea of knowledge at the post-colonial university, and has significant implications for research and innovation in South Africa.

The South African Qualification could be developed into programmes that have a specialised focus in various contexts, such as education, agriculture, the sciences, law, languages, arts, social sciences and health.

Most countries compared have similar competencies with regards to theory but is contextualised for the different IKS of each country for specific areas of focus within their Qualifications. The focus on theory, research and practice and the requirement for thesis work at the Masters level are consistent with Qualifications at the same level and with comparable exit outcomes globally.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Learners may proceed to a Doctors programme in IKS, if meeting the requirements of the relevant institution.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal and external moderation must be available according to the provider's policy. However, external moderation must be available for candidates at Exit level 8.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The minimum basic requirements for assessors are the following:

A PhD degree in a related discipline.

External assessors must have an appropriate qualification and/or appropriate experience in the chosen focus area.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES:

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.

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