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: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Mathematical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86189  Postgraduate Diploma: Mathematical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 the qualification is:
  • To provide students direct access to knowledge currently being generated and discussed on the forefronts of the mathematical sciences.
  • To facilitate the flow of ideas and techniques between the disciplines involved.
  • To expand students' scientific world views to encompass mathematical science disciplines other than their own.

    Rationale:

    The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences is a joint initiative of Cambridge University, UCT.US and UWC. It was conceived on the background of:
  • Africa's desperate need of development and progress.
  • The need for Africa to create an indigenous pool of technical and scientific talent.
  • The need especially in the mathematical sciences to remedy the dearth of mathematically trained African graduates.

    To help rectify this, students will be recruited from the brightest science and mathematics students from across Africa, and provide them with a broad overview of cutting edge science as well as excellent basic mathematical research skills. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Applicants will have mastered the mathematical competencies as prescribed at Honours NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Access to the programme can also be provided in terms of the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the student's admission.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in: Physical and Mathematical Analysis, Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science (plus either Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Theoretical Physics as major on NQF Level 6, i.e. third year level) or an equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification approved for this purpose by the AIMS Board. The successful applicant will have mastered Mathematical skills at the Honours level (NQF Level 7). 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Postgraduate Diploma: Science (Mathematical Science), NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

    Learning components:

    Skills Courses:
  • Introduction to the Computational facilities at AIMS: GNU/Linux.
  • English Language and Communication Skills.
  • Computer Programming in Python.
  • Mathematical Problem Solving.
  • Probability and Statistics.
  • Mathematical Methods.
  • Physical Problem Solving.
  • Ordinary Differential Equations.
  • Electromagnetism. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    At the end of the programme the learner should have:
  • A theoretical understanding of partial differential equations, and other mathematical tools.
  • Generates, explores and considers options and makes decisions about ways of seeing systems and situations, and considers different ways of applying and integrating mathematical knowledge to solve theoretical, applied or real life problems, specifically through research and the production of a research project.
  • Demonstrates consciousness of, and engagement with, own learning and learning strategies, and awareness of the nature of knowledge and how new knowledge can be acquired.
  • Demonstrates an ability to reflect on the importance of mathematical paradigms and methods in understanding mathematical concepts and their changing nature.
  • Demonstrates an ability to conduct her/himself as independent learner and practitioner.

    Critical Cross Field Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, or organisation.
  • 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 written and/or oral presentation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment takes place according to strict assessment criteria as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented.

    This ensures that assessments maintain a certain standard in accordance with the standards as set out in the syllabus. An external moderator moderates assessment papers set. The same principle applies to the final marking of the assessments. This ensures that skills and concepts are mastered, thereby maintaining a standard of assessment relevant to this offering.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies, including written examinations, individual projects and assignments. Learners are required to demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions in mathematical finance, as well as to understand, reflect and critically evaluate the fundamental issues as they pertain to professional environment. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The programme has been benchmark against similar programmes offered at the University of Cambridge. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    The AIMS Diploma is unique in the specific combination of participating bodies and mode of instruction. The Diploma is related to Postgraduate mathematical science programmes at the participating universities in sharing lecturers and, where necessary and possible, facilities.

    Vertical Articulation:

    Pitched at a post-Honours level, the Diploma is, after passing a selection process detailed below, accessible to students holding various Honours degrees in the Mathematical Sciences, and in turn is intended to articulate into the various existing Masters' programmes in the Mathematical Sciences at the participating universities such as Master of Science: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics and Physical and Mathematical Analysis. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The programme will be moderated via a system of external peer review and evaluation. At least one internal supervisor/ assessor and at least two external assessors will be appointed. The minimum qualifications for assessor will be a Masters degree plus 3-5 years experience in the specific focus area. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of the Western Cape 


    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.