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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
87181  Master of Science in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
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 
As indicated in the overall qualification statement, with the focus on those skills and knowledge required in the discipline of Physics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entrance Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learner of the qualification will:
    1. Demonstrate subject knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles in Physics, with particular reference to properties of matter, electricity and magnetism, optics, modern physics, crystallography, solid state and semiconductor physics.
    2. Use scientific knowledge and skills to solve problems related to physics in everyday life.
    3. Develop skills to investigate phenomena related to Physics and demonstrate an understanding of the changing and contested nature of knowledge in physical science.
    4. Be able to work in a team collaboratively, pooling their efforts and knowledge.
    5. Use oral and written modes of communication to convey ideas, solutions and to share knowledge.
    6. Demonstrate responsibility regarding the hazards and possible detrimental effects on safety, health and environment issues associated with the use of physical phenomena such as electricity, radiation.
    7. Integrate and apply information from a number of scientific disciplines and associated geological fields.
    8. A variety of thinking and learning skills, with emphasis on the application of Physics to real-life situations.
    9. Participating in society as responsible physicists.
    10. Demonstrating social and environmental awareness in dealing and reporting on physical issues with sensitivity towards the diverse cultural beliefs and ethical issues in the community.
    11. The career opportunities available in the many fields which make up the discipline of Physics and their application in the community, through the tracking of job advertisements in the National press and through networking with local industries.
    12. Their potential contribution to the economy of the country in a variety of physics related fields. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    As indicated on the general form with:
    Assessment Practice: Formative.
  • Tests.
  • Projects (results to be presented.
    Assessment Practice: Summative.
  • Assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physics and Research, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Physics, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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. 

    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. Nelson Mandela 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.