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 Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
87510	Master of Science
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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		Life Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 10105/14	2015-07-01	2016-10-20
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2017-10-20		2020-10-20

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
101186	Master of Science in Physics	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete
101187	Master of Science in Chemistry	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete
101188	Master of Science in Zoology	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete
101189	Master of Science in Geography	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The Purpose of the Masters qualification is to provide learners with high-quality in depth knowledge of a specialized field of science. They should then be able to undertake independent and high quality research.

Rationale:

The Rationale for the qualification is to produce high quality graduates with a firm knowledge of science, capable of critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. They should be able to work independently and drive research to higher levels.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Candidates are normally admitted into a Masters Degree programme by research after they have been awarded a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree (NQF Level 08) or its equivalent. Learners would have acquired an in depth knowledge of the theory and practical skills that underpin the core of the subject in which they wish to take the Masters.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The Recognition of Prior Learning is a university approved policy and is applicable when the circumstances arise.

Access to the Qualification:

A Bachelor of Science Honours Degree or its equivalent is a prerequisite for entry into the Master of Science Degree programme.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

A minimum of 240 credits is required for the qualification. The qualification is achievable by research only.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Learners become critical thinkers able to tackle real life problems and provide solutions. They would have acquired advanced and specialist knowledge in research methodology, practical skills and publication writing. They should appreciate the ever evolving nature of science and that there is the need for life-long learning and enquiry skills. They should work effectively and be open to interdisciplinary collaboration with scientist within and outside the country. They should take cognizance of the environment and promote responsible science.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Integrated Assessment:

Assessment is by seminar presentations and the quality of the research dissertation at the end of the research period.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The quality of the research output compiled in the form of a research dissertation is comparable to similar works carried out in universities inside and outside the country.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Students who complete the qualification can continue their studies by doing a Doctorate Degree or switching over to engineering disciplines and doing Postgraduate Diplomas and/or Certificates depending on the demands of the job market. Some students choose to continue studying in other universities in the country.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The assessment of a Masters dissertation is done by internal and external moderators. All moderators internal or external must be in possession of a Doctorate Degree or equivalent in order to be able to assess a Masters dissertation.

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:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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.	Walter Sisulu University