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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts: Creative Writing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90618  Master of Arts: Creative Writing 
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
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop and strengthen learners' capabilities and knowledge as creative writers, to enable academics to undertake advanced reflection and develop multilingual and interdisciplinary creative writing practice.

The qualification aims to enhance learners' knowledge of and capabilities in, creative writing including: how to refine self-expression, structure, narrative form, poetic discourse within a Southern African context. The practice, publication, perusal and discussion of good indigenous writing will make a significant contribution to personal and societal identity formation and mutual understanding in South Africa. This will render them employable and desirable in a number of fields: publishing, print and visual media, academia and as prospective publishable authors.

Rationale:
The success of the undergraduate and Honours level qualifications in Creative Writing showed that there is both the demand and need for the establishment of a Master of Arts in this field to optimise progression for learners.
Creative Writing Masters' qualifications are one of the fastest growing degrees both nationally and internationally. For the academics involved in the qualification, these interdepartmental co-operations have resulted in an exciting birth of a new pedagogy and new qualifications.

The nurturing of South African creativity is a national imperative. The need for a Master's qualification which supports the development of high-quality word-artistry and cultural creativity in the field of writing, in the major genres is recognised by this qualification. The qualification sets out to develop word artists who understand and practice their craft with a critical awareness of their role in society and the values, knowledge, skills and attitudes which nurture the process of democratic transformation in South Africa.

This qualification aims to enhance South Africa's performance in the field of Creative Writing, by developing new writers to professional standards. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are able to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature at NQF Level 8. It is assumed that they are able to communicate effectively using academic English in written and oral form and they are able to manage their own study schedule effectively.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Such learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification. In addition, through RPL learners may apply for credits for certain modules.

Access to the Qualification:
Learners must have obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree: English or equivalent. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification comprises three compulsory modules, totaling 120 credits and two elective modules totaling 60 credits.

Compulsory modules:
  • Creative Writing A, 30 Credits.
  • Creative Writing B, 30 Credits.
  • Mini-thesis/dissertation, 60 Credits.

    Elective modules (choose two):
  • Digital Cultures, 30 Credits.
  • Directed Reading, 30 Credits.
  • Fiction and Narrative: Reading Jane Austen, 30 Credits.
  • Ecology and Writing, 30 Credits.
  • Fiction and Narrative: World Literature, 30 Credits.

    Total Credits: 190. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The qualifying learner will be able to:
    1. Develop good pieces of writing.
    2. Manage self as a writer.
    3. Understand the publishing scene in Africa.
    4. Develop creativity and self-confidence in writing.
    5. Develop writer order and control.
    6. Conduct independent research in creative writing in an academically appropriate manner.

    Critical Cross Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The writer's self-consciousness and self-awareness in terms of the challenge of writing is developed and own work is reflected upon.
  • Focused writing exercises are undertaken.
  • Own work is shared and positive feedback on writing is given and received.
  • Successive drafts are improved using own reflection and feedback from others on own writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Issues of rhythm, time-management and routine are considered to organise self productively and allow time for creative reflection and activity.
  • Creative research is done to improve own writing and to enrich self.
  • Note-making techniques are developed and ways to preserve draft texts are developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 3:
  • The publishing environment in Africa and particularly South Africa is understood and discussed.
  • The way in which texts have to be prepared, edited and presented for publication is understood and discussed.
  • Publishers, editors and reviewers are interacted with to establish positive rapport.
  • The ways in which writers have to market themselves and their work is understood and reviewed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A number of different types of writing are engaged with to determine own preference and strengths.
    > Range: Types of writing include timed writing, free writing, guided free writing, avoiding self-censorship, writing as discovery, trusting the unconscious, producing raw text, mindfulness, finding own voice and imagining audience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Techniques of imitation and process writing are practised.
  • Writing to achieve unity (control of person, tense, mood, pace and audience) is exercised.
  • Self-editing is carried out on a continuous basis to all writing.
  • The demands of genre are understood and applied in all writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify a research problem related to Creative Writing.
  • Propose a plan to conduct research to resolve the problem in an academically appropriate manner.
  • Carry out research by collecting and analysing data and presenting the results.
  • Communicate research findings effectively to share new insight into Creative Writing.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning. Learners will complete module work and a mini thesis/dissertation reporting on research that they have completed. The mini thesis/dissertation and modules will be examined by internal and external examiners appointed by the relevant University committees. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Master of Arts: Creative Writing is comparable with the following international qualifications in content and in meeting the research prerequisites for the completion of a Master's Degree.

    The University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Arts in Creative Writing which requires the completion of a writing project in the learner's chosen literary form, supported by a range of specialist tutors, a peer critiquing process in twice-weekly workshops, termly online conferences via the University's virtual learning environment.

    The University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Philosophy in Creative and Critical Writing which offers outstanding expertise in the following areas: the novel, the short story, poetry, play-writing or screenplay. Learners are required to present a substantial and original piece of creative writing and a critical element.

    Conclusion:
    This Master of Arts: Creative Writng compares favourably with the University of Lancaster and the University of East Anglia qualifications, in that all require a research component in the form of a mini thesis/dissertation to be submitted in order to complete the qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications at NQF Level 9:
  • A Master of Arts: Applied English Language Studies.
  • A Master of Arts: English.
  • A Master of Southern African Literary and Language Studies.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications at NQF Level 10:
  • A Doctor of Arts: English.
  • A Doctor of Literature and Philosophy English.
  • A Doctor of Philosophy in Literature and Language Studies. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification will be moderated via a system of external peer review and evaluation of all examinations. At least one internal examiner at least two external examiners will be appointed in the various areas of focus. Examiners should have at least a Doctor of Philosophy plus at least 5 years' research experience in specific focus areas. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The moderation policy and criteria for registered assessors for the qualification and modules are governed by the University of Western Cape policy. Assessors must have a qualification one NQF level higher than the current qualification and appropriate experience in the field. 

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