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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Exercise Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96482  Master of Science in Exercise Science 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with graduate level knowledge in the integrated field of Exercise Science, which draws from Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Nutrition. This will provide qualifiers with opportunities to undertake further research in Exercise Science.

The second purpose is to apply the scientific knowledge in the practical arena of competitive sport. This will provide qualifiers with applied competence to consult athletes on nutrition, training programmes, and physiological strategies for optimal performance.

The third purpose of the qualification is to improve South Africa's research expertise base in the internationally-growing field of basic research into Exercise Science, by providing a stepping stone for students who wish to continue with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in this cross-disciplinary field.

Rationale:
There was a need for students who were interested in Exercise Physiology, to be able to complete a more applied Degree after they have completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Human Life Science. The Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Science therefore meets this specific need. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment will be conducted through a valid and reliable process and will be measured against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and module outcomes for the purposes of admittance to, or recognition of learning.

Entry Requirements:
  • Four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree or similar in a related biological field. Undergraduate modules in Physiology and Biochemistry a recommendation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 9:
  • Exercise Immunology Endocrinology and Haematology, 20 Credits.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach to Muscle Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Exercise Physiology, Metabolism and Factors influencing Performance, 20 Credits.
  • Thesis in Exercise Science, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the following physiological and biochemical fields as they relate to exercise: Muscle structure, function and adaptation.
    2. Apply competence in a range of cross-disciplinary fields, such as planning and execution of scientific research, problem-solving in the laboratory and field, data analysis and interpretation, integration of different fields of physiology and biochemistry, effective use of relevant laboratory equipment, and interaction with athletes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The control of cardiovascular function during exercise, and the adaptability of the cardiovascular system.
  • Exercise and haematology and the immune system.
  • Methods of testing of exercise parameters, athletic performance and fitness.
  • Metabolic biochemistry, with the emphasis on metabolic fuel utilisation during exercise and its relevance to recommendations for athletes' exercise programmes.
  • The physiology of acceptable and unacceptable "doping" procedures in sport.
  • Basic nutritional physiology and nutrition intervention.
  • Applied nutritional physiology with respect to carbohydrates, proteins and fats and exercise, and the influence of nutritional supplements such as vitamins and amino acids on performance.
  • Environmental physiology with the emphasis on heat tolerance, fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • Adaptation to altitude and environmental extremes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An excellent grasp of the principles of physiology relevant to the field of exercise science.
  • An demonstrated ability to plan and execute a research project with a large degree of independence.
  • Familiarity with and ability to interpret the literature appropriate to the topics of the assigned seminars and the project.
  • The ability to apply scientific knowledge to planning of further research.
  • An understanding of the appropriate use of tools such as statistical analyses and laboratory techniques in the field of exercise science.
  • The ability to speak in public, and to prepare and present a scientific conference presentation in both oral and poster form.
  • The ability to write a scientific manuscript.
  • The ability to interact with human subjects in both consulting and research capacities.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Students are evaluated continuously throughout the 2 years of their Degree, by means of:
  • 4 tests.
  • 5 written papers, 3 of which are also presented as seminars.
  • 3 case studies, a literature review and a research project that must be written up in the format of a scientific paper.

    Marks are allocated as follows: 70% for tests, seminar and case study reports, and 30% for the literature review and report on the major research project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In other countries similar Degrees would be accredited by professional bodies such as American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in the United States of America (USA) and European College of Sport Science (ECSS) in Europe. However, in South Africa such professional bodies for Exercise Physiology do not exist. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This programme not only delivers graduates able to work in the sports arena in the traditional sense, but also persons able to contribute to upliftment of disadvantages communities, by implementing exercise as an intervention to improve wellbeing, e.g. in chronically ill and/or stressed individuals. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Stellenbosch 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.