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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96689  Master of Philosophy 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 
To offer a general Master's Degree in law, following upon on an Honours Degree in Philosophy for the purpose of specialised research towards a dissertation in philosophy either as a complete research project or together with coursework. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Philosophy Honours, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8 in an appropriate discipline. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate expert and an in-depth knowledge of philosophy.
    2. Understand and apply theoretical foundations of philosophy.
    3. Combine and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and values significant at an advanced level.
    4. Develop and present a research proposal independently.
    5. Express knowledge and generic research skills in philosophy in an integrated, logical and coherent manner through a dissertation and related articles. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Expert and an in-depth knowledge of philosophy is demonstrated in all projects and processes engaged in.
    2. Theoretical foundations of philosophy are understood and applied.
    3. The relevant knowledge, skills and values are combined and applied consistent with an advanced level.
    4. A research proposal is developed and presented independently.
    5. Knowledge and generic research skills are expressed in philosophy in an integrated, logical and coherent manner through written assignments.
    6. Abstract thoughts are expressed in a logical and coherent way.
    7. Delimitation, literature searches, logical analysis, balanced interpretation, structuring and expressing is conducted through consistent use of a system of references.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

    Tests, assignments and examinations are utilised in the case of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) by coursework and research. In the case of an M Phil by dissertation only the dissertation is assessed formatively as it is being compiled and summatively on completion. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
    Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    This qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Master of Philosophy in Human Rights Protection.
  • Master of Philosophy in Constitutional Theory.
  • Master of Philosophy in Law State and Multilevel Government.
  • Master of Philosophy in Disability Law.
  • Master of Philosophy in Environment Law.
  • Master of Philosophy in Criminal Justice.
  • Master of Philosophy in Comparative Labour Law.
  • Master of Philosophy in Mercantile Law. 
    		•

    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. 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.