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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96963  Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Mathematical Sciences 
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:
  • To build the core mathematical skills common to all of modern sciences.
  • To facilitate the flow of ideas and techniques across the disciplines involved.
  • To provide students with direct access to knowledge currently being generated and discussed on the forefronts of Mathematical Science.
  • To further the creation of a network of Mathematical Scientists across Africa and internationally.
  • To provide them with the skills necessary for a career in the Mathematical Sciences.

    Rationale:
    Science and Technology are powerful forces for progress in global society and the global economy. For Africa to benefit fully from these forces it must build a strong indigenous capacity in both. Mathematics underpins most of modern life - Information and Communication Technology, Genetics, Medicine, Finance, Demographics and Planning. Advanced Mathematical training will enable Africans to harness the full power of new technologies to solve the continent's problems. This qualification will further the progress of bright young Africans wishing to enter mathematical and scientific careers. 
    		•

    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:
    In order to enrol candidates must be in possession of:
  • A 4-year Bachelor's Degree (Level 8) in Mathematics, or any Science or Engineering subject with a significant Mathematics component.
    Or
  • An Honours Degree (Level 8) in Mathematics, or any Science or Engineering subject with a significant Mathematics component.
    Or
  • Any Degree considered to be equivalent to the above.

    An applicant's record should demonstrate strong aptitude in Mathematics. In the African context a wide range of qualifications, equivalent to the above requirements will be considered.

    Intakes: 2 intakes - January and August. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Build the core mathematical skills common to all of modern sciences and facilitate the flow of ideas and techniques across the disciplines involved. By means of the essay and a substantial course component, this course aims to equip graduates.
    2. Access knowledge currently being generated and discussed on the forefronts of Mathematical Science. Graduates will demonstrate their ability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • To be self-educators who can teach themselves from original source material, critically evaluate literature and evidence, cope with contradictions and make scientifically defensible judgements.
  • To solve problems creatively and appropriately.
  • To understand the value and limitations of scientific experiment, data and knowledge.
  • To organise and manage the time and activities responsibly and effectively.
  • To use visual, oral and written skills to communicate effectively.
  • With a strong grounding in problem formulation, estimation, prioritization, and generally applicable mathematical and computing methods, through to clear and concise scientific report writing.
  • With the necessary tools for continued research in the mathematical sciences as well as the confidence for decision making and policy analysis.
  • To enter the world of business or to work in industry.
  • To have a working knowledge of English.
  • To be proficient in scientific writing.
  • With an understanding of the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society, where development and sustainability are important.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • To have a comprehensive and focussed knowledge and understanding in one or more specialisations in the Mathematical Sciences.
  • Gain experience in and learn to the value of applying simple ideas and models to complex questions as stepping stones.
  • To master through analytical mathematics, through use of and intuition regarding the physical laws of nature and through computer work, the application of theory to the problem under scrutiny.
  • To demonstrate understanding of the scope and limitations of scientific measurement and data, together with relevant notions of error, dispersion and reliability.
  • To have an appreciation for the indivisibility of knowledge in the modern mathematical sciences and its embodiment in interdisciplinary work.
  • To develop selected professional development and entrepreneurial attributes required in business or industry.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The academic assessment of students for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Master's Degree in Mathematical Sciences is completed in three ways:
  • Continuous assessment through written assignments, tutorials, short tests and presentations set by the lecturers.
  • A written essay which the student is required to present (orally) to a panel of examiners. This panel includes the AIMS Director, the Academic Director, the supervisor, a teaching assistant and external examiners.
  • Integrated assessment - a portfolio for each student is compiled, containing the grades achieved for each of the courses attended as well as observations on their presentations, all their assignments, completed exercises and their final essay.

    External evaluation of each student's performance and all aspects of the programme is conducted by six senior academics representing the different Mathematical Sciences disciplines (including Physics). The outcome of the integrated assessment reported to each university for those students registered in their science faculties. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparable Master's course (based on the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) model)) is currently offered at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada and awarded by the University of Waterloo.

    A similar course is also being offered at the recently opened AIMS-Senegal Centre, where an AIMS-Master's Degree in the Mathematical Sciences will be awarded from the inception of the programme. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Students with this qualification may progress to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree or to a discipline specific Master's Degree. 

    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.