SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Science in Nature Conservation

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
97145	Master of Science in Nature Conservation
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Nature Conservation
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

The purpose of this qualification is to further technological advancements in the field of nature conservation.

The person achieving this qualification will be competent to complete specialised research projects in the field of technology and conservation methods.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

An appropriate Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification of at least 480 Credits.

Entry is also subject to a personal evaluation. This is done in order to determine whether the prospective learner has the appropriate experience, aptitude, attitude and generic capabilities to successfully complete this qualification.

The research proposal must be approved before a learner may register for this qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to the learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of ht e qualification, as detailed in the specific outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complied with the specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Identify, plan conduct, interpret and present an applied research project.

Specified Outcomes:
1. Identify a relevant research project.
2. Explore research area.
3. Conceptualise the problem.
4. Formulate appropriate title.
5. Formulate hypothesis.
6. Formulate objectives.
7. Plan the research project.
8. Conduct a basic research project.
9. Interpret research findings.
10. Present research.

Critical Outcomes:
1. Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
2. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibility and effectively.
3. Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
4. Communicating effectively using visual mathematical and language skill in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
5. Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation.
6. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
7. Exploring education and career opportunities.
8. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.
9. Interpreting the laws of a country and structuring effective transactions within the framework of the law.
10. Demonstrating an understanding of the economic world in context as a dynamic interactive world which does not exist in isolation.
11. Looking at the environment as a macro basis rather than a micro basis in order to enhance the current environment as a whole.
12. Working effectively as part of a team or a group.
13. Demonstrating effectively as part of a team or a group:

Stimulating and developing thinking patterns involving creativity.

Interpreting information received via the media.

Remaining receptive and responsive to current trends and developments.

Using technology effectively and responsibly.

Critical:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Communicating effectively using visual mathematical and language skill in the modes of oral and written persuasion.

Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation.

Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Exploring education and career opportunities.

Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Interpreting the laws of a country and structuring effective transactions within the framework of the law.

Demonstrating an understanding of the economic world in context as a dynamic interactive world which does not exist in isolation.

Looking at the environment as a macro basis rather than a micro basis in order to enhance the current environment as a whole.

Working effectively as part of a team or a group.

Demonstrating effective and responsible decision making.

Stimulating and developing thinking patterns involving creativity.

Interpreting information received via the media.

Remaining receptive and responsive to current trends and developments.

Using technology effectively and responsibly.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Relevant topic is identified.

Topic is applicable in the context of nature conservation/technology/management/extension/or a combination of the above.

Research proposals submitted and approved.

Literature review is comprehensive.

Literature review is systematic.

Literature review is relevant.

Knowledge of the potential research area is demonstrated.

Pilot study is conducted where applicable.

Problem is identified.

Problem is defined.

Problem statement is formulated effectively.

Research objectives are determined.

Research strategy is determined.

Research methodology is selected.

Title identifies the research area and field.

Title clearly indicates the problem.

Direction of research is clear.

Preliminary explanation of problem is formulated.

Knowledge of the relationship between hypothesis and assumptions is applied where applicable.

Primary objectives are formulated.

Secondary objectives are formulated.

Objectives direct the planning of the proposed research project.

A complete plan is submitted within three months of registration.

Research strategy is effective.

Appropriate data is identified.

The universal parameters are identified and are accurate.

Planned evaluation of research is appropriate.

Planned method of presentation is appropriate.

Research proposal and design are quantitative and qualitative.

Research tools are applied effectively.

Literature review is integrated effectively.

Appropriate research methodology is applied.

Sampling is correct.

Data is collected effectively.

Management of project is effective.

Data is processed correctly.

Data and conclusions are presented and analysed effectively.

Data is interpreted correctly.

Conclusions are drawn logically.

Appropriate method of reporting is identified.

Presentation of research project complies with the necessary format.

Content is in a logical sequence.

Content is comprehensive and concise.

Content is relevant.

Insight is demonstrated.

Language is appropriate.

Reference method and bibliography are correct.

Recommendations and conclusions are relevant.

Presentation method is effective.

Advanced communication skills are demonstrated.

Scientific communication is effective.

Completion of project is within the prescribed time frame.

Research ethics are adhered to.

Research is published as required.

Integrated Assessment:

All examiners have to allocate a pass mark of 50% and 75% in the case of distinction.

The passing of all prescribed subjects (where applicable) is subject to a minimum of 50% and 75% in the case of distinction.

Learners have to pass all subjects at the first attempt.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

There are articulation possibilities with universities offering qualifications in the fields of agriculture, extension, veterinary sciences, biological sciences and management.

MODERATION OPTIONS

A promoter is appointed who also acts as study leader and chairperson of the study panel.

The promoter appoints a colloquium of experts to serve on the study panel and the examination panel.

At least one external examiner must be appointed.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The current SERTEC requirements regarding examiners apply.

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.	Nelson Mandela University