Master of Addiction Care

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the individual with the necessary training, supervision and support to be able to reflect critically on theory and its application by conducting research into Addiction Care and writing a research thesis on the findings. The intended outcome is that students will demonstrate a sound knowledge of research practice within the field of Addiction Care and that they will have the ability to perform research independently, make sound judgments using the data and information at their disposal and communicate findings effectively.

Rationale

Despite the high burden of substance use disorders in the South Africa, there are few research outputs within the field of Addiction Care. The rationale of this qualification is to train and develop a diverse range of competent researchers who can innovatively contribute to the development of new knowledge in the addictions field at an advanced level. This knowledge is much needed as substance use disorders have devastating consequences for the health and welfare of our society. There are few researchers competent in this area. This qualification will also allow successful graduates to continue with doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification conforms to the University's policies of Assessment Practices and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL). The policy stipulates that the responsibility for implementation of the RPL resides with the Dean of the Faculty. RPL policy and practices at departmental level is subject to an in-depth and thorough process of self-evaluation and external peer evaluation RPL can be used to grant access to this qualification to students who do not met the minimum entry requirements as well as advanced standing.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Professional Bachelor's Degree, Level 8,

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Care or in Health or Social Sciences relevant to Addiction Care, e.g. Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Occupational Therapy or Theology.

The qualification consists of a compulsory research project at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Carry out research into an aspect of addiction care and write up the research findings in an academic thesis which contains conclusions and recommendations and communicate them to relevant audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

The following Associated Assessment criteria are applied in an integrated way throughout the conducting and finalising of the research project:

• Define a research topic dealing with a significant issue relevant to addiction care such as evidence based treatment, comorbidity, service delivery, epidemiology, etc.
• Conduct a literature search, using data management software, word processing and presentation software.
• Phrase a clear research question(s) and aims relevant to the field of addiction care.
• Use appropriate methods to conduct the enquiry.
• Apply appropriate statistical analytic procedures for handling data.
• Interpret the results and discuss them in relation to the aims and in the context of previous literature.
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations and write up findings in a manuscript format acceptable for submission.
• Demonstrate independent and critical judgment.
• Demonstrate that the thesis contributes to existing knowledge within the field of Addiction Care.
• Demonstrate the value of ethical conduct in research in the field of Addiction Care.
• Show appropriate professional attitudes and understand the professional obligations of the researcher during the performance of research.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment in the qualification will be aligned with the University's Assessment Policy.

The early assessment will be via formative assessment during supervision sessions and monitoring of research progress. Student progress will be regularly monitored and via feedback, students will be helped to identify and build on their strengths, while working on identified weaknesses.

The knowledge, skills and attitudes required, will be assessed through formative assessment of the research thesis and of the oral presentations done to interested parties.

Summative assessment will be by internal and external evaluation of the research manuscript.