Master of Arts

This qualification includes the various specialisations. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip the learners with expertise in the Humanities and Social Sciences in such a way that they should demonstrate a high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution.

Rationale

The qualification aim to provide advanced Postgraduate learners with the opportunity to contribute research-based (dissertation) knowledge in any of the approved areas of the discipline of the Humanities and Social Sciences. This given the context of the existing national priorities and need to provide trained personnel in the various health, educational and corporate environments. The occupational and career opportunities are diverse and are dependent upon the chosen specialisation of the learner. The qualification is offered at NQF Level 9 with articulation opportunities in cognate fields for Doctoral study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies.

Entry Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor of Arts Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Equivalent qualification at NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following elective Modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Elective Modules (Learners choose one of the options indicated below)

English

• Dissertation (English), 180 Credits.

Tshivenda

• Dissertation (Tshivenda), 180 Credits.

Xitsonga

• Dissertation (Xitsonga), 180 Credits.

Northern Sotho

• Dissertation (Northern Sotho), 180 Credits.

Media Studies

• Dissertation (Media Studies), 180 Credits.

Communication Studies

• Dissertation (Communication Studies), 180 Credits.

Criminology

• Dissertation (Criminology), 180 Credits.

History

• Dissertation (History), 180 Credits.

International Politics

• Dissertation (International Politics), 180 Credits.

Political Science

• Dissertation (Political Science), 180 Credits.

Psychology

• Dissertation (Psychology), 180 Credits.

Philosophy

• Dissertation (Philosophy), 180 Credits.

Sociology

• Dissertation (Sociology), 180 Credits.

Anthropology

• Dissertation (Anthropology), 180 Credits.

Folklore Studies

• Dissertation (Folklore Studies), 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and be able to critique and evaluate current research or practices.
2. Demonstrate a command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
3. Solve problems that plague the selected profession.
4. Accesses, manages and produces information ethically in the context of the specialisation of the practitioner's profession.
5. Show sensitivity to and understands the contexts and systems of the profession.
6. Manages his or her own learning and takes accountability for his or her own work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Drafts a research proposal on an approved topic in the chosen specialisation that demonstrates the knowledge that the learner has integrated in the chosen specialisation.
• Reflects on current and recent research in the field in the process of underscoring the process of researching the identified problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Drafts a research proposal of acceptable standard in line with the faculty guidelines for the chosen specialisation.
• Produce a research dissertation of the required length and complexity that demonstrates the application of the research design to the identified problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Produces a research dissertation that reflects on current research, problem analysis and implementation of strategies to solve problems.
• Accesses, manages and produces information ethically in the context of the specialisation of the practitioner's profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The research dissertation contributes to the understanding, analysis and resolution of identified research areas in an ethically appropriate manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Properly contextualised and rooted research dissertation in the specialisation area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Applies him/herself to the researching and writing of the dissertation in the prescribed time frame.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place across all learning outcomes. Integrated in the form of a research dissertation.