Master of Arts

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent and original primary research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in an area of specialisation in the humanities and social sciences. Whilst undertaking the research project, learners will gain first-hand experience of all aspects of the research process.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge in their area of specialisation.
• Undertake scholarly independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight in the chosen field of specialisation.
• Demonstrate in-depth, advanced and specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current concepts, theories, methodologies, approaches, and research in the field of specialisation.
• Evaluate the knowledge production processes and research paradigms that are used in the humanities and social sciences and select an appropriate paradigm and process to use for a research project.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems, of the chosen discipline/s and an ability to critically evaluate these.
• Select, apply and modify where necessary research methods to address a particular research question.
• Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of the particular discipline as a basis for the original and critical development and application of ideas to contribute to knowledge production in the area of specialisation.
• Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, and their decisions.
• Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to the field of specialisation to generate sustained written and verbal arguments.
• Communicate fluently, effectively, and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by information.
• Have responsible and effective personal organisation skills, work independently and respond productively, critically, and appropriately to questions and feedback.

In terms of how the curriculum will contribute towards the intended outcomes, the independent research project, under the supervision of an experienced supervisor, is the single most powerful and appropriate way to provide learners with an opportunity to achieve the outcomes.

Rationale

The qualification is designed to produce qualified researchers whose knowledge and skills can contribute to both national and international enhancement of the humanities and the social sciences. Successful learners will be able to demonstrate their research skills and to further their studies, thus promoting life-long learning. The qualification also derives from national priorities which are to augment the pool of outstanding South African graduates to conduct high-level research that would impact the numerous key challenges faced regionally, nationally and globally.

in line with the principles of the National Development Plan 2030 (2012:262), where universities are seen to be key to national development and responsive to national priorities and societal needs, the qualification will equip graduates to address the challenges impacting the provinces, national and global communities in general. It is anticipated that the learners through research would draw from communities and contribute to their well-being using reciprocal relationships which would not only be beneficial to the graduate but also the community in which the research was undertaken..

Qualifying learners with a Master of Arts degree can work and contribute in many varied facets of the job market, depending on their area of specialisation including but not limited to all areas dealing with people, and in all areas demanding higher levels of language usage, interpretation, rhetoric, communication and meaning production. Given the breadth, adaptability, and utility of undertaking original research in the Humanities and Social Science, employment opportunities abound for qualifying learners. Qualifying learners will work in a wide and diverse range of fields including for National and Provincial Governments and the Private sector.

Learners will progress to Doctoral studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges and issues in the humanities and social sciences. They may also find employment in the higher education system and contribute to the production of the next generation of academics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

RPL for Access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:

• Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.

OR

• Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
• In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

RPL for credits

Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.

OR

• Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in the related field, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Thesis/Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Undertake scholarly independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis and advanced insight in the chosen field of specialisation.
2. Demonstrate in-depth, advanced and specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current concepts, theories, methodologies, approaches and research in the field of specialisation.
3. Evaluate the knowledge production processes and research paradigms that are used in the humanities and social sciences and select an appropriate paradigm and process to use for a research project.
4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), of the chosen discipline/s and an ability to critically evaluate these.
5. Select, apply and modify where necessary research methods to address a particular research question.
6. Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of the discipline as a basis for the original and critical development and application of ideas to contribute to knowledge production in the area of specialisation.
7. Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, and their decisions.
8. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to the field of specialisation to generate sustained written and verbal arguments.
9. Communicate fluently, effectively, and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by information.
10. Have responsible and effective personal organisation skills, work independently and respond productively, critically, and appropriately to questions and feedback.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and justify the project question and scope.
• Evaluate the literature review drawn from multiple sources and materials carefully.
• Consider a range of methods, including statistical methods and choose the appropriate ones.
• Identify ethical issues and seek approval t if necessary.
• Collect, collate and analyse information.
• Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
• Formulate recommendations.
• Prepare the thesis according to the prescribed format, is written in appropriate academic language, and includes no plagiarism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Ensure that the thesis includes a full engagement with the current literature in the field of specialisation and incorporate its results into the existing knowledge base.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ensure that the thesis demonstrates an appreciation of different research paradigms and includes a detailed justification of the research paradigm used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, strengths and limitations of research paradigms, including IKS.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use the research methods appropriately to ensure that they address the research question, clearly justified and correctly applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Integrate acquired and new knowledge generated through research with the existing canon of knowledge to contribute to the area of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Ethical concerns, or the lack thereof, will be made explicit in the thesis. Reference to Ethical Approval Number will be provided. Where ethical issues exist, the thesis will clearly indicate how they have been dealt with.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The Introduction and Discussion chapters of the thesis will include a full and critical analysis of the existing knowledge in the field of study, with this knowledge being drawn from a range of sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Ensure that the thesis adheres to the norms for style, format, academic language and referencing. Tables and Figures are professional in appearance and fully illustrate the results.
• Use a language and technology that is appropriate for the audience during oral presentations and defend ideas with logical argumentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Consider and incorporate critical feedback from supervisors and peers in the production process of the thesis.