Master of Arts

Purpose

The Master of Arts provides advanced training in the techniques of research, analysis and scholarly presentation appropriate to languages, Theology, Philosophy, Political Science and other related fields. The qualification will equip the learner with the skills necessary either for employment in the educational and cultural fields or for further, independent research for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the same or related subject area.

Rationale

Scholars in Humanities and Social Sciences are becoming rare in the developing world as focus has shifted to Technology and the Sciences. However, there is ample evidence from the developed world that society cannot improve without experts in the Human and Social Sciences, hence the need for such a qualification. This is also in line with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET's) creation of the Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences. The learners would be equipped to work in both the private and public sectors. Thus they will be at the forefront of contributing to national and international development. They will also record and document societal issues for posterity. Learners will also be prepared adequately for doctoral study in the chosen fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL provided a proper assessment of the prior learning has been conducted. Such learners may be required to broaden their knowledge base by enrolling for identified preliminary modules prior to admission or parallel modules after admission. Learners may also apply for exemption from certain modules on the grounds of credits obtained from relevant qualifications of study concerned. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant institutional policies and approval by relevant faculty structures.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Full dissertation 180 Credits.

1. Empower learners to design and execute research projects.
2. Shape and encourage learners as part of a team.
3. Develop leadership skills, while recognising the importance of community, adaptability and cooperation.
4. Refine critical thinking skills and reflect on one's own thoughts and actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Develop a research proposal.
• Teach knowledge and skills.
• Write a motivation to conduct research.
• Publish the research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Express language and communication skills.
• Show an understanding of teamwork.
• Display understanding of South African and global social realities and leadership development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Show understanding how social factors influence our daily interactions.
• Assess how personality and intelligence play a role.
• Conduct a critical analysis of data and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Display critical and creative thinking.
• Show problem-solving skills.

Integrated Assessment

The integration of skills learned in the qualification is assessed by means of a dissertation of a word length stipulated by the School of Human and Social Sciences. Assessment is based on criteria, which include:

• Scope and quality of literature reviewed from a variety of text and other media.
• Accuracy with which the literature is represented and applied to the research questions.
• The formulation of a research question and the development of a research proposal based on the literature review. The project must specify a research design and the method/s to be applied to answer the research question, and be of appropriate scale and complexity of a Masters dissertation.
• The demonstration of a professional working relationship by responding to the comments of the projects supervisor.
• The execution of the research proposed.
• Presentation of the research in a manner which accords with the publication conventions of the discipline.