Master of Arts in History

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving skills in their chosen field to become independent and self-motivated thinkers and researchers. These learners will be able to research current and realistic problems pertaining to the field of history and thus provide South Africa with researchers who are capable of contributing to the production and advancement of knowledge in the field of Historical Studies. This will ensure that the local research leadership and scholarly activity is widened. This qualification will empower students to study further towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree.

Rationale

The rationale behind this qualification is to empower the student to acquire research skills that could be applied broadly in the human and social sciences. Such research skills would enable the learner to do a doctoral study in History, and, among others, teach in a tertiary educational institution, be a researcher in a research institution, be a Museum Curator, or work for the Department of Land Affairs, which needs skilled researchers to investigate land claims requiring research skills, especially in History.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role.

The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning programme of the institution. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in History.

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

Module

• Dissertation (HIST871), 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, both discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
2. Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem.
3. Interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of Information Technology (IT), to an audience of academic peers.
4. Analyse case studies of human resource management and other problems, including the impact on business enterprises.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of a Master's dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.