Master of Arts in Social Science

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with enhanced competence on theoretical, methodological and practical levels of research in a specific field of interest within the domain of social work. The dissertation should be proof of the learner's capacity and skill in a competent manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the manner. Competency would be displayed in the application of research methodology, and the proper written communication of knowledge on the topic, the research process and findings.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All potential learners who are not in possession of an Honours qualification need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of Prior Learning.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will e implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification, providing that they are willing to further their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Science, NQF Level 8.

1. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
2. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
3. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity.
4. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
5. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods.
6. The learner should at an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able to communicate effectively and appropriately the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?
7. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner be able t analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
8. At an advanced level integrate technology during the problem-solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.
9. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
10. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.
11. At an advanced level and in an intergraded manner to contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
12. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
13. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner to explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities.
14. At an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.

1. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner appropriately identify and analyse ethical, social and economic problems and develop, facilitate, evaluate and adjust appropriate actions and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
2. Does the learner, at an advanced level and in an integrated manner, work effectively with others as members of a team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations and communities and evaluate, adjust and reflect on these actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
3. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner develop organize and practice intellectual independence, flexibility and creativity?
4. Does the learner at an advanced level and integrated manner apply scientific methodology and research methods to study social phenomena relevant to the profession of social work and applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
5. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner acquire, analyse and interpret scientific data according to recognized scientific methods?
6. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner communicate according to set standards the research results in a clear and concise way through a written research report?
7. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner analyse develop and manage human and environmental resources based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
8. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated technology during the problem solving process in a way that will make a constructive contribution to the interests of the profession.
9. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner grasp the dynamic nature of social phenomena by taking into account the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa, applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
10. Does the learner at an advanced level integrate manner explore, apply and reflect on a variety of strategies to learn more effectively within a human sciences environment.
11. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity on a local and national level, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
12. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner contribute to the development and maintenance of human capacity within culturally diverse context and evaluate and adjust actions, based on a relevant theoretical framework applicable to the topic of the research dissertation?
13. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore employment opportunities through his/her research-related activities?
14. Does the learner at an advanced level and in an integrated manner explore and facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed during progress supervision sessions with an assigned study supervisor.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written research proposal at commencement of studies ad an oral presentation of this research proposal to the staff of the department submission of a dissertation of not more than 200 pages, and an article that is ready for publication are required from candidates.