Master of Engineering Science

Purpose

This Master of Engineering Science is aimed at developing engineering science researchers in one of a wide range of engineering sciences. They will be able to analyse and/or develop complex engineering science systems by integrating their expertise from their non-engineering previous study with an engineering domain.

Rationale

In contrast to the existing Masters of Engineering qualifications, the proposed qualification provides for interdisciplinary research. It will allow learners from various backgrounds to engage with engineering sciences research. At present, learners are required to master an extensive amount of engineering disciplinary knowledge when they transition from their non-engineering qualifications to the Master of Engineering (MEng) qualifications, which inhibits access and interdisciplinary research.

There is a substantial number of learners with non-engineering prior study wishing to enrol in the MEng qualifications. The need for the proposed qualification is thereby demonstrated.

The proposed qualification is primarily (but not exclusively) aimed at learners with the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science Honours Chemistry/Microbiology/Computer Science/Geology/Physics/Applied Mathematics/Biochemistry; Bachelor Commerce Honours; Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB); Bachelor of Science Agriculture; Bachelor Science Food Science.

The qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

Learners that do not meet the normal admission requirements, but have demonstrated through prior learning that they have achieved a similar level of expertise, will be considered for admission through the normal RPL processes.

A variety of assessments of prior formal, informal and non-formal learning may be used. These assessments may include, but are not restricted to the assessment of learning portfolios. Formal learning in the form of parts of the whole of academic qualifications that were followed at other institutions (i.e. University of Technology Diplomas or Degrees).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours: Agriculture: Crop Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8, 120 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Food Science, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

The qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module: 180 Credits

• Thesis (Engineering Science), 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in the field of Engineering Science.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the study or practice.
3. Ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field; and Understanding the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
4. Demonstrate the ability to use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in the area of specialisation.

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

• Identify the research and engineering problem and formulation of clear objectives for the study.
• Develop the necessary research or investigative procedures.
• Ensure the writing indicates an adequate command of the relevant research method.
• Interpret research results.
• Clearly and systematically present the material and a logical exposition of the argument in writing.
• Properly document and support the results of independent research.
• Demonstrate acceptable linguistic and stylistic presentation both in writing (for the thesis) and for the oral examination.

Integrated Assessment

Final assessment is aligned with the institution's policy for the assessment of master's theses and involves the submission of a written thesis. Each of the examiners will submit a written, signed report on the thesis. The examiners will also have the opportunity to question the learner during an oral examination before finalising their decision.