Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences

Purpose

This qualification has a threefold purpose: a) to equip qualifying candidates with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of a particular field of Human Movement Sciences; b) to develop students as effective researchers in the field of Human Movement Sciences, with critical research skills to conduct either qualitative or quantitative (or mixed method) research to generate new knowledge in the chosen field; and c) to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in one of the following fields of Human Movement Sciences:

Biokinetics, Kinesiotherapy, Kinesiology, Kinderkinetics, Applied Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Wellness, Peadiatric- and Sport Exercise Sciences; in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding within any of these fields . Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study atdoctoral level.

Rationale

As a professional field, the Human Movement Sciences are rapidly expanding world-wide, and definitely also in South Africa. This qualification directly addresses the dire consequences of a serious lack of physical activity in many South Africans. The rationale behind further intensive research into the different sub-fields of the Human Movement Sciences is linked to the early identification of risk, and subsequent prevention of chronic diseases due to inactive life styles, from children through to adults and the elderly. The knowledge, skills and life style perspectives gained from completion of this qualification will promote the enhancement and transfer of appropriate knowledge, skills and values to contribute to making South Africa a winning nation in sport at an international level. The professions related to the Human Movement Sciences are already recognised as some of the top career fields in Australia and the United States of America as well as in certain parts of Europe. This is another reason for the importance of offering a focused postgraduate qualification with specialisations in relevant sub-fields of Human Movement Sciences. During the planning and development of the different programmes or foci of this qualification, career opportunities as well as the labour needs of our country were taken into consideration. With the expansion of the field of Human Movement Sciences in schools, during adulthood and in later life, more qualified professionals will be needed to address the sport and health needs of the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In the RPL Policy of the University it is acknowledged that the RPL must be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way and that it must form part of the existing policy on the admission and credit accommodation to prospective or current students at this institution. An applicant's prior learning is evaluated in accordance with the relevant procedures, and the applicant is found either competent or not yet competent. The University determines at all times the number of students admitted to any of its teaching-learning qualifications or internal programmes, taking into consideration the availability of staff and facilities needed to teach and manage such programmes. Also students applying for RPL may be requested to sit an entrance exam.

Entry Requirements

The following minimum admission requirements are relevant

• A completed honours or a 4-year qualification in Recreation Science.

This qualification comprises one compulsory module, Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

• Demonstrate extensive specialist knowledge in a particular field of Human Movement Sciences with a view to critique and evaluate current literature and research methodologies prevalent in this field.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and deep understanding of a particular field of Human Movement Sciences across the life-span and in different clinical populations in order to assess risk, prescribe appropriate exercise or life style changes.
• Manage disease prevention or improve sport performance.
• Select and apply appropriate research methods of enquiry and appropriate research instruments within the quantitative and qualitative paradigm in order to investigate a complex issue or problem in the field of Human Movement Sciences.
• Effectively diagnose the exercise/movement/ physical needs of individuals, groups and communities, design basic intervention programmes, and apply these in various socio-cultural context.
• Conceptualise and motivate a research design, and then undertake the research under supervision in an ethical manner to address.
• Find solutions for identified issue or problem particular to this field of study.
• Communicate and defend research results in a professional and creative manner via an academically sound research dissertation or mini-dissertation, with correct referencing and technical requirements.

Integrated Assessment

The required research dissertation is an integrated culmination of all the research-related outcomes of this qualification. Opportunities for both continuous formative (in the form of continuous feedback on the research proposal and then each written chapter of the dissertation) and summative assessments (examination of the dissertation) are part of the learning design of the research masters qualification as stipulated in the General Academic Rules of the university.