Master of Medical Science in Dietetics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train dietitians as researchers who will be expert, critical and reflective thinkers and problem-solvers as well as confident practitioners in research, as is necessary for further Doctoral studies. In the process, advanced knowledge of and insight in a selected area in nutrition/dietetics sciences, as well as biostatistics, will be attained.

Rationale

The motive of this qualification is to allow professionals with Bachelor's level qualification to develop skills further to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively; develop competency in research, build self-direction and originality in thought and solving problems as well as ability to communicate significant information/findings clearly to other professionals and members of the general public in the specialisation of Nutrition.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Non- Honours learners who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree may apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Nutrition and Dietetics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

The learner will/will be/will have

• Collect, analyse, organise and critically appraise information from various sources, and can interpret and make judgements based on evidence and sound reasoning.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and or written persuasion. Shows numeracy skills and can apply quantitative logic to problems.
• Aware of the impact of nutrition-related health problems on society.
• Understand the necessity of keeping abreast of up-to-date nutrition science and nutritional health-related research and information as part of lifelong learning.
• Aware of the need to act professionally and ethically, taking responsibility within one's limits of competence, and exercising judgement commensurate with nutrition health-related knowledge.
• Identify, assess, formulate and solve nutrition science and associated nutritional related health problems creatively and innovatively.
• Apply appropriate research designs, methods/techniques, as well as statistical analyses in this process.
• Competent in verbal and written communication of research results.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Formulate and develop a research problem.
• Familiarity with and integration of the relevant and specialised literature that informs the research question;
• Application of appropriate theoretical approaches and critical research techniques at an advanced level;
• Systematic and sustained discussion and argumentation and integration of findings;
• Address the normative issues that might attend the study.
• Appreciate the methodological of the study.
• Use the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment in the full dissertation research Master of Medical Science in Dietetics Degree is using a supervised dissertation not exceeding 50,000 words.

Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Study generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior consent is not appropriate, the research proposal should be subjected to proper deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.