Master of Military Science

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Military Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

To equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena pertinent to the chosen field of study in the military sciences.

To ensure mastery of the chosen field of study in the military sciences via high level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.

To enable students to do supervised research in the military sciences through rigorous training in research methods and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication, inter alia by assisting them to start publishing on their own.

To prepare students who aspire to move to the highest level of academic work for doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.

To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future health and advancement of the chosen field of study in the military sciences and to make provision for the country's specifically the Department of Defence's, needs in a skilled workforce of the highest calibre.

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

First degree: Bmil

Honours degree: BmilHons

Other qualification

An appropriate Bachelor's or Honours degree or qualification approved by Senate for this purpose. Depending on the chosen field of study, additional work and or proof of competency may be required.

Specific requirements

If the Master's degree follows directly on a Bachelor's degree, the duration of the course is two years and offers a total of 240 credits, 120 on NQF level 7 and 120 on NQF level 8a. If the Masters degree follows on an Honours degree, the duration of the course is one year and offers a total of 120 credits on NQF level 8a.

The Master's graduate will have

1. Comprehensive knowledge of the chosen field of study
2. Mastery of advanced theory and its application to a specialised field
3. Familiarity with the literature and state of research on the subject
4. An understanding of the constructed and provisional nature of knowledge
5. Well-developed research skills

The Master's graduate will be able to

1. Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of methods and techniques appropriately
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature
3. Extrapolate implications beyond given data#
4. Use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues
5. Transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose
6. Review evidence supporting conclusions critically
7. Identify and define complex problems
8. Apply appropriate knowledge and skills for their solutions
9. Manipulate abstract systems models
10. Use well-developed research skills confidently
11. Challenge orthodox theory and make value judgements
12. Interact and engage in debate with a learning or professional group, produce detailed and coherent reports
13. Take initiative, negotiate effectively and mange conflict

The Master's graduate will demonstrate

1. Mastery of theoretical sophisticated subject matter within a comprehensive knowledge of a field
2. Mastery of advanced theory and its application to a specialised field
3. Capacity for independent study via the completion of a thesis, project or assignment
4. Self-reflexivity and adaptability
5. Understanding and application of appropriate academic and professional values
6. The ability to take calculated risks

The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

A wide range of formative and summative assessment methods are used integratively, including class discussions, assignments, tutorials, portfolios, simulations, workplace assessment, practical sessions, case studies, presentations, written examinations, oral examinations and theses/mini theses.

The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8a.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment takes place in terms of a variety of procedures, such as class discussions, assignments, tutorials, portfolios, simulations, workplace assessment, practical sessions, case studies, presentations, written examinations, oral examinations and theses/mini theses.

A theses/mini theses contains the report of the candidate's research. The thesis/mini thesis has to meet all the standards and requirements of thesis/mini thesis for a Master degree which include proof of successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contribution(s) of the study.