Master of Philosophy

Purpose

The qualification helps learners to develop a more in-depth knowledge of the foundations of the disciplines they studied during their undergraduate and honours qualification, and thus prepares them for the Doctoral study in Philosophy. The competence and skills the learners will acquire analysis, interpretation, reconstruction, and critique. These skills and competencies will stand them in good stead in whatever profession each may follow since this competence will enable them to contextualise and react to philosophical problems in the workplace.

The purpose of this qualification is in line with the HEQSF criteria in that it aims to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of selected fields in Philosophy, which include methodological approaches and theoretical orientations applied to the South African context. The Exit Level Outcomes are constructively aligned with the stated purpose and planned assessment.

Rationale

This qualification differs from the Master of Philosophy in Philosophy in that it consists of a 96-Credit course work component and an 84-Credit research component. According to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework, the designator (i.e. Philosophy) for this qualification implies a strong theoretical base. However, the theory will not be the only concern of the qualification: The concept Philosophy implies a step beyond to the level of meta-theoretical content because the study in Philosophy usually offers insight in the foundations and context of the particular disciplines and world in which the learner will work and live. This qualification will give learners the advantage of the advanced critical and meta-theoretical insight that Philosophy offers as well as the development of the theoretical skills that give learners entrance to a Doctoral study in Philosophy. Fifty per cent of the qualification consists of a supervised research project on exit level that prepares learners for the research nature of a Doctoral qualification in Philosophy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The outcomes of this qualification can be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the following criteria:

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Learners will acquire Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can produce a Portfolio of Evidence to show that they meet the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria, obtaining the appropriate credits according to the assessment of the institution. Rules are governing the award of the qualification: Learners can present evidence in a variety of forms, including previous local or international Qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

RPL for admission implies an assessment of not only cognate knowledge and skills gained through work experience or other qualifications but to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to NQF Level 7. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules and qualifications.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Philosophy Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Skripsie (FILM873), 84 Credits.
• Philosophy (FILM878), 24 Credits.
• Philosophy (FILM879), 24 Credits.
• Systematic I (FILM880), 24 Credits.
• Systematic II (FILM881), 24 Credits.

• Demonstrate the ability: for informed, independent, critical thinking to apply in-depth knowledge by using a variety of methods including historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse critically.
• Perform appropriate library and online research utilised in professional and academic study.
• Execute research about a philosophical problem (i.e. to identify, contextualise and develop a philosophical problem and answer to that problem by gathering the appropriate knowledge). Report on the research results in a scientific and scholarly way by way of a dissertation and oral communication supported by the use of applicable IT.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification employs both formative and summative assessments throughout the study. The assessment of learners will focus on the application of the skills they develop in the various sub-disciplines, mainly in the form of written assignments and examinations. The assessment of the research component of the qualification is in an integrated manner. The research proposal, which, after acceptance by the faculty board, will culminate in a mini-dissertation. The assessment of mastering knowledge, both disciplinary and research takes place, but also writing and communication skills, as well as computer literacy and IT skills.

The qualification employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout the one year of study, in the form of writing as well as practical assignments, class tests and examinations in all the modules included in the qualification. The learners' skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate IT, are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy.