Master of Philosophy in Decision-making, Knowledge Dynamics and Values

The Master of Philosophy in Decision-making, Knowledge Dynamics and Values equips learners with a broad and multi or interdisciplinary understanding of central dimensions of a problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) from the perspective of the humanities (including the social sciences).

The qualification enables learners to generate a range of approaches to this problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) and to enable learners to participate successfully in the search of solutions. It further prepares learners to participate in scholarly or public debates on the relevant problem (complexes) or phenomenon or phenomenon (clusters) and to convey their understanding about these to others.

Rationale

The qualification prepares learners for doctoral work and produces learners who have the knowledge base that enables them to identify and help solve significant problems in the private and the public sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) policy in place and is available as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The ARPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level totalling Credits.

1. Master research skills and the logic of scholarly argument and the art of public debate.
2. Develop capacity for theoretical, self-reflexive critical thinking, and solving of problems.
3. Think in terms of theory, as an instrument for understanding reality.
4. Work systematically and independently in approaching and solving abstract and complex problems.
5. Present and challenge scholarly positions in forums/publications of substance.
6. Identify and apply criteria of relevance and significance pertinent to various contexts of inquiry.

• Have a broad knowledge of the theoretical, methodological, and the practical traditions relevant to a particular problem (complex).
• Be familiar with the academic, ethical and professional standards in the disciplines dealing with the relevant issues.
• Identify and critically analyse the relevant dimensions of a specific problem (complex) or phenomenon (cluster) or professional field.
• Critically appraise accepted solutions to the relevant problems by identifying and evaluating the assumptions on which they rest.
• Develop and apply, in a self-critical way, new/more adequate solutions to these problems.
• Report findings in the appropriate scholarly format.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment includes examining a thesis or a series of interrelated assignments that reflect the desired outcomes. The thesis or series of assignments represents an integrated summation of the level of knowledge and insight gained by the successful learner as well as of his/her academic and communicative abilities.

Formative and summative assessments include written and oral examinations, practice-oriented assignments, simulations, case studies, and work-place evaluations of the learner's understanding of the theoretical and trans-disciplinary dimensions of an issue, and a thesis or research assignment or series of assignments that has to display the desired problem-solving and research-based outcomes.

The appropriate kinds of assessment are used in an integrated manner to determine whether the specified outcomes have been achieved. The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 9.