Master of Philosophy in Philosophy

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) qualification is to empower students to proceed to a deeper level of thinking about the philosophical foundations of the sciences, their professions and the world in which they live. It also prepares them for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study in Philosophy by cultivating the following:

• Knowledge and skills.
• The analysis, interpretation, reconstruction and critique of philosophical texts and the application of ideas in philosophical texts.
• The identification and contextualisation of as well as reaction to philosophical problems.
• The research methodology important for postgraduate study.
• The ability to deal independently and creatively with discipline content and method.
• The ability to offer research results in a well-structured and clearly formulated scientific format.

Rationale

According to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework the designator for the Master of Philosophy Degree implies a strong theoretical base. However, theory will not be the only higher order concern of the programme. The concept Philosophy implies a step beyond to the level of meta-theoretical content because study in Philosophy usually offers insight in the foundations and context of the special disciplines and world in which the graduate will work and live. Therefore an Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree will give students the advantage of the advanced critical and meta-theoretical insight that Philosophy offers as well as the development of the theoretical skills that give students entrance to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study 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

Students will be given Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can produce a portfolio of evidence to show that they meet the outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria, obtaining the relevant credits according to the assessment of the institution.

Rules governing the award of the qualification

This qualification may only be awarded where the student has completed at least 67% (90 credits) of the qualification at the institution. Evidence can be presented 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.

The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL for admission implies assessment of not only cognate knowledge and skills gained through work experience or other qualifications, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting.

An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor Honours Degree in Philosophy.

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

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability: for informed, independent and critical thinking.
2. Critically apply in-depth knowledge by using a variety of methods including historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse.
3. Perform appropriate library and online research utilized in professional and academic study.
4. Execute research on an advanced level about a philosophical problem (i.e. to identify, contextualise and develop a philosophical problem and answer to that problem by means of gathering the appropriate knowledge).
5. 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 Information Technology (IT).

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment takes the form of a research proposal, which has to be acceptable to the faculty board before the student is allowed to progress with the study. The qualification further employs a summative assessment in the form of a dissertation. Students will be assessed especially on the application of their philosophical skills (meta-theoretical interpretation and evaluation, and creativity) but also on their writing and communication skills as well as their computer literacy and use of Information Technology (IT).

A dissertation must be submitted for examination before or on the date annually shown in the time table for the relevant year.