Master of Philosophy in Population Studies

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare learners for advanced and specialised professional employment in the private and NGO sectors and enter government departments, especially the Department of Health and the Department of Welfare and Development, of course, Stats SA. A Master's Degree must have a significant research component.

The qualification may be earned in either of two ways

• By completing a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a thesis or dissertation,

Or

• By successfully completing a course work programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and a research project of at least 60 Credits, culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation.

Qualifying learners must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Rationale

All government departments need demographic data and to employ personnel with the skills required to gather and interpret them. The qualification will strive to provide the academic expertise for suitably trained citizens to be adequately prepared to address these national needs.

The qualification stresses the interdisciplinary nature of Population Studies and the inter-relationships between population, health, environment, development and a diversity of other areas including ageing and population sustainability.

The qualification aims to provide qualifiers with specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Population Studies in the areas of measurement and recovery of vital rates, fertility, mortality and also to work with migration and poverty data. Learners would be equipped with the techniques and procedures to understand and make use of the many applications of Population Studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition, in the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. Furthermore, an application can be made in terms of rule A.2, the competency rule via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical Statistics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Coursework route

Compulsory Modules, 150 Credits

• Demography II, 20 Credits.
• African Historical Demography II, 20 Credits.
• Survey Method II, 20 Credits.
• Mini-thesis, 90 Credits.

Elective Module, 30 Credits (Choose one area of focus)

• Anthropology, 30 Credits.
• Computer Science, 30 Credits.
• Economics, 30 Credits.
• Geography, 30 Credits.
• History, 30 Credits.
• Information Systems, 30 Credits.
• Management, 30 Credits.
• Public Health, 30 Credits.
• Sociology, 30 Credits.
• Statistics, 30 Credits.

Or

Full research route

• Full Thesis or Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advance understanding and scholarship of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of Population Studies.
2. Acquire expertise in the techniques, procedures, instrumentation and its applications in the chosen area of Population Studies.
3. Take account of, and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues as prescribed within the area of Population Studies.
4. Analyse and critically evaluate literature relevant to the area of investigation.
5. Select an appropriate research approach and topic, conduct research under supervision using a prescribed research method and submit a thesis for assessment.
6. Collect data using a variety of analytical techniques and information technologies relevant to the area of Population Studies.
7. Take full responsibility for managing their own work, especially in the write up of the thesis.
8. Take full responsibility for decisions taken in the execution of their studies, taking into account the needs and demands placed on key equipment and facilities.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify a specific/focused research problem.
• Conduct and complete comprehensive, systematic research.
• Critically evaluate the originally and validity of source material on the basis of historical validation techniques of internal and external criticism.
• Select relevant information to solve the research problem in historical context.
• Submit a well written logical and systematic thesis/ Mini thesis including exposition and findings.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous and formal assessments form part of the qualification. Continuous assessment involves the writing of tests and assignments, doing presentations and group discussions in the taught modules. Formal assessment involves sitting for a final examination on each taught module at the end of the semester or year.

The learners' knowledge in the area of research will be continuously evaluated and guided by the supervisor commencing with the submission of a proposal for a Master's research by the end of their first year. This will be further evaluated by a committee of the Faculty before submission to Senate Higher Degrees Committee. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.