Master of Science

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

To provide graduates with a deep and comprehensive theoretical and applied knowledge of a field or specialised area of Science. To equip them with the ability to evaluate critically the literature of the field, challenge orthodox theory, redefine existing knowledge, handle contradictions and make defendable value judgements. To instil mastery of relevant research techniques, including independent analyses and evaluation of data and situations, using appropriate methodology, extrapolate implications to new situations, use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues, and transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose. These graduates will be good communicators in spoken and written English, to both expert and non-expert audiences.

The programme is intended to provide the country with graduates who have a specialised theoretical knowledge and well-developed research and practical skills in a scientific field and can therefore serve the community in a variety of important ways, in both the public and private sectors.

Completion of the exit level outcomes for a level 7 qualification in an appropriate field of study, at a standard acceptable to the Faculty.

Recognition of prior learning

In cases where relevant experience or other prior learning is deemed to compensate for lack of formal qualifications, a candidate may be admitted by permission of Senate.

This qualification is offered with a number of specialisations as listed below

• General
• Water Resource Management

1. have in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of a particular scientific field or area, including exposure to the frontiers of knowledge;
2. understand and be able to apply and challenge advanced concepts in their science discipline;
3. apply well-developed research skills confidently and independently;
4. be able to evaluate own research and that of others critically, handle contradictions, extrapolate data or other information to new situations, and make value judgements;
5. be able to consider a range of problems, options and solutions, and implement decisions based on sound academic foundations, including appropriate methodology;
6. be able to access information from a wide range of sources, synthesise and evaluate it;
7. be able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral presentations, and to engage in dialogue with a learned or professional group;
8. have responsible and effective personal organisation skills;
9. have enhanced personal development through self-directed and self-motivated study; and
10. be culturally sensitive and have well-developed and ethical professional attitudes.

Learners will be required to demonstrate their ability and proficiency in learning outcomes 1-9 by means of a comprehensive dissertation, which may be supplemented by an oral presentation of their research findings, and by reports to the supervisor(s). The dissertation is examined by an internal and an external assessor (see section 10 below). General demeanour. etiquette and professional behaviour are good indicators for the evaluation ofoutcome 10.

Students will be expected to show a commitment to their studies and respectful awareness of others with whom they interact.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place through the dissertation, in which the learner is expected to show competency in all outcomes listed in section 5. above, and specifically to present integrated research findings that are interpreted and linked to the existing literature across the entire area of the investigation.