Master of Science
The aim of the MSc is to produce highly qualified scientists who can use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the national and international advancement of science.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Rhodes University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Physical Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
The aim of the MSc is to produce highly qualified scientists who can use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the national and international advancement of science.
Successful graduands will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies.
Entry requirements and RPL
Candidates should be in possession of a BSc Honours in an appropriate discipline in order to qualify for admission to the degree.
Recognition of prior learning
Persons who are able to give satisfactory evidence of their qualifications (formal or informal) may be specially exempted from the normal entrance requirements for the degree and may register as Ad Eundem Gradum students.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Exit level outcomes
Specific Outcomes
- The MSc graduate is competent to apply specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve problems and answer questions.
In order to meet this outcome, MSc graduates are able to
Knowledge outcomes
a. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a specialised field of science.
b. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the general field in which they have specialised.
Skills outcomes
c. Using this knowledge, contribute to the process of identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research methods, using critical and creative thinking.
d. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information needed to answer the questions formulated in c.
e. Assess and evaluate literature related to the field of study.
f. Work effectively with other members of a team or group.
g. Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.
h. Communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word.
Value & Attitudes outcomes
i. Use science and technology effectively and critically, with due care for the environment and health of others, and with due consideration of cultural differences.
- The MSc graduate will have good communication skills.
In order to meet this outcome, MSc graduates are able to
Skills outcomes
a. Communicate the results of research in both the spoken and written word.
b. Use technology where appropriate to facilitate communication
Value & Attitudes outcomes
c. Appreciate the need to publish the results of research.
- The MSc graduate will have a full understanding of the nature of scientific endeavour and of the need for life long learning.
In order to meet this outcome, MSc graduates will
Knowledge outcomes
a. Be aware that science advances through the acquisition and application of new knowledge.
b. Possess a well-developed knowledge framework against which new information can be assimilated and assessed.
Skills outcomes
c. Be able to access and critically assess new information from libraries and other appropriate sources.
Value & Attitude outcomes
d. Understand that since science is constantly evolving, there is a need for life-long learning.
Associated assessment criteria
The candidate should provide evidence of a high level of competency in a specialised field. Where the degree is research based, the candidate will provide evidence of the ability to undertake all aspects of research. This may include experimental design, the collection, analysis and synthesis of data, critical evaluation of the literature and the preparation of a thesis that meets the guidelines as laid down in the Higher Degrees Guide.
Where the degree is course-work based, the candidate will provide evidence of an ability to assimilate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a variety of situations. This may be assessed by formative examinations, both written and oral, and in some cases by the examination of a minor dissertation on some topical aspect of the field of specialisation.
Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved
The candidate should provide evidence of a specialised and high level of competence and knowledge.
Formative assessment is provided by the supervisor and other University staff members on written and oral research reports. Summative assessment is provided on the basis of a thesis.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
- Learners with an Honours degree from another university may be able to register for a Master's degree at Rhodes University.
- Learners with an MSc from Rhodes may be able to move to any other university in the country to undertake further postgraduate training.
- Although the MSc is designed to provide advanced training in one field, it develops skills such as critical analysis, evaluation of data and communication; consequently, learners may proceed thereafter in a variety of different directions.
- Learners with an MSc may be able to continue with a PhD, or they may be able to undertake postgraduate training in education, law or commerce.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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