Master of Science in Computer Science

Purpose

The Master of Science in Computer Science aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Computer Science.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Computer Science, able to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of Computer Science. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at the doctoral level. This qualification may be obtained through either the research master's degree by dissertation; or structured by coursework and mini-dissertation.

Rationale

The qualification responds to the need to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Computer Science. The learner with expert knowledge in Computer Science may enter the labour market equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification will also deliver experts in the field of Computer Science to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research.

Successful learners 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. Learners who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with doctoral studies.

Competence at NQF Level 8 is assumed and learners are expected to have a firm grounding in natural sciences with a special focus in Computer Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An executive dean may, utilizing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, grant a learner who does not meet the minimum admission requirements admission to the MSc (Computer Science).

In cases where the learner opted for the coursework variant, advanced standing may be granted by exempting the learner from the recognised modules required for the completion of the qualification. Only proven informal or non-formal learning may be taken into consideration utilising RPL, the process of equivalence-setting between such learning and formal modules must be documented, and its outcome must be recorded on the official learner record.

Where a learner was granted an exemption for one or more modules as a consequence of RPL, the remaining HEMIS credits required for the qualification must be obtained by completing the relevant programme. The maximum portion of a qualification from which a learner may be exempted utilizing RPL is fifty per cent (50%) of the credits of the full qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, NQF Level 8.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 116 Credits

• Dissertation, 100 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Research Communication, 8 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 64 Credits (Select two modules)

• Databases, 32 Credits.
• Decision Support Systems, 32 Credits.
• Artificial Intelligence, 32 Credits.
• Image Processing, 32 Credits.
• Information Systems Engineering, 32 Credits.
• Computer Security, 32 Credits.
• Data Warehouses, 32 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Computer Science; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Computer Science.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Computer Science, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Computer Science and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Computer Science.
7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Computer Science;

8.1. Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Computer Science research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and formulate a problem statement.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
• Select appropriate research to solve the problem.
• Scientifically evaluate the results in the context of the problem statement.
• Scientifically communicate the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
• Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and solve open business and community problems.
• Identify and utilise applications.
• Work with common fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
• Use the appropriate structure, style and graphic and electronic support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply methods of information communication for use by others with an emphasis on those of Computer Science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while he/she can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

Integrated Assessment

Master's qualification by coursework and mini-dissertation

Calculation of the final mark: 50% modules where a pass mark of 50% per module will be required; and 50% research. The coursework part will make use of continuous formative assessment aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a 3 to 5 hour written examination. The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area.

Master's qualification by dissertation

Learners must submit a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation or other forms of research. "Dissertation" is a written piece compiled for examination purposes, including one published research article or a couple of published research articles or unpublished manuscript(s) in article or chapter format following the requirements for documentation, argumentation, and language and style in which a learner must provide proof that he/she is confident with the research methodology presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the prescribed outcomes for a master's qualification at the institution.