Master of Science in Computer Science

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Master of Science dissertation is to provide learners with specialised advanced education and training while meeting the requirements of a specific research component so that learners can master the required experimental and technological skills and necessary fieldwork competencies such as innovation, decision making, strategic thinking and organisational skills. A dissertation-based Master of Science Qualification consists of a comprehensive study of a specialised area in the field of specialisation, reported on and submitted in the form of a dissertation at the end of the qualification. The qualification demands a high level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into problems related to the field of study and of critical reasoning, formulation, analysis and evaluation of a specific problem in the field of study.

Rationale

• The qualification provide learners with specialised advanced education and training while meeting the requirements of a specific research component so that learners can master the required experimental and technological skills.
• The Master's study qualification comprises a research project based on an approved topic. A dissertation, which gives evidence of the research capability of the learner, is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Experienced students are recommended to the Executive Dean and the HOD who will appoint a panel to follow the official procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, NQF Level 8.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, NQF Level 8.

Dissertation, NQF Level 8.

Exit Level Outcomes and the Associated Assessment Criteria

Learners should be able to

1. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and deal with complex problems and issues drawing systematically and creatively on the theories, research methodologies, methods/techniques, literature and materials of their discipline/field of specialisation.
2. Operate autonomously and take responsibility for their own work and be accountable for the work of others when working with others in a team.
3. Manage learning tasks autonomously and professionally and continue and sustain independent learning and academic professional development.
4. Demonstrate advanced information retrieval and processing skills to identify, analyse, synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative and/or qualitative data, using appropriate Information Communication Technology (ICT).
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and integrated specialist knowledge of the discipline/field with a coherent and critical understanding of the theories, research methodologies, epistemologies, and methods/techniques relevant to their science discipline/field of specialisation.
6. Evaluate their own and others' academic work and initiatives against a range of criteria.
7. Present and communicate the results of research by appropriate academic/professional discourse, and produce a dissertation or research report which meets the standards of scholarly/professional writing/presentation.
8. Operate in specialised science contexts and utilise ethical decision-making skills in dealing with complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on such issues.
9. Critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates, addressing both theory and practice, in the science area of specialisation.
10. Develop a mastery of the application of research methodologies, methods/techniques and technologies applicable to the science area of specialisation.
11. Plan, execute and write up research, investigation or development in the science area of specialisation under some supervision.

Integrated Assessment

In the case of the research Master's qualification the dissertation is the only assessment requirement that has to be fulfilled. The final assessment mark (which carries a weight of 100%) will be the average of the marks given by the supervisor (50%) and the external assessor (50%).