Master of Science in Dietetics

Purpose

The Master of Science in Dietetics [MSc (Dietetics)] aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Dietetics. Successful completion of the qualification will equip the learners with specialist knowledge to apply the principles of human dietetic sciences, including factors influencing food patterns, dietetic status and epidemiology.

The qualification will require the learner to apply scientific information to develop policies and programmes, public health strategies, dietary recommendations and guidelines as well as government and international reports. This qualification may be either obtained through the research Master's Degree by dissertation or structured by coursework and dissertation.

Rationale

The qualifying learners will expand the leadership in South Africa in the field of Dietetics, for innovative, knowledge-based economical scholastic and social activity. Due to the legacy of acute inequity in health science in the country, this qualification aims to address these inequities.

The qualification will enable its qualifying learners to be members of the leaders in their field, having mastered specialist disciplines, in the field of Dietetics related problems in the country. The dietetic researcher must identify research areas based on scientific literature and public health needs, develop hypotheses, design protocols to test hypotheses, execute research with appropriate methods, analyse and interpret results, and communicate results to fellow scientists, practitioners, and the target population through appropriate channels. The qualifying learner of the MSc (Dietetics) will have applicable competencies to continue with doctoral studies on NQF Level 10.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution may, utilising the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following the university's Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy, grant a learner who does not meet the minimum admission requirements admission to the qualification.

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 using 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 using RPL is fifty per cent of the credits of the full qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.

Or

• A relevant Postgraduate Diploma at level 8 in the field of Dietetics or equivalent.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Level 8.

The final decision of whether the learner will be admitted to the research or structured qualification in Dietetics lies with the postgraduate selection committee.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and electives modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Structured by Coursework route

Compulsory modules, Level 9, 160 Credits

• Dissertation: Dietetics, 96 Credits.
• Nutrition support of the paediatric patient, 32 Credits.
• Nutrition support in critical care, 32 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 9, 32 Credits (Select/choose one of the following modules)

• Evidence-based data interpretation, 32 Credits.
• Nutritional Epidemiology, 32 Credits.
• Public Health Nutrition, 32 Credits.
• Molecular Nutrition, 32 Credits.
• Sport Nutrition, 32 Credits.

Or

Dissertation route

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills to identify a relevant research problem within the field of Dietetics.
2. Plan and execute a suitable quantitative and/or qualitative research topic scientifically and ethically, using suitable research methods, techniques and procedures; to interpret the research findings in a scientifically accountable way.
3. Compose a research report on it in the form of a dissertation or article format.
4. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on individual, group and community level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Generate integrate and apply specialist knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of dietetics and/or across specialised or applied areas.
• Make an original contribution to the knowledge society in Dietetics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 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 dietetics.
• Conduct the research ethically by applying a suitable methodology.
• Formulate research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
• Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of Dietetics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Produce an acceptable dissertation/mini-dissertation or other forms of research.
• Successfully defend the dissertation/mini-dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Master's Degree 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 and more 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. The supervisor assesses continuously while the research is being executed and the dissertation is being written. At least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation, finally examine the dissertation. This variant of the MSc (Dietetics) includes in a research project comprising a minimum of 50% of the total credits, culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation or other forms of research.

Master's Degree by dissertation

Learners must submit an 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, language and style, in which a learner must provide proof that he/she is confident with the research methodology and that is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the prescribed outcomes for a Master's Degree at the institution.