Master of Science in Herbal Science

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification are to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, and prepare qualifying learners for advanced and specialised professional employment. This qualification must have a significant research component.

The qualification may be earned in either of two ways

• By completing a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a thesis or dissertation.

Or

• By successfully completing a course work programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and a research project of at least 60 Credits, culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation.

Qualifying learners must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Rationale

The rationale for the qualification is to benefit the learners in the development of highly advanced knowledge and skills and applied competence in the area of Herbal Science and provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

This qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the area of Herbal Science in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge - based scholarly activity is widened, this includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of Herbal Science in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can be provided in accordance with the institution's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition, in the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Herbal Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• An appropriate Honours Bachelor's with Basic Science or Health Science focus, NQF Level 8.

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

Compulsory Modules at Level 9,180 Credits

• Full Thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Make a contribution in a specific area of specialisation in the field of Herbal Sciences.
2. Independently initiate and conduct research in the chosen area of specialisation in Herbal Sciences.
3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the field of Herbal Sciences.
4. Produce a dissertation, which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Prepare a proposal to research a topic related to a specific area in Herbal Sciences within its sub-areas of specialisation for evaluation.
• Identify, analyse, and formulate a particular problem creatively, ethically, autonomously and responsibly in the proposal.
• Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication, which all contribute substantially to knowledge during the supervisory process.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
• Submit a thesis for external assessment and should represent a significant contribution to new knowledge and presented in a scholarly manner.
• Do independent research of high quality, and indicate considerable experience in using a variety of research techniques.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge in the area of research will be continuously evaluated and guided by the supervisor commencing with the submission of a proposal for a Master's research by the end of their first year. This will be further evaluated by a committee of the Faculty before submission to Senate Higher Degrees Committee. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.