Master of Social Science

Purpose

This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in the human and social sciences, particularly in a specific discipline, who will be able to generate knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of a research supervisor.

Rationale

The qualification aims to provide learners with specialised knowledge and competence in their areas of study. Learners will be able to contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development within the relevant commercial, industrial and state-related sectors associated with their disciplines. They will also be prepared to undertake Doctoral studies in their discipline.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, Level 8

Or

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours, Level 8 or equivalent Level 8 qualification.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:

• Dissertation: Sociology, 192 Credits.

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in a chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing, implementing and analysing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
5. Undertake independent research in their fields, however, under the guidance of a supervisor, and report on these in ways that show independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

• Knowledge of issues, problems, ideas, discourses, processes, structures and trends in the realm of the social sciences.
• Competence in presenting arguments, data analysis, reports, and other written and oral assignments.
• The comprehension and application of research methods, techniques and methodologies.
• Carrying out an independent research project on a topic in the social sciences.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification may take a mixed format comprising a creative contribution and a reflective research treatise that articulates with, and complements, the creative component. The weighting of the written research dissertation component should not be less than 50% of the entire mark, but could be 100%; or the Creative Component 50% and a minimum of 50% for the Critical Research. The dissertation ought to be aligned to and be complementary to the creative component.

In keeping with all the qualification requirements, technical competence and a mastery of the field would be a necessary requirement for the creative component; while independence of vision, originality and critical engagement would be a requirement for a distinction.