Master of Social Science
To achieve proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the general field of the social sciences.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
128
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 07 - Human and Social Studies
Subfield
General Social Science
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
N
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
To achieve proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the general field of the social sciences.
The aim is to realise graduates who are equipped with generic skills and have acquired substantial knowledge in a range of disciplines, that will enable them not only to have an enhanced understanding of their society and the world, but will also prepare them to embark on a career and to create opportunities for themselves.
Entry requirements and RPL
At least a good second class pass (more than 60%) in obtaining a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours); or a substantial equivalent deemed adequate by the University of Natal.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Exit level outcomes
- To gain a thorough understanding of issues, problems, ideas, discourses, processes, structures and trends pertaining to the social sciences, especially in relation to South Africa and comparable societies.
- To comprehend different qualitative and quantitative research methods, techniques and methodologies applicable to the social sciences.
- To have achieved an acceptable level of proficiency in key basic and generic skills: information literacy, written and spoken English.
- To have acquired a critical awareness and capacity for research so as to be able to investigate and understand issues, problems and trends in the social sciences. Independent and original research that can advance scholarship would be the ideal here.
- To present research findings that meet appropriate academic and professional standards.
- To become a scholar: to inculcate a passion for learning, and to appreciate the necessity for accuracy, honesty, fairness, generosity, and integrity.
- To appreciate the virtues of being an independent learner, as well as the value in cooperating and collaborating with others.
- To respond to the challenges of democracy and development in South Africa.
Associated assessment criteria
- 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.
- The level of competence in carrying out an independent research project on a topic in the social sciences.
Integrated Assessment
- Seminars
- Exercises (research methods, policy designs?)
- Visual material
- Oral presentation
- Essays
- Reports
- Portfolios
- Research project; dissertation; thesis
- Examinations
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
Entry and Exit
- Exit points: Bachelor's degree; Postgraduate diploma; Honours degree; Masters degree; PhD
Credits obtained for modules could readily be granted in other programmes; and qualifications acquired could be used as a means of entry to another programme. Entry to the programme at any level is possible, provided the requirements for admission have been met. In some instances, it will be possible for learners to be given the opportunity to attain the entry requirements should their prior qualifications not have enabled them to do that.
Other Programmes
On the Pietermaritzburg campus, links at various levels with other programmes in
- General Studies (Arts)
- Government, Business and Ethics
- Heritage Studies
- Information Studies
- Policy and Development Studies
- African Studies
- Environment and Development
- Nutrition
- Food Security
- Education
- Business
- Psychology
- Rural Community (Systems) Development
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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