Master of Social Science

The aim of the MSS is to produce highly qualified researchers and scholars who can use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the national and international advancement of the social sciences.

Successful graduands will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research and will be able to continue with further postgraduate study.

Candidates should be in possession of an Honours degree in an appropriate discipline in order to qualify for admission to the degree. In exceptional cases candidates may be admitted to the programme with a Bachelor's degree or the equivalent.

Recognition for prior learning

Persons who are able to give satisfactory evidence of their qualifications (formal or informal) may be specially exempted from the normal entrance requirements for the degree and may register as Ad Eundem Gradum students.

Specific Outcomes

1. The MSS graduate is competent to apply specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve problems and answer questions.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates are able to

Knowledge outcomes

a. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a specialised field of the social sciences.

b. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the general field in which they have specialised.

Skills outcomes

c. Using this knowledge, contribute to the process of identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research methods, using critical and creative thinking.

d. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information needed to answer the questions formulated in c.

e. Assess and evaluate literature related to the field of study.

f. Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.

g. Communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word.

Value & Attitudes outcomes

i. Demonstrate sensitivity to the multi-cultural and multi-lingual nature of South African society.

1. The MSS graduate will have good communication skills.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates are able to

Skills outcomes

a. Communicate the results of research in both the spoken and written word.

b. Use technology where appropriate to facilitate communication.

Value & Attitudes outcomes

c. Appreciate the need to publish the results of research.

1. The MSS graduate will have a full understanding of the nature of scholarly endeavour and of the need for life long learning.

In order to meet this outcome, MSS graduates will

Knowledge outcomes

a. Be aware that scholarly endeavour advances through the acquisition and application of new knowledge.

b. Possess a well-developed knowledge framework against which new information can be assimilated and assessed.

Skills outcomes

c. Be able to access and critically assess new information from libraries and other appropriate sources.

Value & Attitude outcomes

d. Understand that since knowledge is constantly evolving, there is a need for life-long learning.

The candidate should provide evidence of a high level of competency in a specialised field. Where the degree is research based, the candidate will provide evidence of the ability to undertake all aspects of research. This will include the preparation of a research proposal and the writing of a thesis which shows that the candidate:

• Is sufficiently acquainted with the appropriate methods and techniques of research;
• Is sufficiently acquainted with the relevant literature;
• Has both satisfactorily understood the nature of the problem or topic and assessed the significance of the findings;
• Has satisfactorily presented the results of independent research for the award of the degree in a manner which is satisfactory as to literary style and presentation, and free from grammatical and typographical errors;
• When the degree is awarded with distinction the candidate must have produced evidence of real methodological and conceptual skills, clarity of exposition and development of argument, sound judgement, originality of approach, and some contribution to knowledge.

Where the degree is course-work based, the candidate will provide evidence of an ability to assimilate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a variety of situations. This may be assessed by formative examinations, both written and oral, and in some cases by the examination of a minor dissertation on some topical aspect of the field of specialisation.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The candidate should provide evidence of a specialised and high level of competence and knowledge.

Formative assessment is provided by the supervisor and other University staff members on written and oral research reports. Summative assessment is provided on the basis of a thesis.