Master of Social Science in Communication

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with advanced theoretical knowledge and research skills in the Social Sciences generally and in Communication particularly and provide opportunities for life long learning and personal intellectual growth and equip qualifiers with skills for a successful career in management, academia and communication research.

The (second) purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with highly qualified research graduates who will become leading professionals, academics and researchers in the ever-growing academic, communication and management professions in the public and private sectors.

B. A. or B. Sot. SC. (Honours)in Communication or equivalent.

1. Communication Research Problem Investigation

The M. Soc. Sc. (Communication) graduate is competent to

1.1. Identify, critically assess and understand a research problem and carry out a scientific and empirical investigation of the problem creatively and innovatively.

1.2. Recognise the import of and make use of research skills in the study and understanding of communication problems.

1. Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge

The M. Soc. Sc. (Communication) graduate is competent to

2.1 To demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theories, pertinent literature and related issues pertaining to the communication field generally and own area of specialization in particular as well as explain the import and impact of these in the Communication scientific community and society in general.

2.2 Apply social science theoretical and research knowledge and skills to the understanding and critique/review of communication research reports and journal publications and write own articles for publication in scientific journals and other publications.

2.3 Apply the acquired research skills in writing a research proposal, carrying out the research investigation and writing up the research report in line with internationally acceptable academic writing standards.

Professional and General Communication

The M. Sot. SC. (Communication) graduate is competent to

1. Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally, non-verbally and in writing, with or without communication and information technology, in interpersonal, group and mediated communication contexts.
2. Read and understand communication research reports of other scientists and communicate own research findings and academic papers in line with internationally acceptable academic writing standards.

Team and multi-disciplinary working

The M. Sot. SC. (Communication) graduate is competent to

1. Work effectively as an individual researcher, in research teams and networks and in complex multi-disciplinary research environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.

Lifelong Learning

The M. Sot. SC. (Communication)graduate understands

1. The requirements to maintain continued intellectual and research competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date communication literature and research and techniques; and is competent to

Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills.

Professional ethics and practice

The M. Sot. SC. (Communication)graduate is critically aware of

1. The need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence; and is competent to
2. Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience.

Integrated assessment

The M. Soc. Sc. candidate demonstrates familiarity with and ability to critically review the literature, theories and body of knowledge relevant to the specific research topic and use these in the writing of thesis.

The M. Soc. Sc. candidate demonstrates the ability to design and carry out an empirical or scientific investigation of the research problem(s)under close supervision. This entails having a research problem/hypothesis that is clearly formulated and sufficiently elaborated on and use of appropriate methodology and methods for the investigation.

The M. Soc. Sc. candidate demonstrates the ability to process, analyse and synthesise research data and information and draw conclusions based on the research findings.

The M. Soc. Sc. candidate demonstrates the ability to present own ideas and arguments in a logical and scientifically acceptable style and language.

The M. Soc. Sc. candidate demonstrates the ability to write a research report and academically acceptable style, format and readability.

Integrated Assessment Methods

A completed Masters dissertation shall be submitted for examination.