Master of Social Science in Sociology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a theoretical and practical training in social research methodology; equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, conducting and producing social research; develop learners with advanced knowledge in Sociology; develop skilled learners who can address key areas in Sociology; allow learners the opportunity to develop academically in the field of Sociology; and enable learners to engage in African scholarship in the field of Sociology.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide an understanding of some of the major issues that concern Sociology in the 21st century. They build the critical and analytical abilities of learners to enable engagement in the theoretical and contemporary debates in a wide range of areas. Thinking sociologically critically engages the learner in looking at the social world at a micro, meso and macro level. This is particularly useful in our fast changing world, and the African environment.

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. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Sociology, National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules and electives at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 176 Credits

• Short Dissertation: Sociology, 96 Credits.
• Selected Themes in Sociology, 32 Credits.
• Social Research Design and Practice,16 Credits.
• Comparative Development, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 24 Credits (Choose ONE Elective)

• South African Economic Issues, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Literature Searching and Evaluation,16 Credits.

Learners completing this qualification should be able to

1. Demonstrate clear and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of key sociological areas.
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse the world in which we live sociologically.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, analyse and critique sociological research.
4. Independently conduct valid, reliable and ethical sociological research.
5. Demonstrate the ability to be self-reflective and active learners.
6. Construct and develop theoretically informed arguments within the field of Sociology.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Access/outline, evaluate and synthesize the current sociological debates in question.
• Engage in the topic, and develop their own academic voice.
• Outline the research proposals, ethical clearance forms and dissertation write-ups.
• Present the above orally to their peers and lecturers.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment approaches integrated at both formative and summative assessment are designed to evaluate different competencies at the relevant points of development. The methods of assessment are continuous formative assessments which are designed to build the skills, knowledge and competencies of the learners. The formative assessment includes, but is not restricted to, oral presentations, written submissions and an individual research proposal submission Summative assessment includes a three-hour exam. Assessment of the modules will be multimodal, in the form of, but not restricted to Research: research proposals, ethical clearance forms and dissertation write-ups; Written assignments: here the learner needs to demonstrate her/his ability to access/outline, evaluate and synthesise the current sociological debates in question. Importantly, they need to demonstrate their engagement in the topic, and develop their own academic voice; Seminars and Oral presentations: Here the learners need to develop the confidence to present the above orally to their peers and lecturers. Assessment of a Master's Dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.