Masters of Arts in Ethics

Purpose

The primary purposes of the Masters of Arts in Ethics is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. This Master's Degree may be earned in two ways:

By completing a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a thesis.

Or

By successfully completing a course work programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and a research project of at least 60 Credits, culminating in the acceptance of a mini-thesis.

The Masters graduate should be able to

• Demonstrate in depth mastery of theoretically aspects in the subject matter.
• Display appropriate proficiency in research methodology.
• Conduct independent research in the discipline (or inter-disciplinary field).
• Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
• Challenge conventions and redefine existing knowledge, while demonstrating awareness of the nature of knowledge in the field.

Furthermore, The Masters graduate should be able to

• Write a research proposal.
• Design a research project to answer educational questions.
• Apply a range of advanced research methods to research problems in Ethics.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
• Deal with contemporary theoretical and practical issues in Ethics.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of Postgraduates in the field of Ethics in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition, in the RPL process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition, an application can be made in terms of the competency rule A.2. 1.4 via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Ethics, or similar.

Research Thesis 801, Level 9, 180 Credits.

Or Select 3 Modules

• Ethical Theory, 30 Credits.
• Theories of Responsibilities, 30 Credits.
• Virtue Theory, 30 Credits.
• Public Morality, 30 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues, 30 Credits.
• Professional Ethics, 30 Credits.

And

• Mini-Thesis, 90 Credits.

1. Advance understanding and scholarship of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of specialization.
2. Acquire expertise in the techniques, procedures, instrumentation and its applications in the chosen area of specialization.
3. Ability to take account of, and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues as prescribed within the area of specialization.
4. Analyse and critically evaluate literature relevant to the area of investigation.
5. Select an appropriate research approach and topic, conduct research under supervision using a prescribed research method and submit a thesis for assessment.
6. Collect data using a variety of analytical techniques and information technologies relevant to the area of specialization.
7. Take full responsibility for managing own work, especially in the write up of the thesis.
8. Take full responsibility for decisions taken in the execution of their studies, taking into account the needs and demands placed on key equipment and facilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
• Make sound judgement using data and information at disposal.
• Communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance knowledge, understanding and skills.
• Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated.
• Present adequate range of relevant sources accessed, relevant problems grasped, appropriate theoretical and practical assignments, case studies as well as solutions to problems.

Students will have to complete a mini-thesis or reporting on research that they have completed under supervision. Both the Course work and mini-thesis or full thesis will be examined by internal and external examiners appointed by the relevant university committees.

Integrated Assessment

The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical, hands-on approach. This is reflected in the assessment instruments. Continuous assessment will be applied throughout the qualification. Continuous assessment requires the completion of a mixture of assignments or tasks during the semester, ranging from informal and formal formative assignments that include presentations. Details of the assessment evidence as required, including the presentation and assessment topics and tasks, their format and criteria are set out in the student module guides made available at the beginning of each semester.

The students' knowledge in the area of research will be continuously evaluated and guided by the supervisor commencing with the submission of a proposal for a Master's research by the end of their first year. This will be further evaluated by a committee of the Faculty before submission to Senate Higher Degrees Committee. Students will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.