Postgraduate Diploma in Science

The purpose of a Postgraduate Diploma in Science is to provide advanced, career-focused knowledge and practical skills in a specialized area, serving as a bridge between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. It aims to deepen a student's understanding of a subject, enhance problem-solving abilities for complex challenges, and prepare them for career advancement or further research-focused study. The qualification offers in-depth knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills in a specific field, allowing for a more focused approach than a general bachelor's degree.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of different fields and related disciplines.
• Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
• Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse, and address complex or abstract problems, drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to different fields

Rationale

The development of this qualification was driven by South Africa's need to strengthen its scientific community amidst global technological and environmental shifts. Designed for learners with foundational scientific knowledge, the qualification provides specialised research methods across disciplines.

The qualification will enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation.

The qualification may serve as a bridge to further master's level studies in some fields, as it equips learners for roles in their specific fields, thereby fostering innovation and sustainability in the country.

The qualification positions graduates for leading roles in various science-based professions and fuelling socio-economic growth.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners will acquire specialised knowledge and practical skills in the chosen field or sub-disciplines. The qualifying learners will position themselves for specialised science-based careers and make contributions to South Africa's scientific community.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations, should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption from modules

• Learners may apply via CAT to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in a cognate field, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Data Science, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in a cognate field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsoryand elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

Enterprise Risk Management field

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Copulas and Dependence, 20 Credits
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Concept and Framework, 20 Credits
• Extreme Value Theory, 20 Credits
• King III Corporate Governance in South Africa and ERM Case Studies, 20 Credits
• Multivariate Models and Financial Time Series, 20 Credits
• Risk Measurement, Assessment and Application of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), 20 Credits

Or

Data Science field

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits

• Programming for Data Scientists, 15Credits
• Mathematics and Statistical Foundations of Data Science, 15 Credits
• Applied Machine Learning, 15 Credits
• Data Science in Practice, 15 Credits

And

Elective Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits (Choose five modules)

• Social Media Analysis in and for the Global South, 12 Credits
• Visualising African Societies with Data, 12 Credits
• Data-intensive Computing, 12 Credits
• Applications of Machine Learning in Chemistry, 12 Credits
• Data Science in Education, 12 Credits
• Health Analytics for Data Science, 12 Credits
• Spatio-temporal Data Analytics, 12 Credits

Or

Innovation and Entrepreneurship field

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Innovation and Research Commercialisation, 30 Credits
• Design Thinking for Innovation, 20 Credits
• Venture Creation for Innovators, 10 Credits
• Basic Business for Innovators, 10 Credits
• Communicating Innovation, 10 Credits
• Research Project in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 40 Credits.

1. Generate, explore, and evaluate options and possibilities for determining the scope, content and methodology of research which ensures alignment with the research objectives and the broader scientific context.
2. Assess the rationale behind the chosen scope, content, and methodology, detailing the specific criteria and considerations which influenced the decision.
3. Evaluate personal learning progress, pinpointing strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, and recognising areas for improvement.
4. Reflect on the ethical dimensions of the research process and introspect on personal discoveries and growth throughout the learning journey.
5. Interpret boundaries, interconnections, value, and knowledge creation systems of the chosen science discipline(s), -along with the skill to critically evaluate these aspects.
6. Demonstrate to peers and instructors a deep understanding of selected content areas and analyse how they relate within the chosen science discipline(s).

Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate a diverse range of research scopes and methodologies to determine their applicability to the specified research objectives.
• Formulate a systematic approach to explore various research content possibilities.
• Assess the alignment of chosen scope, content, and methodologies with the broader scientific context.
• Demonstrate clarity in understanding and aligning research objectives with the chosen methodology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Clearly articulate the criteria and considerations that guide the selection of the research scope, content, and methodology.
• Provide a coherent rationale that evidences a logical flow in the decision-making process.
• Relate the chosen scope, content, and methodology to the existing scientific literature or contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Exhibit a structured reflection on the personal learning progress.
• Identify specific strengths and relate them to aspects of the learning journey.
• Recognize and acknowledge personal areas of weakness and improvement.
• Constructively suggest areas for improvement and potential strategies to address them.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Assess and discuss potential ethical concerns in the research process.
• Reflect on moments of personal discoveries, evidencing growth and transformation.
• Exhibit understanding and application of ethical guidelines and standards related to the chosen science discipline(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Analyse the interconnections and boundaries within the chosen discipline(s).
• Appraise the value and contribution of the chosen discipline(s) to the broader scientific community.
• Critically evaluate existing knowledge systems and processes within the chosen discipline(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Present content areas with clarity, depth, and confidence to peers and instructors.
• Draw connections between different content areas within the chosen discipline(s).
• Exhibit analytical skills in evaluating and relating selected content areas to overarching themes or contexts within the disciplines(s).

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment of these criteria will be achieved by a variety of strategies, including written examinations, individual projects and assignments, seminar presentations, and field trips where relevant.

To promote, monitor, and measure student learning throughout a course.

A single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.