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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Thought 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109566  Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Thought 
ORIGINATOR
International Peace College South Africa NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-05-29  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to enable graduates to become specialist within an interdisciplinary framework by gaining in-depth knowledge in a complex area of Islamic Studies known as Maqasid Al Shariah (Objectives of the Law). Learners will develop skills and methods for the identification and solving of problems from a contemporary theological perspective.

Learners will also be equipped with skills and methods for analysing, understanding and engaging their social context including its developmental, economic and political dimensions. It also equips learners with the necessary background and research proficiency to articulate vertically to a Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies or any other related field at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10.

Rationale:
This qualification has been designed to attract graduates in Islamic Studies, Religious Studies or a related field who have completed a NQF Level 8 qualification or a comparable qualification wherein the study of Islam was a significant component. Community of Practitioners and learners interested in more detailed study of Islam will also benefit from this qualification. Teachers of this discipline at schools and other tertiary institutions are encouraged to do this qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In the spirit of widening access to higher education, this qualification will recognise non-formal and informal prior experiential learning. The candidates who have achieved relevant prior learning, which should give them access to the qualification, must apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Potential Learners who want to be granted credit for prior learning and/or experience in respect of a particular module or modules, must apply in writing.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 qualification in Islamic Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:
    Compulsory Modules: 144 Credits:
  • Contemporary Islamic Thought, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Maqasid Al-Shariah, 12 Credits.
  • Holistic Methodology and Strategic Approach, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Maqasid Al-Shariah, 12 Credits.
  • Master's Thesis, 96 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 9: 48 Credits (Select four modules):
  • Governance: An Islamic Perspective, 12 Credits.
  • Human Security: An Islamic Perspective, 12 Credits.
  • Justice and Peace Building: An Islamic Perspective, 12 Credits.
  • Culture and Aesthetics: An Islamic Perspective, 12 Credits.
  • Contemporary Muslim Societies and Organisations, 12 Credits.
  • Selected Topics in Applied Islamic Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Contemporary Islamic Law, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Collect, understand, communicate and critique information effectively by making informed theoretical judgements.
    2. Apply theoretical, analytical and systematic thinking to a range of problems.
    3. Manage professional development by applying knowledge and understanding of ethical and social responsibility to particular contexts.
    4. Select and apply a range of appropriate research methods, techniques and principles for particular research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Develop and communicate own ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic discourse.
  • Identify, analyse, evaluate, reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
  • Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Take decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in a field, discipline or practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners are encouraged to produce as much written assignments as well as a major essay at the end of each module that nurtures a wide range of research related skills, individual opinion and critical engagement. This also encourages research and independent study within the focus area of each module. This qualification will therefore not use traditional end of term examination format of assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with similar qualifications internationally. Learners graduating with a Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Islamic Thought in South Africa have attained a qualification comparable to the discipline specific Master's qualifications in Europe and America.

    University of London SOAS (United Kingdom): (MA Islamic Law).
    The qualification allows learners to study Islamic law and its application in a broad range of legal areas, including Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic family law, Law of Islamic finance and human rights, as well as its relationship to society. It consists of 180 Credits including dissertation (30 Credits) and Taught modules (150 Credits).

    University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom): Master of Science (MSc): Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

    The qualification offers an advanced, interdisciplinary understanding of the history, modern politics and culture of the Islamic Middle East, and explore the paradigms behind the various disciplines within this field.

    The qualification combines seminar work, oral presentations and essays. Students complete one compulsory course, two research courses and three option courses over two semesters, followed by an independently researched dissertation.

    University of Birmingham (United Kingdom): MA: Islamic Studies.
    The qualification offers a flexible framework within which students can develop knowledge and skills in Islamic Studies in historical and/or contemporary contexts, and provides an ideal foundation for further research. Modules are typically assessed by written assignment. You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation. To successfully qualify students must complete 3 core modules +3 optional modules+ dissertation

    Columbia University: Middle East Institute (United States of America): MA: Islamic Studies.
    The MA in Islamic Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the critical academic study of the Islamic religious and intellectual tradition and the diverse regional histories, cultures, and social formations of Muslim communities around the world.

    Learners must complete 36 units includes thesis as well as 30 units (at graduate level) including:
  • An introductory course addressing key methodological and theoretical issues in the comparative study of the Muslim world.
  • Three courses in one of the following areas: history (including art history), literature; religion, law and philosophy; or the social sciences (anthropology, political science, sociology).
  • Two courses in a second area not selected above.
  • Three elective courses in subjects related to Islamic Studies.

    Thus the Master of Art in Applied Islamic Thought qualification standard with 192 Credits (typically two years) is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. International Peace College South Africa NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.