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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Social Science in Research Psychology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110327	Master of Social Science in Research Psychology
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		General Social Science
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	2021-07-01	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:
This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in socio psychological sciences who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor. The research project will culminate in a production of a research report in the form of a thesis in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification aims to provide leaners with a broad background of skills in the social sciences, specialist expertise in selected psychological research methods, and the ability to work in inter-disciplinary teams. The qualification aims to produce leaners who are able to apply socio-psychological research in society in an ethical and professional manner, and who can contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in social sciences who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global social and psychological related issues. The leaners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence socio-psychological related policies and practices. This qualification will enable leaners to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in social sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The qualification will equip the leaner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in applied research organisations and in institution teaching and research positions; or for further independent research toward the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

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.

A learner 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.

A learner 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:

Bachelor of Social Science Honours, Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts, Honours, Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 144 Credits:

Community Interventions, 16 Credits.

Coursework Dissertation: Psychology, 128 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 48 Credits (Choose three):

Applied Research, 16 Credits.

Qualitative Methods, 16 Credits.

Quantitative Methods, 16 Credits.

Specialised Module, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
5. Undertake independent research in the field of health sciences and report on this to reflects independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Apply their theoretical and critical insights and practical research- and community-oriented skills.

Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.

Integrated Assessment:
The modules adopt an integrated approach to assessment that adheres with the institution's Policy on Assessment i.e. permits a leaner to demonstrate applied competence and which uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Integrated assessment is seen as crucial in determining the readiness of leaners to function as professional researchers in psychological or other fields of practice. Thus assessments of leaners learning in the modules are typically written and include a product of their applied learning and formal examinations. The products reflect the focus of the module and demonstrate leaners abilities to apply their theoretical and critical insights and practical research and community-oriented skills, e.g., a research proposal, ethics application, interview transcripts, research report, journal article, community project report, new online learning resources and a dissertation. The examinations cover specific theoretical content covered in the modules.

All assignments and assessment criteria are discussed by colleagues in the discipline. Assessment of learning outcomes is initially undertaken by the module facilitator/s and programme head. Thereafter, reports are written for the external examiner of each module, in connection with the modules expectations, assessment criteria, and the performance of the leaners. These reports, together with assessment tasks and internal examiners' comments, are forwarded to the external examiner. Assessment for each of the modules uses a combination of the following methods: examination, research reports, research proposals and ethics applications, tests and assignments.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Science in Educational Psychology, Level 9.

Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, Level 10.

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.

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