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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112958  Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
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:
The Master of Science (MSc) (Astrophysical Sciences) aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Astrophysical Sciences. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Astrophysical Sciences. Qualifying learners function as productive and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions. These learners generate new experience in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of Astrophysical Sciences. Successful completion of this qualification also provides learners with the possibility of further research at the doctoral level.

Rationale:
The MSc (Astrophysical Sciences) responds to the need to provide qualified-learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Astrophysical Sciences. The qualified-learner with expert knowledge may enter the labour market and is equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification delivers experts in the field of Astrophysical Sciences to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity grows. This growth meets the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Qualifying learners undertake all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may continue with further Postgraduate studies. Achieving learners are employable in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at higher education institutions, and researchers. Such learners are ready to commence with Doctoral studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL grants access to the qualification according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences manages the RPL process.
  • The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the institution ensures that quality assurance processes address the specificities of the RPL process and that administrative and support systems, are in place.
  • The institution ensures that learners NQF meet Level 8 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission into this Master's qualification is:
  • A relevant Bachelor Honours qualification, NQF, Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Postgraduate qualification, NQF, Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's qualification, NQF, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 9, 148 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 132 Credits.
  • General Relativity, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules Level 9, 32 Credits (Select/Choose any two):
  • Astrophysics I, 16 Credits.
  • Transport Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Astrophysics II, 16 Credits.
  • Heliospheric Physics, 16 Credits.
  • General Physics, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Astrophysical Sciences. Critically evaluate these and to contribute to discipline thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
    2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Astrophysical Sciences.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Astrophysical Sciences, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
    4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Astrophysical Sciences and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
    5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
    6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Astrophysical Sciences.
    7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
    8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Astrophysical Sciences; also demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Astrophysical Sciences research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and formulate a problem statement.
  • Investigate existing knowledge thoroughly as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
  • Solve the research problem appropriately.
  • Evaluate the results scientifically in the context of the problem statement.
  • Communicate all the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate scientific methods and evaluate the results delivered.
  • Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and solve open business and community problems.
  • Identify and utilise applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
  • Use the appropriate structure, style and graphics and electronic support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply methods of information communication for use by others, especially in the world of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (with emphasis on those of Astrophysical Sciences).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically. Assume responsibility within limitations and skills can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The evaluation of the learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills occurs in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously during essay writing. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Astrophysics offered by Australia's University of Southern Queensland in terms of the following:
  • Both requirements share purpose and outcomes with a different modular structure. The two qualifications share the objective to provide the qualified-learners with an in-depth knowledge of the methods and scientific basis of Astrophysical research. The education builds on competencies the students have acquired during the BSc study programme. Both qualifications require that learners perform research at advanced levels and analyse and solve questions and problems within broad fields of Astrophysics and Space Science. The Master of Science in Astrophysics offered by the University of Southern Queensland as well as the Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences offered by the institution include coursework programmes.
  • Both qualifications qualify qualified-learners for Doctoral of Philosophy programmes with a focus on Astrophysical studies in academia and industry as well as in related occupational fields.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Astrophysics offered at the University of Southern Queensland. However, this qualification is unique, as the South African context greatly influences is design.

    This qualification is also similar to the Master of Science in Astrophysics offered by the Notre Dame University (England) in terms of the following:
  • Both qualification focus on providing specialist knowledge within the area of Astrophysics. Furthermore, both qualifications seek to produce qualified-learners with advanced training in Astrophysical research and teaching. The qualifications from both institutions also provide a basis for further qualified-learner or professional studies. Although both criteria have an active research component and culminate in the submission of a written research dissertation, the qualification-structures are different.
  • Both qualifications articulate to a Doctoral study with a focus on advanced studies in the field of Astrophysics.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Astrophysics offered at the Notre Dame University. However, this qualification is unique in the contextual South African influence of its design. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physics, NQF, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Science, NQF, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, NQF, 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. North West University 


    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.