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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Textile Science (Research) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115179  Master of Science in Textile Science (Research) 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
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 purpose of the qualification is to provide learners who want to move into senior technical positions in industry and retail as well as into Postgraduate studies. The qualification will open opportunities for learners from related scientific disciplines who want to specialise in the field of textiles and clothing as well as technical textiles. The aim is to enhance learners' skills of problem-solving, innovation and research and practice and enable them to deal with the issues and demands related to Textile Science and Technology.

Rationale:
The University is in the natural fibre "hub" of South Africa in the Eastern Cape. The province of the Eastern Cape is the largest producer of mohair in the world and also an important producer of fine quality apparel wool, with other initiatives for agro-industries such as hemp, flax (linen) and cashmere. It is also a centre for the automotive industry - an important user of technical textiles. Since the textiles and clothing sector is highly labour-intensive, offering much-needed employment, the government has identified it as a key sector for growth. Furthermore, rapid developments are taking place, as well as growth, in the field of technical and smart textiles.

There is, however, a great shortage of high level technical and technological skills and expertise in the entire sector which presents an enormous constraint, particularly in respect of the fourth industrial revolution and knowledge-based economies. The Master of Science in Textile Science by Research addresses this gap. Successful learners can move into senior technical positions in the latest manufacturing and related sectors as well as to the PhD Qualification to further their qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
For this qualification, which is by research only, the purpose of the RPL essentially is to establish whether the applicant has the necessary scientific, technological and technical background, competence and experience. A prospective learner may have gained much experience from a Science Council and relevant industry and laboratory to successfully undertake the level of research required for the MSc Textile Science (Research) qualification. The experience may have given them skills that will allow them to be able to write an acceptable dissertation and publication.

The learner is required to submit proof of all academic, technical and technological courses attended, qualifications, etc.; as well as a detailed CV, setting out any relevant technical/technological/ research positions held, and associated duties, functions and responsibilities as well as achievements, outputs and recognition within this context.

After the HoD has assessed the written inputs from the learner and considers it to have merits, he/she will form and Chair a panel of at least four members to further assess the written submission. The criteria and evidence for assessing competence will be:
  • Technical/technological/ research positions held and associated roles, duties and responsibilities.
  • Number of years of relevant experience in the above positions.
  • Evidence, through technical/research reports/patents/publications, of achievements and outputs, as well as reputation amongst peers and seniors.
  • The above criteria will provide the basis and means to assess whether the applicant has the necessary skills and ability to independently plan, undertake and complete a research project at the required level for an MSc (textile Science (Research).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, NQF, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Undertake and lead high level independent multi-disciplinary research and development and present the outcome of their research in the form of a logical, technologically and scientifically sound dissertation on the research problem or need related to traditional, technical and smart textiles and clothing.
    2. Produce a conference paper and journal article as well as generate new Intellectual Property (patent) from the research outcome. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Execute a successful research project in the field of Textile Science.
  • Adhere to the minimum criteria for a dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Ensure adherence to the minimum criteria for a conference paper or journal article.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The master's dissertation will be assessed for applied competence by national and international examiners of standing in the particular field covered in the dissertation since the degree is awarded by research only. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic in Hong Kong offers a Postgraduate Qualification by Research
    Purpose: Four Departments offer research qualifications leading to the qualifications of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Institute of Textiles and Clothing offers research qualifications leading to the qualification of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The primary objective of the MPhil qualification is to educate learners at the Master's qualification level to prepare them for PhD studies. The PhD qualification is primarily designed to prepare learners for a career in academic research and teaching, and also enables learners to pursue a career in research and industry.

    Outcomes: The qualification aims to develop ability and skills to operate as self-motivated professional and ethical textile and clothing researchers and academics in both the national and international environment, and to apply in-depth knowledge and understanding to investigate and solve, possibly as part of a team, complex research, technical and technological problems in the textile and clothing sector and to communicate clearly, concisely and articulately results and findings to peers, professionals and industry, using IT, verbal and writing skills, as appropriate.

    Curriculum structure (Modules): Major research areas are: Textile Chemistry and Functional Materials, Textile and Apparel Materials and Products, Fashion and Textile Design and Fashion and Textile Business. The institution awards the qualification based on the dissertation/thesis submitted and research outcome achieved. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Textile Science, 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. Nelson Mandela 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.