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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. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Master of Maritime Studies |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 119842 | Master of Maritime Studies | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Durban University of Technology | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Master's Degree | Field 11 - Services | Transport, Operations and Logistics | ||
| 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 0333/25 | 2025-07-10 | 2028-07-10 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-07-10 | 2032-07-10 | |||
| 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 primary purpose of the Master of Maritime Studies is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Qualifying learners must be able to reflect critically on theory and its application. Learners must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the broad and multi-layered domain of Maritime Studies. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: South Africa has approximately 3000 km worth of coastline, with eight commercials seaports (Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, Cape Town and Saldanha), which complement one another's contributions to moving trade into and out of the country. The port of Durban is South Africa's leading multi-cargo port and is counted among the busiest ports in Africa. The port handles the majority of South Africa's container trade. It occupies a focal point of 60% of South Africa's imports and exports. It plays a key role as an employer of people in the city. In 2018 the employee headcount was 8576 according to Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) statistics. When it comes to South Africa's Ocean economy growth in a wider context, Operation Phakisa is an unavoidable political concept and a crucial project launched five years ago. Operations Phakisa means "hurry up" in the Sesotho language and it implies a coordinated Oceans Economy skills development and capacity-building plan in marine transport and manufacturing, aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, marine protection, and governance. The Oceans Economy has the potential to contribute up to R177 billion to South Africa's GDP by 2033 and create over one million jobs. This project undoubtedly needs highly educated and skilful people in maritime science, industry, and business. The proposed Master of Maritime Studies program can undoubtedly support this project. It is important to point out that we are currently living in a growing society in terms of population. This growth is inevitably connected with complexity rising at all social levels and in all social spheres. In order to deal with more complex problems, we need highly educated and skilful people. The Master of Maritime Studies program strives toward achieving this goal. The program is designed with the intention to meet learners' career aspirations and employment requirements at international and national levels. The qualification is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of specialists employed in the Maritime Ecosystem, including government representatives, researchers, educators, trainers, agents, supercargo services providers, charterers and brokers, class, flag and cargo surveyors, managers in shipping companies, tug-masters, marine pilots, chief vessel traffic controllers, dredging managers, clearing and forwarding senior agents, port and terminal managers, warehousing managers, logisticians, managers in forwarding companies, specialists in the offshore industry, specialists in maritime electronic, digitalisation and automation. The Maritime labour market seeks highly qualified learners with strong research capacities in the 4th Industrial Revolution realm, including autonomous systems and the merging of the real (physical) and virtual (digital) world in a very sophisticated manner, which implies highly qualified people with strong capacity of contemporary upgrading their knowledge and skills. This qualification must make maritime specialists capable of preparing themselves for the jobs of the future for those that do not even exist today in the global maritime ecosystem. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with 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 for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Undertake independent research underpinned by advanced economic and/or legal concepts and principles, to write a dissertation which reflects advanced research skills, independent thinking, critical analysis, and advanced insight.
2. Apply the quantitative or qualitative approach to collect, analyse, and interpret data. 3. Apply the theoretical principles of the various branches of Maritime Studies and associated fields. 4. Communicate with their peers and the broader community about their areas of expertise related to the Maritime Studies project. 5. Demonstrate adaptability and resilience to the constantly and rapidly changing Maritime environment. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of Maritime Studies, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification. Formative and summative assessment The institution's assessment policy states that the assessments will be systematic, regular, and formative in nature. Formative Assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to feedback on the teaching, learning and individual research processes. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and research and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the learning and research processes. Integrated Assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing several outcomes together; assessing several assessment criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments. Summative Assessments will be used to make a judgement about achievement and to provide "snapshot" information about a learner's level of competence at a given time. The internal and external examination will ensure that learners are assessed in a consistent and accurate manner. It ensures that the dissertation is at the appropriate level and is making similar and consistent judgments about learners' performance. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The Master of Maritime Studies was compared with similar qualifications in Egypt, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The below listed Maritime education institutions have similar qualifications focused on research in different Maritime areas, such as transport technology, surveying, hydrographic surveying, international maritime business, logistics, shipping, shipping operations, maritime management, maritime engineering.
Maritime Studies across the world have generally retained institutions exhibiting good practice. The qualifications mentioned below were evaluated and best practices were adopted and contextualized for the Master of Maritime Studies. The new qualification is directly comparable to the below-mentioned qualifications in terms of: Country: Egypt Institution: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport Maritime Postgraduate Studies Institute (AASTMT). Qualification Title: Master of Science in Marine Engineering Surveying Entry requirements: Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant area from an accredited institution with a minimum grade of "Good". The applicant may be accepted if (s)he holds a post-bachelor's Diploma in a relevant area with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 (or Very Good). Exit Level Outcomes: Upon completion of the Egyptian and South African qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to: Country: United States of America Institution: University of New England Qualification Title: Master of Science in Marine Sciences Duration: One-year Full Time Entry Requirements: The University of New England (UNE) is open to learners with a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (e.g., earth sciences, biology, physics, chemistry, physical geography, civil or environmental engineering, and applied mathematics). Purpose/Rationale: The purpose of the UNE and the South African (SA) qualifications is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and research skills in the marine sciences. The UNE and SA qualifications will enable learners to gain a broad understanding of marine systems but also specialize in the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes taking place in seas and oceans. Learners will investigate how seas and oceans functioned in the past, are functioning at present and will function in the future. Learners will explore issues such as energy and climate change, mining, pollution, the flow of traffic at sea, fisheries policies, and coastal defenses. Examining the consequences of these themes such as the fact that the disappearance of the Arctic's summer ice cap will allow drilling for oil and gas requires a multidisciplinary approach. On completion of the UNE and SA qualifications, graduates will be able to: Marine Sciences graduates will be able to work in a highly specialized research field. Learners will also be equipped with a complete set of skills to work in diverse positions in organizations focusing on marine processes in the public or private sectors. Job opportunities in the private sector may be at companies focusing on hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and production or offshore and other engineering firms or consultancies. Learners may also find employment at international organizations that are active in coastal areas and oceans. Qualification structure: Electives: Additional Coursework, 9 Credits. Learners may substitute Thesis/Research credits for Electives with the approval of the advisor. Total Credits Required: 36 Graduation Requirements: Learners must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete, and defend publicly an approved research thesis. Similarities: Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: Solent University Southampton Qualification Title: Master of Science in International Maritime Business Entry requirements: Or Purpose/Rationale: The SUS and SA qualifications aim to leave graduates well-equipped for careers in ship management or port operations/management, both nationally and internationally. The stimulating and intellectually challenging qualifications help to provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to operate successfully within the international maritime industry. The qualifications have a strong business focus and explore the complex factors involved in the management of ships and shipping operations worldwide. Learners will also reflect on the key aspects of maritime law, operations and risk management techniques and look at the impact of international trade on management strategies in the industry. The SUS qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Similarities: Upon completion of both SUS and SA qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to: Differences: The SUS qualification differs slightly from the SA qualification because the structure of the SUS qualification consists of a combination of coursework and a research project whereas the SA qualification consists of a dissertation only and no coursework. Country: Germany Institution: Wismar University of Applied Sciences. Qualification Title: Master of Business Administration in International Trade and Logistics. Duration: Four Semesters, part-time Entry Requirements: Purpose/Rationale: Trade and logistics are among the largest economic sectors worldwide. Business models and value chains are currently experiencing rapid change and digitisation is creating new opportunities for mobility. Networks are becoming more intensive, while markets and trade flows are shifting. In addition, modern logistics must cope with new challenges due to the collapse of the global world order. Climate change is putting the logistics industry under considerable pressure to innovate. Anyone who wants to enter management here needs years of industry experience and sound specialist knowledge. The German and SA qualifications prepare learners in an optimal way for these challenges. They are international in their alignment since they both sit at the interface between trade and logistics. The qualifications provide learners with specialised knowledge to enable learners to respond to tomorrow's challenges of international trade and logistics in a targeted and successful manner. The qualifications are intended for learners who are currently working as: Upon successful completion, the learner will be: Anyone studying internationally today has the very best prospects of making a career in one of the world's largest industries. Transportation routes: Sectors: Duration: The German qualification is offered over two years (four semesters) of part-time study. Compulsory Modules: Semester One: Semester Two: Semester Three: Semester Four: Similarities: Differences: Country: Australia Institution: University of Wollongong Qualification Title: Master of Maritime Studies - Research Duration: Minimum of one and a half years or part-time equivalent Entry Requirements: Or Or Purpose: Maritime Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that embraces the liberal arts and the sciences as the foundation for exploring humankind's critical and continually evolving connections with the world's waterways and watersheds. The objectives of the University of Wollongong (UW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are to: Upon completion of both UW and SA qualifications, graduates will be able to: relevant venues. Qualification Structure: Learners will be required to complete a 48-credit point thesis [CMP950 Major Thesis in Maritime Studies], plus 24 credit points of coursework prior to completion of the thesis. Some learners may be exempt from all or part of the coursework requirement depending on their research/academic and/or professional experience. The 24 credit points of coursework comprise: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: It must be noted that international Maritime Master Studies have a duration of one year, and they are predominantly research-based. The above-mentioned qualifications were evaluated, and best practices were adopted and contextualised for the South African qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |
| NONE |
| 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. |