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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Islamic Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119862	Master of Islamic Studies
ORIGINATOR
Madina Institute NPC
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		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 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 Islamic Studies is to prepare researchers who would contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Islamic Studies, including the application of knowledge about the professional practice at an advanced level. Islamic Studies is a subject which attempts to study the whole range of Islamic civilization and culture. Its main interests include, besides the religion of Islam, such topics as the socio-economic, structure, development of various sciences and thought, cultural life, cosmology, mysticism, literature and fine arts, and many other aspects of Islamic civilization. The qualification provides the learner with a broad understanding of Islamic intellectual history from its roots in Arabic language and literature, Qur'an and Qur'anic commentaries, hadith tradition (traditions of the Prophet, peace be upon him), commentaries, law, theology, and Sufism (spirituality). The qualification is designed to cater to different learner needs and to produce highly skilled individuals. The qualification comprises a significant research component, which requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The qualification focuses on the development of Islamic thought through the primary domains of Islamic literature, and Islamic religious sciences, such as the Quran, Hadith and Fiqh including the methodology of interpretation of Islamic Texts. The qualification provides the minimum entry requirement for a Doctoral degree in Islamic Studies, Religious Studies or any other cognate doctoral degree. Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to: Analyse and apply the religion's socio-historical, political, and cultural frameworks, a holistic view merging past and present perspectives. Apply the specialist knowledge and skills in historical and contemporary contexts through the exploration of Islamic intellectual traditions, questions, debates, and issues relating to contemporary Muslim practice and societies by constructing sustained, sound arguments, with subsidiary arguments linked together in a clear chain of inferential reasoning. Conduct expert and professional dialogue with theologians from other religious communities and secular intellectuals on these themes. Make sound judgements, using the data and information in conversation with other traditions and broader approaches in, Islamic law, theology, and religion, for the current global context. Clearly communicate conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level and continue to advance knowledge, understanding and skills. Rationale: There is a growing number of Muslims in South Africa with an increasing need for Islamic educational support and vocational training. The qualification intends to equip learners who are keen on pursuing Islamic studies, for further research, so that they are adequately qualified and competent at delivering disciplinary content knowledge in the field, at universities, colleges, and other Islamic institutions. It provides excellent research training and is a useful qualification for those who wish to progress to PhD degrees. The qualification provides a deeper and more critical look at the conclusions and methods of the theologians and compares them with those of the philosophers, demonstrating graduate-level academic research, and providing the most important commentaries, historical studies, and textual analyses of the chosen primary sources. The in-depth study of Islam provides learners with a greater understanding of the cultures, religious perspectives, and the people with whom they will be interacting and working. The growing number of madrassahs, high schools, primary schools and other places of worship, community organisations extent within the Muslim community, creates an ever-increasing need for education from qualified Muslim leaders and academics. The need for the Master of Islamic Studies resides in the institution's strong focus on Islamic Sciences. The Master of Islamic Studies was approved by the Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board, to provide access to education and training of the highest quality leading to significantly improved learning outcomes, and retention of the current learners studying undergraduate qualifications within the Institution. Research and innovation have a key role in improving South Africa's global competitiveness. The graduates of this qualification would have the skills and knowledge to meet the present and future needs of the economy and society by engaging in relevant research and innovation. The qualification contributes toward building an inclusive society, by providing equal opportunities and helping all South Africans to realise their full potential, especially those disadvantaged by apartheid policies, namely black people, women, and people with disabilities. The qualification provides clear linkages between education and training and the world of work. Given that education has intrinsic and instrumental value in creating societies that are better able to respond to the challenges of the 21st century, and deal with unprecedented changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), a learner who has the qualification would use the knowledge and skills gained as a moral compass on how to conduct themselves within society. The values and attitudes internalised from exposure to this qualification would enable the learner to demonstrate empathy towards other people, and respect for life and property, given the many daunting challenges in South Africa that include xenophobia, Islamophobia, looting of property and businesses, as well racism. This will contribute toward protecting the country's resources and sustaining the economy. The qualification will equip graduates with knowledge and skills that can get viable employment in numerous work contexts such as primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, Religious Centres, NGOs, coaching centres, Madrasa, a college for Islamic instruction, content writing, tourist guide, translator, article writer and columnist, regional and urban planner, home tutor, social welfare officer, operator and translator, international agencies such as the United Nations or the European Union, international development, print and broadcast media, politics, politician's assistant, government social research officer, public affairs consultant, public relations account executives, private sector companies with interests in Islamic countries, rural development departments, community and Health, media and press and cultural fields as well, work for the development and uplift of Muslim communities within South Africa to propagate Islam. The qualification will also benefit academics, teachers of Islam in other institutions, translators of Islamic material into English in research centres, government departments and da'wa (propagation) centres.

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 to 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: Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL. To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification. RPL for exemption of modules: Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module. RPL for credit: Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification. Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Islamic Studies, NQF Level 8. Or Bachelor of Social Science Honours: Oral Studies, NQF Level 8. Or Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8. Or Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Finance and Banking, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

Y

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits. Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits: Mini- dissertation, 60 Credits. Aqidah, 20 Credits. Tafseer, 20 Credits. Research Methodology, 20 Credits. Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Select three modules from the following options): Hadith (Prophetic Traditions), 20 Credits. Ihsan (Sufism), 20 Credits. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), 20 Credits. Islamic Theology and Philosophy, 20 Credits. Educational Technology, 20 Credits. Tawhid, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in Islamic religious sciences, the Quran, Hadith and Fiqh including the methodology of interpretation of Islamic texts. 2. Demonstrate a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence regarding knowledge of the origin and development of Muslim sects, and the contribution to the development of various religious sciences from the early phase of Islam up to the modern period. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the interrelated systems perspective sectors of the Muslim Scholastic theology and philosophy and their contribution to various disciplines in physical and biosciences, technology, and mathematics during the medieval period. 4. Demonstrate proficiency in specific contextual research methodologies, Islamic methodologies, and technology towards application in a problem-based setting. 5. Produce a research dissertation according to stipulated institutional requirements. 6. Demonstrate mastery in the knowledge of Arabic language for Islamic Studies as the essential tool for the study of Islam, contextually demonstrated general knowledge, skills, and values of the qualification. 7. Demonstrate a competent advanced knowledge of research methodology. 8. Apply advanced skills to manage complex issues, both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements, using data and information and relate this knowledge to the resolution of complex problems in an area of professional practice. 9. Demonstrate self-directed and originality in problem-solving. 10. Demonstrate the ability to analyse, synthesise, interpret results, and communicate research outcomes clearly to specialists in specialisation or discipline. 11. Create strategic frameworks for planning and implementing the research project at a professional level. 12. Understand and apply the ethics of using genetic information and understand the basics of confidentiality in undertaking the research project. 13. Continuously advance knowledge, mutual understanding, and collaborative skills. 14. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and a readiness to be leaders and innovators within the South African context. 15. Demonstrate disciplinary competence and mastery of specific subject areas in the qualification.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes: Apply appropriate theoretically grounded understanding of Islamic studies historically to the contemporary issues affecting Muslims and the world at large. Apply specialist knowledge of the central areas of the discipline or practices, including an understanding and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories of the field, of Islamic studies; and advanced knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines, or practices. Integrate and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to solve complex and unpredictable social and religious problems in the global society, systematically and creatively. Combine key foundational, practical, and reflexive competence in Islamic Studies. Analyse and apply systems perspective and feedback loops in the various areas of the field of knowledge within Islamic Studies, through the grasp of integrated knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks, epistemological and ontological positioning, and philosophical underpinnings and foundations of Islamic Studies, to contemporary positional debates within the area of the study Demonstrate research expertise and interpret knowledge of the general field of Islamic Studies through breadth and depth. Work independently and in a group efficiently, engage in critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, reflection and self-evaluation. Acquire information from a substantial body of knowledge, and analytical skills to synthesise, compare, evaluate, and summarise knowledge (using ICTs where applicable). Carry out an advanced independent research project in the field of study, apply advanced research skills, develop an argument, support claims, and provide solutions. Demonstrate the ability to contextualise the field of study, with a social, cultural, pollical, economic and historical relevance to the South African context. Explore and use as resources the diverse social and cultural settings of South Africa. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally. Justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment Plan and conduct their research among people in terms of strict ethical principles Demonstrate subject knowledge, curriculum process and content, and professional knowledge. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong personal and professional development and actively participate in professional learning communities. Apply an advanced level appropriate research technique, make use of published work and source material effectively in the research process, and know the different theories in the research field. Explore Islamic ethical and moral values to promote understanding among the various communities, maintain social harmony, and apply moderation in contemporary religious discourses. INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT: Integrated assessment is the end recording of the performance of learners against the overarching outcomes of the qualification. Assessment focus on the learner and the sound interpretation of a learner's performance measured against the outcomes of the qualification. Assessment is integrated with the teaching and learning process based on constructive alignment. The alignment of learning outcomes with teaching strategy and assessment criteria and tasks is an accepted principle in course design in higher education. Constructive alignment, therefore, aims at getting learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to engage them in-depth rather than in superficial learning. The following types of assessment are valid approaches within the framework of the institutional policy on assessment. Formative Assessment: Formative assessment is an ongoing assessment with the purpose of enhancing learners' performance and the quality of teaching and learning. The learning achievements of learners can be recognized during a study unit and discussed with them for the purpose of improved learning. A form of formative assessment is continuous assessment and is often unplanned. This type of assessment provides lecturers with immediate information on the effectiveness of the teaching approach being used and/or the learners' attentiveness or understanding at a particular point in time. The formal formative assessment opportunities per semester module will consist of 3-4 opportunities and 6-7 opportunities for year modules. The total required sub-minimum on formative assessments for entry to summative assessment will be between 40% - 60%. Summative Assessment: Summative assessment is the evaluation of the overall performance of a learner and the results will be used to determine the level at which the learners have mastered the outcomes. and record how much learning has occurred at a given point in time. Assessment can take many different forms and methods, e.g., tests, real-life practical tasks, presentations, portfolios, computer-based testing, quizzes, self-assessment, peer assessment, reports, assignments, projects, case studies and examination papers. The choice of assessment method will be determined by the constructive alignment of module outcomes, teaching strategy and method, and the assessment criteria. Formal summative assessment will comprise two aspects, namely semester evaluation and final evaluation. Summative semester evaluation will count for 10% of the total mark and final examinations and/or final summative assessment opportunities at the end of the semester for 50% of the total mark. The ratio for determining the final mark of each module will then be 40% formative assessment and 60% (50% + 10%) summative assessment. The module pass mark is set at a final mark of 50%. Learners receiving a final mark of 45-49% in a module will be offered a second summative assessment opportunity before being required to re-enrol for a specific module. External and internal moderation: The purpose of external and internal moderation is to ensure that learners are consistently and accurately assessed. The internal moderation system will form part of the institution's system of self-evaluation and quality assurance. The formative and summative assessment of NQF Level 8 will be done by a first examiner and externally moderated by a second examiner who has the responsibility to quality assure the assessment method and corresponding memorandum and marking rubric. A learner becomes a Master's candidate upon admission to the M.Div. in Usul-ud-Din program at Madina Institute. Masters learners are expected to write and defend a thesis as part of the prerequisites for graduation. The thesis defence precedes the Comprehensive Exams. Upon successful thesis definition and comprehensive exams, questions of personal and professional growth and other issues are addressed; the faculty reviews any recommendations or stipulations that arise from the assessment before they award the Master's degree.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Master of Islamic Studies compares with numerous similar foreign qualifications. When the types of master's level qualifications in Islamic Studies are compared, the different master's degrees share similar areas of focus, intellectual history from its roots in Arabic language and literature, Qur'an and Qur'anic commentaries, hadith tradition (traditions of the Prophet, peace be upon him), commentaries, law, theology, and Sufism spirituality. These qualifications are also offered as alternatively coursework only, coursework and research, or research only. The qualifications are awarded to candidates when they have completed a one-to-three-year qualification of graduate-level coursework and/or research. In comparing the qualification with similar offerings internationally, the focus was on highly rated universities with proven track records in research and with a similar approach to research in Islamic Studies at master's degree level. All the qualifications listed here share the principles and characteristics of: Selecting a specific field within Islamic Studies as a thesis topic, in the South African (SA) qualification as a mini dissertation. Supervised research process, with internal and external moderation for quality assurance. Similar admission criteria, specifically the Honours degree, and progression opportunities. Integrated assessments that include assessment through a combination of essays, presentations, and group work. The exit level outcomes were considered, and these include equipping the candidates with the general research skills, sources, and tools relevant to the study of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Muslim world in general, and introducing them to a broad range of key theorists whose work has underpinned scholarship in several key fields of study within Islamic Studies. The South African qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered by the following international countries. Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Exeter Name of Qualification: Master of Arts (MA) in Islamic Studies Duration: One-year full time Credits: 135 Entry requirements: For admission to the qualification, applicants must hold: A 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a social sciences or humanities discipline. Or A high 2:2 or equivalent, from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level or relevant work experience. English language requirements for international learners IELTS Overall score of 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section. TOEFL Overall score of 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking. Exit Level Outcomes: The MA in Islamic Studies will equip learners with the general research skills, sources, and tools relevant to the study of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Muslim world in general, and introduce learners to a broad range of key theorists whose work has underpinned scholarship in several key fields of study. Learners will study how to make self-conscious choices around their own work and promote forms of theoretically aware and interdisciplinary work found in some of the most successful research in Arab, Islamic and Middle East Studies. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Compulsory Modules, 135 Credits: New Approaches to Islamic Thought, 30 Credits. Theorising the Middle East, 15 Credits. Dissertation skills, 15 Credits. Dissertation, 60 Credits. Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual History, 15 Credits. Assessment: The taught modules are assessed by a combination of essays, presentations, seminars, and group work. Following completion of these in April, learners will then be assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation for submission in September. Similarities: The University of Exeter (UoE) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full time study. Both qualifications require applicants who hold an honour's degree in social sciences or humanities for the entry requirements. Both the UoE and SA qualifications will equip learners with the advanced research skills Both qualifications consist of the coursework and the dissertation. Both qualifications are assessed by means of formative and summative assessment methods. Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctoral degree in the related field. Differences: The SA qualification consists of three compulsory modules, three elective modules and a Mini dissertation whereas the UoE consists of four compulsory modules and a Dissertation The SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits whereas the UoE qualification carries a weighting of 135 credits. Country: United States of America Name of Institution: Zaytun College Qualification Title: Master's Degree in Islamic Texts Duration: Two years Credits: 24 Entry Requirements: Undergraduate Honours Program Requirements: Qur'an; Qur'anic orthoepy (tajwid), Creed (˘aqidah), Hadith, Jurisprudence (fiqh), Sufism (tażawwuf), Prophetic biography (sirah), Legal Theory (użul), Logic (manżiq). Any candidate who has earned a terminal degree, such as a bachelor's degree or seminary (madrasa) equivalent, is eligible to apply. Recommended Qualifications: An existing BA degree in Islamic Studies or ancillary field (e.g., theology, philosophy, Arabic, Islamic law, history) Foundational training in the Islamic sciences Foundational training in Qur'anic studies (memorization is highly valued) GPA of 3.5 or higher Purpose/Rationale: The Zaytun College qualification is intended to provide learners with higher-level access to the Islamic tradition through a guided course of study in Islam's primary sources. The qualification is intended for learners who have completed a degree in Islamic studies or its ancillary fields (e.g., theology, philosophy, Arabic, Islamic law, and history) and have substantial knowledge of Islamic tradition. In addition, the qualification is designed for learners who can read, discuss, and engage with the primary Arabic texts of the Islamic tradition at an advanced level. Furthermore, each of the concentrations has a comparative track that allows learners to study texts in the European tradition that parallel the Islamic texts in their ideas and methods. Exit Level Outcomes: Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Read and analyse the primary texts and consider the socio-religious contexts and scholarly sources out of which the texts emerged, while continuing to engage in well-reasoned academic and scholarly discussion and research. Apply methods and research tools in both Western and Islamic traditions. Apply advanced skills in reading and interpreting traditional Islamic texts in the stated fields of research. Apply advanced Arabic reading and speaking skills to the expert, professional level. Gain fluency in both the dialectical and didactic elements of traditional teaching methods. Analyse Islamic intellectual history from its roots in Arabic language and literature, Qur'an and Qur'anic commentaries, hadith tradition and commentaries, law, philosophy, theology, and Sufism. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Studies of classical Arabic language and literature. Qur'an and Qur'anic commentaries. Islamic philosophy. Theology. Mysticism. Islamic law. The History of Islam. Primary area of concentration, 24 Credits Skills, 15 Credits Electives, 3 Units Research and writing, 6 Units Master's thesis Assessment: The qualification employs both formative and summative assessment. Formative Assessment: Formative Assessment includes class discussions, oral presentations, written work, and the thesis methods of reasoning and a thesis defence of a scholarly proficiency in logic, dialectics, and research skills. Directing seminars in the primary texts that demonstrate learners' readiness to teach professionally in the areas of concentration. Summative assessment: The qualification culminates in a summative thesis. Writing publishable papers that make significant contributions to scholarly literature. Expertly translating Arabic when quoting Arabic texts in scholarly papers and in the thesis. Writing a publishable thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words demonstrating scholarly methods of reasoning and inquiry. Goals of the master's Thesis To demonstrate graduate-level academic research, providing the most important commentaries, historical studies, and textual analyses of the chosen primary sources. To formulate and develop an engaging thesis that evaluates a salient problem in the Islamic intellectual tradition and is in conversation with the relevant scholarly literature. To demonstrate and apply the core skills in analysing primary Islamic texts relevant to the thesis. To construct a sustained, sound argument, with subsidiary arguments linked together in a clear chain of inferential reasoning. To convincingly defend the thesis and the soundness of its argument before the thesis committee, displaying a firm grasp of the scholarly sources, and giving trenchant and insightful responses to questions posed by the committee members. Skills Requirements: Skills requirements for the MA degree in Islamic texts include five three-unit modules: Arabic Grammar. Arabic Rhetoric: Semantics, Eloquence, and Rhetorical Figures. Arabic Formal Logic. Dialectics and Disputation / The Science of Lexical Semantics and Word Coinage. Research Methods. The first four modules not only supplement those in the area concentrations by training learners in advanced forms of reasoning, disputation, and grammar but also constitute in themselves foundational Islamic sciences. The Research Methods course is designed to take learners through the full range of reading, composition, and research methods necessary to complete a thesis of publishable quality. Similarities: Zaytun College (ZC) and the South African (SA) qualifications require an Honour's degree in Islamic Studies or equivalent qualification. The assessment strategy for Zaytun College (ZC) and the South African (SA) qualifications is underpinned by integrated assessment strategies which are reflective and continuous and include formative and summative assessment methods. Both ZC and SA qualifications progress into Doctoral degrees in the related fields of study. Differences: The ZC qualification takes two years of full-time study while the SA qualification is offered over a period of a year full-time study. The ZC qualification consists of compulsory modules and a thesis whereas the SA qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules. The ZC qualification carries a weighting of 24 units of credits while the SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits. Country: Malaysia Institution: Universiti Malaya Qualification Title: Master of Islamic Studies Duration: Two years full time Entry Requirements: A good bachelor's degree in any field of studies with a minimum CGPA of 3.0- or second-class honours from recognized universities. International candidates who are writing their dissertation in English are required to obtain at least a band 6.0 for IELTS or a score of 550 for the paper-based total, a score of 213 for computer-based total or a score of 80 for internet-based total for TOEFL if their first degree was not obtained from a university that uses English Language as the medium of instruction, or a pass in any English Language Proficiency Programme (ELP) approved by the University. Purpose: This qualification is offered to candidates who do not have specific degrees in Shariah or Usuluddin but are interested to do interdisciplinary research with specialization in Islamic Studies. Areas of research include the above and mainly on a comparative basis of candidate area of knowledge through academic qualification or work experience. Some special areas of research under this qualification include: Islamic Education. Islamic Studies with Science. Islam and Social Sciences. The qualification aims to produce graduates who are fully equipped with skills of data analysis, the ability to conduct research in a laboratory, the ability to develop the professionalism of Muslim scientists, contribute to society and perform a lifelong learning process. Realizing the significance of education in Islam, the Academy of Islamic Studies has continuously aspired to produce graduates that are highly intelligent, equipping them with the knowledge to not only better themselves but to further improve the Islamic society. The qualification prepares graduates to pursue the following careers. Shariah Advisor. Religious Officer. Educators. Muslim scholar. Management/Administrator. Islamic Finance Officer. Islamic Banking Officer. Executive Author. Educator. Lecturer. Philosopher. Researcher. Motivator. Archaeologist. Science Officer. Research Officer. Diplomatic and Administrative Officer. Entrepreneur. Qualification structure: This qualification is purely based on individually supervised research. At the end of the candidate's study, a dissertation must be submitted and upon successful defence of the dissertation, the candidate will be awarded a master's degree. All research proposals must be approved and supervised by the faculty. Candidates are required to complete their studies within eight semesters. Similarities: The aim of Universiti Malaya (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications is to produce graduates who are fully equipped with skills of data analysis, the ability to conduct research in a laboratory, and the ability to develop the professionalism of Muslim scientists, contribute to society and perform lifelong learning process. Both UM and SA qualifications are intended for learners interested to do interdisciplinary research with specialization in Islamic Studies Differences: The UM qualification takes two full years to complete whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year period of study. The UM qualification requires a bachelor's degree in any field of study or second-class honours from recognized universities while the SA qualification requires applicants who hold an Honour's degree in the field of study. The UM qualification is based on research only and no coursework while the SA qualification consists of both coursework and a mini dissertation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation. Horizontal Articulation: Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Thought, NQF Level 9. Master of Arts, NQF Level 9. Vertical Articulation: Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies, NQF Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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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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.