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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Migration Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120642  Master of Arts in Migration Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
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 0638/26  2026-03-07  2029-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-07   2033-03-07  

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 Master of Arts in Migration Studies is to provide a theoretical understanding of migration (international and domestic) and offer the major debates and literature on contemporary migration from different disciplinary perspectives in the social sciences (economic and political processes, social change, etc). The qualification strives to build social activists to bring social change that addresses legal aspects of migration, development, as well as political concerns at the policy level. The qualification will equip learners with skills and knowledge of migration-related issues, particularly in Africa and develop highly skilled experts in the field of migration, preparing them for successful careers in both academic and non-academic fields of work such as Non-Government Organisations, United Nations, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Undertake empirical research and policy development to resolve many of the major migration challenges faced by society in an era of increasing globalization.
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry for migration study, research, and practice.
  • Apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical migration issues.
  • Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context relating to migration.
  • Apply a wide range of specialized skills in identifying, conceptualizing, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of migration.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is the preferred destination for various categories of migrants and faces a host of migration-related challenges, including, inter alia: increased prevalence of irregular migration, including women and unaccompanied minors; inadequate migration management policies and border management processes rising xenophobic sentiments that in some cases turn into violence against migrants; high prevalence of communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis; and continued brain drain due to the emigration of skilled nationals. The need for enhanced and harmonized migration management policies is therefore a critical priority for the Government of South Africa.

    Consensus has emerged concerning the significant role of both domestic and international migration on development and social change at a time of increased globalisation. Migration is often motivated by a number of factors, such as poverty, youth unemployment, climate change and urbanization. Migrants face a wide range of opportunities and challenges, and in South Africa, xenophobia against migrants has emerged as a form of urban violence and an anxious urbanity. Debates over the legal rights of migrants and notions of citizenship are continually being addressed. Migration governance has thus emerged as a key challenge for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The qualification was developed to explore the use and relevance of migration-related research to respond to the challenges of societies. The major challenges include gaps in research on the ethical and historical context of mobilities (locally and internationally), the constitutional rights and plight of migrants and refugees in various contexts, complexities between migration and development, discrimination and xenophobia against migrants and communities, the role of local development on migration, as well as influence of migrants on development, etc.

    The qualification will be interdisciplinary in nature, across all faculties at the institution. The institution's expertise in Southern Africa and South-South migration makes it a uniquely poised research institution to promote and explore emerging ideas and solutions to challenges regarding this increasingly important global topic. Hence, a panel has been established to review, examine, evaluate, and develop the new Postgraduate Qualification in Migration Studies at the institution. The curriculum has been designed in such a way that it would offer the skills and knowledge needed to respond to and manage effectively and efficiently the issues relating to migration for inclusive development. It will provide learners with the knowledge of how migration dynamics, processes, practices, and policies affect social transformation and development. The curriculum will also equip learners with the skills needed to manage, critique and influence migration research, policies, qualifications and practice within the academia, business, government, and non-governmental sectors.

    The interdisciplinary qualification will offer learners the education and skills necessary to design solutions to many of the major migration challenges faced by society in an era of increasing globalization. It will cover the issues related to the political, economic, and social development in undeveloped countries that lead to difficult relations between countries. It intends to address the deficiencies in skills and knowledge of migration-related issues, particularly in Africa. The knowledge and skills acquired may be applied in careers within institutions such as governmental, non-governmental, and international agencies, as well as universities, research organizations, and private corporations dealing with the multitude of issues connected with migration and refugee movements. The qualification aims to develop highly skilled experts in the field of migration, preparing them for successful careers in both academic and non-academic fields of work. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners may be legible to register with the Forum of Immigration Practitioners of South Africa (FIPSA), a recognised non-statutory professional body if they meet the requirements. 
    		•

    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 regard 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 Development Studies Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Community Studies, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies, 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:
  • Theories of migration, 30 Credits.
  • Research methods in migration studies, 30 Credits.
  • Mini-thesis, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 9, 60 Credits: (Choose three modules from the following)
  • International and South African migration law, 20 Credits.
  • Migration, social transformation, and development, 20 Credits.
  • Human security, conflict and forced migration, 20 Credits.
  • Contemporary issues of migration, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to critique current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research on migration.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for migration study, research, and practice.
    3. Apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical migration issues.
    4. Apply a wide range of specialized skills in identifying, conceptualizing, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of migration; and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialized context.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to critique autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organizational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context relating to migration.
    6. Apply and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in migration to produce significant insights.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in migration; and use a range of advanced and specialized skills and discourses appropriate to the field, discipline, or practice, to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to analyze interventions at an appropriate level within a system, based on an understanding of hierarchical relations within the system, and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.
    9. Develop his or her own learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development; and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
    10. Apply independently and take full responsibility for his or her own work and account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems relating to migration.
    11. Produce findings in the form of research reports and dissertations using a range of appropriate designs, methods, and techniques. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply systematic review and analysis, in writing, of the core concepts, current research on migration as well as advanced scholarship including well-considered suggestions and justify the arguments.
  • Critique existing research and demonstrate a command of interpretive and cogent analysis required by the level of study.
  • Objectively review a piece of research to highlight both its strengths and weaknesses, and its applicability to practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Collaborate constructively in groups and critically apply the knowledge gathered from an in-depth study of the learning material (an appropriate process of enquiry for migration study, research, and practice), using analytical skills to the topic allocated.
  • Critically engage with in-depth comparative analyses demonstrating a good command of conceptual tasks.
  • Explicitly apply the dynamics of decision-making skills through various models which are aimed at satisfying individual needs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Independently use the information gathered on complex theoretical migration issues and reflect on best practices informed by rigorously established evidence of research.
  • Produce an explanatory academic essay that possesses a clear, precise, well-defined, and original paper that goes beyond the ideas discussed in class or the assigned readings, demonstrating proficiency and familiarity with migration issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Employ a wide range of specialized skills in identifying, conceptualizing, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address multifaceted and challenging problems within the field of migration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Utilise established scientific databases in developing ethical standards for specific migration contexts.
  • Apply a holistic approach to searching scholarly, peer-reviewed, or refereed journals to eliminate any non-scholarly content in knowledge creation and dissemination.
  • Debate different viewpoints in knowledge production and complex issues relating to migration when critiquing autonomous ethical decisions.
  • Promote scientific research and accelerate knowledge creation and its diffusion as an important policy tool (Evidence-Based Policymaking).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Prepare and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information by conducting a comprehensive review of current research literature that produces significant insights into migration issues.
  • Formulate a formal academic paper that develops an idea or argument using persuasive reasoning based on evidence, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Analyse and apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and extensive literature assessment to current research in migration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Use a variety of available skills, and technology and communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise as policymakers and practitioners to evaluate academic resources and professional discourses.
  • Communicate substantial ideas that are the products of critical research in migration studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Evaluate the effective use of evaluation tools and analyses of migration policy interventions at the proper levels of hierarchy, (e.g., policy and procedure development process by analysing the requirements for creating policies, procedures, etc.).
  • Undertake a range of methods and systematically investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions, implementation, and processes as well as gauge the interventions' capacity and their intended and unforeseen impacts on Continental, National, Provincial and Local Levels.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Set learning goals, make learning decisions, take responsibility for sustaining independent learning, monitor progress toward achieving their goals, and self-assess the learning outcomes.
  • Apply interpersonal communication skills and practice of exchanging ideas, and high standards of professional knowledge to manage and shape cross-cutting migration issues.
  • Reflect on the purpose and value of the team approach, sharing of experiences, and opinions and ensuring professional development to sustain independent learning and academic or professional development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply efforts towards independency, quality and taking full responsibility, which illustrates the use of analytic, reflective, and problem-solving skills.
  • Examine own roles and responsibilities, the scope of practice and standards of leading and initiating processes and implementing systems relating to migration practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Research a specific topic under supervision and submit a research project for external assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Sussex University (SU)
    Qualification: Master of Arts in Migration Studies
    Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

    Entry requirements
  • Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2.
  • Qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject.
  • Alternatively, have relevant professional experience or engagement.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Managing Migration: Law, Governance and Politics.
  • Migrants and Society: Global Transformations.
  • Research Methods and Professional Skills.
  • Dissertation (Migration Studies).

    Electives Modules:
  • Migrant Transnationalism, Refugees and Diaspora.
  • Migration, Refugees and Wellbeing.
  • Refugees, Displacement and Humanitarian Responses.

    Assessment:
    Assessment consists of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment, which does not count towards the final degree but helps learners to develop analytical and writing skills, will be in the form of short essays, response papers and presentations.

    Summative assessment, which will count towards the final degree, currently takes the form of examinations, submitted essays, research methods coursework, and a dissertation.

    Articulation:
    The qualification seeks to prepare learners for further social science research, or a career within the increasing number of organisations such as public and private, as national, and international concerned with migration issues. Graduates of the qualification have gone on to doctoral degrees, law school, research, and consultancy. Many are now employed by organisations such as the European Commission, ILO, IOM, UNICEF, RAND, Red Cross, Red Crescent, think tanks, national governments, and leading universities.

    Similarities
  • Both Sussex University (SU) and SA qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor's (honours) degree.
  • Both SU and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one year full-time.
  • Both SU and SA qualifications share similar modules which are Managing Migration: Law, Governance and Politics.
  • Assessment consists of formative and summative assessments in SU and SA qualifications.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: School of Advanced Study University of London (SOAS)
    Qualification title: MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies.
    Duration: 2-3 Years full-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year)
    Equivalent to 2: ii: 60%.
    Or
  • All applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. In addition to degree classification, consider other elements of the application such as supporting statements. References are optional but can help build a stronger application if falls below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Migration, Borders, and Space: Decolonial Approaches.
  • African and Asian Diasporas: Culture, Politics, Identities.

    Electives Modules:
  • International Migration and Diaspora Politics.
  • From Theory to Practice and Back: Work Placements in Migration Research.
  • International Migration Law.
  • Law and Postcolonial Theory.
  • African Philosophy (PG).
  • Conceptualising the Social.
  • Ethnographic Research Methods.

    Similarities:
  • Both SOAS University of London and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor's Honours degree.
  • Both SOAS and SA qualifications share a similar module such as Research Methods and Professional Skills and International Migration Law.
    Differences:
  • The SOAS qualification is offered over a period of two to three years full-time and part-time, while the SA qualification is offered over a period of one year full-time.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of San Francisco (USF)
    Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Migration Studies
    Duration: Two years
    Entry Requirements:
  • A Bachelor's degree in any field is required. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended.
  • Experiences working with migrants and migrant organizations strengthen an application, as does proficiency in a second language.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    After completing the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Critically analyse, the theories, concepts, and research findings in migration studies from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  • Evaluate the role of governments and civil society organizations in community representation, policy creation, and resource allocation in relation to migration and mobility.
  • Apply knowledge of the humane, legal, and political characteristics of migration as a social reality and create related social interventions.
  • Plan, generate, and interpret a research study on an important issue in migration studies.
  • Develop field studies among migrant communities to understand the realities, dynamics, and logic of migration.

    Qualification structure:
    The Master of Arts in Migration Studies is a two-year, 31-unit program. The program consists of five core courses, four special topics courses, and four research seminars.

    Major Requirements (31 units)
    The Master in Migration Studies lasts four semesters over two calendar years.
    Required courses (19 units)
  • Intro to Migration Studies.
  • Research Methods.
  • Immigration Policy and Politics.
  • Cultural Manifestations.
  • Research Seminar I.
  • Capstone.
  • Critical Refugee Studies.
    Elective Courses (12 units)
    Complete 12 units from the following.
  • Special Topics
    Additional Requirements
  • Internship Requirement (100 hours)

    For graduation, MIMS learners complete 100 hours of volunteer work or a formal internship, conducted throughout the program. Learners work with a non-profit or government entity focused on migration-related themes. Each student submits a proposal for their internship or volunteer work at the end of the first semester and has the entire two years to complete the required hours.

    Final Requirement:
  • A final publishable article or applied project is required for graduation.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of San Francisco (USF) and South African (SA) qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes.
  • Both USF and SA qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules, they also share a similar module such as Research methods in migration studies.
  • Both USF and SA qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor's degree.

    Differences:
  • The USF qualification is offered over a period of two years full-time and part-time, while the SA qualification is offered over a period of one year full-time.
  • In the USF qualification, learners are required to complete 100 hours of volunteer work or a formal internship, conducted throughout the program. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Development Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Community and Development Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Population Studies, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Literature: Development Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Conflict Transformation, 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. University of the Western Cape 


    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.