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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122310  Master of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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
Registered  EXCO 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2031-06-04  

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 Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies qualification is to consolidate and deepen learners' expertise in interdisciplinary approaches to arts research and to develop research capacity in the execution of interdisciplinary, artistic, and practice-based research through independent, project-based learning under the supervision of a dedicated supervisor or team of supervisors.

The qualification fosters the development of the enquiring mind, by creating a pathway for academic research within a multidisciplinary field in the arts and encourages learners to become critical and creative thinkers.
Interdisciplinary research will enhance knowledge production and deliver research leaders in a diverse environment.
Further, the broad interdisciplinary nature of the research and theoretical study will encourage learners to become innovative problem-solvers.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic, and integrated knowledge of interdisciplinary arts research and practice by successfully executing a research project.
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles, theories and fundamentals underpinning interdisciplinary practice by successfully executing a research project in interdisciplinary arts.
  • Critique current research and advanced scholarship on interdisciplinary art practices and make sound theoretical judgments.
  • Select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques in artistic and scholarly research in the arts.
  • Identify, analyse, and address complex problems in interdisciplinary art production and analysis using a range of routine and some advanced skills, including creative interventions, conceptual and/or evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
  • Present and communicate creative products, ideas, and texts effectively to a range of audiences.

    Rationale:
    The qualification responds to the growing need for advanced training in interdisciplinary research in the arts that sits at the interstices of academic disciplines and incorporates artistic and practice-based approaches. The qualification is aimed at both practicing artists and learners following a more conventional academic trajectory in the study of visual arts, music, performance, theatre, and performance studies, or historical, philosophical, sociological, or anthropological reflections on art practices. Graduates of the qualification will benefit from this expanded definition of arts research with applicability in diverse industries and arts-related fields.

    Through an interdisciplinary approach to co-supervision that will draw together scholars and practitioners from different disciplinary backgrounds and different entities in the faculty of arts and social sciences in delivering content and sharing knowledge, the qualification will offer networked and collaborative teaching and learning.
    This advanced qualification will seek to address opportunities for potential research and collaborative initiatives and/or co-supervision focussing on interdisciplinary arts research and the influence of arts on debates on democracy, human rights, and social justice, thereby producing research for impact.
    Purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks will be fostered since postgraduate learners will have the opportunity to work within existing AOI projects that engage the communities we serve in a purposeful partnership.
    Ultimately the qualification will add value to the institution as a thriving space for academic rigour, community engagement and intentional transformation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Culture and Media Studies, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama Studies, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, NQF level 9, totalling 180 credits.
  • Interdisciplinary Arts Studies Thesis, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic, and integrated knowledge of interdisciplinary arts research and practice by successfully executing a research project.
    2. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles, theories and fundamentals underpinning interdisciplinary practice by successfully executing a research project in interdisciplinary arts.
    3. Critique current research and advanced scholarship on interdisciplinary art practices and make sound theoretical judgments.
    4. Select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques in artistic and scholarly research in the arts.
    5. Identify, analyse, and address complex problems in interdisciplinary art production and analysis using a range of routine and some advanced skills, including creative interventions, conceptual and/or evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    6. Present and communicate creative products, ideas, and texts effectively to a range of audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Adequately delaminate and conceptualize the field and subject of research.
  • Adequately command the relevant research method and familiarity with the relevant literature.
  • Present the material in a logical, clear and systematic manner.
  • Document properly and support the results of the research.
  • Contribute the study to the field of research and apply acceptable linguistic and stylistic presentation.
  • Apply a number of improvements and corrections that should be made to acceptable and ethical standards.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy for the qualification consists of the completion of a full master's thesis. The teaching, learning and assessment strategies for the qualification therefore consist of supervision of individual learners throughout the entire research process, providing regular feedback, and culminating in the learner's completion of a written thesis.
    The thesis aligns with the regulations for research modules of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and is offered in both the traditional thesis and the integrated arts-based format.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will occur in the form of supervisory sessions and the monitoring of the research progress and regular discussions and evaluations on different components of the thesis, i.e., allowing a learner to submit the thesis chapter by chapter and providing sustainable feedback.
    The traditional format applies to a thesis as a report on research on one central and coherent research question that is examined as a single work.

    Summative Assessment:
    The report should be thoroughly substantiated. The acceptable length of an examination report on a master's thesis is about 1000 words.
    The integrated format, as artistic research, includes creative work as an integrated component of the master's research.
    The creative work may include:
  • exhibitions
  • installations
  • compositions
  • performances
  • portfolio
  • literary works
  • translations and any other form of creative work recognised as such by the faculty.
    In recognising integrated creative-critical research, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences aims to encourage and promote scholarship that integrates original, independent artistic research.

    For critical-creative projects, the body of research that comprises an integration of creative and scholarly work is examined in its totality and the study should therefore show evidence of its creative and conceptual integration. Examiners should be given access to those creative and conceptual components that demonstrate such integration. The examiners will evaluate whether the candidate's work has demonstrated independent research on a doctoral level, considering the overall project and will report on their findings in their examiners' reports. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: The Netherlands
    Institution name: University of Amsterdam
    Qualification title: MA in Art and Performance Research Studies
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in humanities or social sciences

    Purpose:
    The master's degree in art and performance research studies is a two-year qualification for learners who are interested in doing historical, theoretical, and practice-based research into the visual and performing arts. Learners will learn how to develop and execute research ideas in an interdisciplinary and cross-media environment. This involves reflective and active research conducted within the interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary framework of the Humanities, as well as the art and performance ecosystem of Amsterdam. The qualification offers two specialisations: Art and Performance Studies and Artistic Research.
    Art and Performance Studies concerns itself with theoretical and/or historical research in the arts disciplines (art history, musicology, theatre and performance studies and cultural studies). Artistic Research equips learners with theories and methods for conducting practice-based research in theatre, music, fine arts, dance, performance art and film, among other art disciplines. Artistic Research learners have the opportunity to present their work and organise events for which credits are awarded.

    Course structure:

    Modules:
  • Art and Performance Research within and across the Humanities
  • Research Matters: Knowledge Production Within and Beyond the Academy
  • Contemporary Concepts and Practices in the Arts
  • Art and Performance Research Studies Thesis Seminar
  • Research Master's Thesis Art and Performance Research Studies, comparable with Interdisciplinary Arts Studies Thesis

    Similarities:
  • The University of Amsterdam (UA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are research-based, the UA learners conduct a Research Master's Thesis Art and Performance Research Studies as part of their studies, and the SA qualification focuses on Interdisciplinary Arts Studies Thesis.
  • The UA learners will learn how to develop and execute research ideas in an interdisciplinary and cross-media environment, which involves reflective and active research conducted within the interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary framework of the Humanities, as well as the art and performance ecosystem of Amsterdam.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification fosters the development of the enquiring mind, by creating a pathway for academic research within a multidisciplinary field in the arts and encourages learners to become critical and creative thinkers. Interdisciplinary research will enhance knowledge production and deliver research leaders in a diverse environment.

    Differences:
  • The UA qualification is offered over two years, and the SA qualification is offered over one year.
  • The UA qualification allows learners from different arts backgrounds into the qualification, but it differs in its focus as the SA qualification is a full research qualification with no coursework component.

    Country: Canada
    Institution name: Simon Fraser University
    Qualification title: Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirement:
  • Undergraduate degree in visual culture, art history, cinema studies, performance studies, cultural studies, communications, literary studies, or other degrees focusing on the arts.

    Purpose:
    The Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts qualification provides advanced, professional interdisciplinary training in a university setting for artists in and across the fields of dance, film, music, theatre, and visual art.
    The qualification leading to the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts is designed to provide an advanced level of professional training for artists in the fields of music & sound, dance, theatre, performance, film, video, and visual art.

    The qualification develops the learner's individual artistic practice, creativity, interdisciplinary research, technical skill and critical awareness of art's relationship to contemporary society. Several kinds of artist thrive in this program: those who have a strong background in a single discipline and value the stimulation of an interdisciplinary environment; those whose studio practice fuses two or more disciplines; and those who want to develop the theoretical or scholarly context of their practice.

    Course structure:

    Modules:
  • Interdisciplinary graduate seminar
  • Interdisciplinary graduate studio
  • Studio in fine and performing arts.
  • Master of Arts graduating project, comparable with Interdisciplinary Arts Studies Thesis

    Similarities:
  • The Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are research-based and share a similar module, Master of Arts graduating project, the SA qualification conducts an Interdisciplinary Arts Studies Thesis.
  • The SA qualification encourages learners to become critical and creative thinkers and interdisciplinary research will enhance knowledge production and deliver research leaders in a diverse environment.
  • Similarly, the SFU qualification develops learners' individual artistic practice, creativity, interdisciplinary research, technical skill, and critical awareness of art's relationship to contemporary society.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over one year, whereas the SFU qualification is offered over two years. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Drama and Performance Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre Arts, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Theatre and Performance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Music in Music Performance, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Music, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Social Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Studies, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    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. Stellenbosch 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.