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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125631  Master of Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
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 0639/26  2026-04-16  2029-04-16 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-04-16   2033-04-16  

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 
The purpose of this Master of Biotechnology qualification is to provide prospective learners with specialized, advanced knowledge, practical training, and research competence in the field of Biotechnology. This qualification is research-based, allowing for the mastering of the required technical and experimental skills that will adequately prepare learners for a career in Biotechnology (academic and industry) and related industries that serve the Bioeconomy locally and internationally.

The research component of this qualification will be conducted in areas of Biotechnology that would build on current expertise at the institution, which is diverse (marine biotechnology, medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, wine biotechnology) as well as industry needs, and should contribute towards knowledge production through the application of appropriate research methodology approaches, techniques, and technologies. In addition to preparing graduates who are ready to meaningfully contribute to diverse Biotechnology and related industries. This qualification will also provide postgraduates with the necessary research skills to progress to doctoral qualifications in Biotechnology and related fields.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Critically review and analyse literature to identify trends and issues relevant to the chosen Biotechnology research area.
  • Select and use the appropriate research methods, technologies and procedures that are available to the discipline of Biotechnology, according to a design that is appropriate for research in Biotechnology.
  • Present the research project to the Biotechnology community, whether within the institution, to communities or at relevant symposia, according to appropriate academic writing and oral conventions.

    Rationale:
    Since the development of the National Biotechnology Strategy of South Africa in 2001, Biotechnology has always been considered a scarce skill in all iterations. It is essential for South Africa to evaluate the need for certain scarce skills to ensure continued economic growth. As such, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) undertakes regular evaluations of the status of jobs in South Africa that require scarce skills, especially since Biotechnology-specific job statistics are not always available. A recent report published in 2022 by the DHET, identified Biotechnology as a Critical Scarce Skill, indicating that it is in high demand and the need of industry is currently not being met by the number of trained Biotechnologists entering the Biotechnology sector. In conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs, it was decided to add Biotechnologists to the Critical Scarce Skills list that is used to evaluate foreign nationals applying for permanent residency in South Africa.

    Even though Biotechnology is considered to be a critical scarce skill, very few South African universities offer Biotechnology-specific qualifications. Some public Universities have highlighted the need to implement such a qualification at more universities in South Africa. The institution can therefore contribute to filling this skills gap by offering a much-needed postgraduate degree in Biotechnology at NQF 9. Furthermore, in a recent report by DNA Economics (2020), a labour market intelligence evaluation highlighted the importance of Biotechnologists in this ever-changing landscape of emerging diseases. Biotechnologists played an essential role in the development of diagnostic kits and associated material during the recent (and ongoing) COVID-19 pandemic, once again highlighting the importance of Biotechnologists in South Africa, placing it on the 2020 List of Occupations in high demand.

    In addition to industry and government departments, it is also important to engage with the learner body in order to ascertain whether there is a need for a postgraduate qualification in the field of Biotechnology. Many learners who completed a National Diploma and the re circulated and HEQSF-aligned Diploma in Biotechnology at the institution have indicated they would have preferred staying at the institution to obtain their postgraduate qualifications. For most of the learners, the basis for the selection of our institution for the undergraduate qualification in Biotechnology is because of the intensive, hands-on training they receive at the undergraduate level, specifically since, as a university of technology, focuses on laboratory skills development at an early stage of learner learning.

    It has been of great frustration for the Biotechnology Diploma graduates to move to traditional and comprehensive universities, where the focus is more on theory than practical work, finding the articulation qualifications tedious and repetitive. For those who opted to stay at our institution, Biotechnology learners had to pursue a postgraduate degree in related fields such as Biomedical Technology, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, or Environmental Health. These learners then often also stay in those fields, moving away from Biotechnology-based research and industries, further contributing to the lack of suitably trained Biotechnologists entering the market sector.

    The rationale for the qualification is therefore to provide learners with the necessary competencies and skills set which will allow for continued personal intellectual growth, the ability to pursue entrepreneurial or research endeavors within the field of Biotechnology, and/or join Biotechnology-based industries that play a key role in driving the South African bioeconomy; and contribute to the growth of a local cohort of highly skilled and trained individuals (with globally equivalent skills) who are socially responsible and aware of their role in national development and social transformation within the country. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    A candidate can apply for recognition of prior learning if the candidate entirely or partially lacks the formal entry requirement for the Master of Biotechnology but believes he/she has the necessary knowledge to succeed in the qualification and meet the learning outcomes.

    As per the institution's RPL Policy, a maximum of 10% of the learner cohort may be admitted through the RPL process in any given academic year.

    RPL for access:
    Learners who have extensive experience, having worked in the Biotechnology or related sectors, can access the qualification at the discretion of the Department, following evaluation and due diligence of the learners' formal, informal, and non-formal learning.

    The institution's policy will apply to all RPL applications. The learner must submit a portfolio of evidence for evaluation by the Department. The portfolio must contain evidence of proficiency in research skills (e.g., have published research or been involved in research projects) and a deep knowledge of Biotechnology and its technical and laboratory operations before the candidate will be considered for the entry.

    In order to gain entry to the qualification through the RPL process, the following is applied:
  • The appointed RPL representative of the Department evaluates the application to ensure that the portfolio of evidence meets the minimum standard of formal, informal, and non-formal learning, along with the necessary industry experience. A recommendation is submitted to the Department, where academic staff deliberate on the findings and make any further recommendations or approve the application at the Departmental level.
  • The Biotechnology Advisory Board, constituted of members of neighbouring institutions and industry partners may be co-opted to provide further clarity on the RPL application, and support the candidate's case.
  • The Department then submits its recommendation to the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee to evaluate and assess the recommendations of the Department in respect of the candidate's application. A formal approval of the Faculty Executive Committee is required before the application is submitted to the Institutional representative for comment and approval.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research Project and Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically investigate a broad range of theoretical or practical problems, identify and research an appropriate topic that is relevant to Biotechnology, and that will contribute theoretically or practically to knowledge in a Biotechnology or related field.
    2. Critically review and analyses literature to identify trends and issues relevant to the chosen Biotechnology research area.
    3. Select and use the appropriate research methods, technologies and procedures that are available to the discipline of Biotechnology, according to a design that is appropriate for research in Biotechnology.
    4. Collect, analyse, interpret and present empirical data using instruments appropriate to Biotechnology and where applicable, apply theories relevant to research in Biotechnology.
    5. Present the research project to the Biotechnology community, whether within the institution, to communities or at relevant symposia, according to appropriate academic writing and oral conventions.
    6. Conduct the chosen research in an independent, professional and ethical manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Plan, manage, and execute the research project within the allocated timeframe.
  • Plan, manage, and execute a research project using available resources assigned to the task (e.g, libraries, funding, infrastructure, academic, technical, and administrative staff and/or assistants, etc).
  • Apply, integrate, and contextualize advanced knowledge and skills in Biotechnology in conducting research projects.
  • Maintain communication supervisor(s) and act on feedback received.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and conduct, with the guidance of the supervisor, a full literature review around the chosen research topic.
  • Identify relevant, current, and legitimate sources, drawing on the work of leading researchers to produce a comprehensive literature review.
  • Write in the language of discipline, adhering to scientific best practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate research methods for data collection, analyse and interpret data.
  • Apply an understanding of a range of research methods and techniques.
  • Critically evaluate various research techniques to apply the most appropriate ones to investigate the research question at hand.
  • Apply ethical, professional, and informed judgements when conducting research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Synthesize data from various experiments and data collection techniques to present a coherent argument that is backed up by the analysis of the data.
  • Analyse, synthesize, and interpret data scientifically by utilizing the correct statistical models that complement data collection methods.
  • Apply understanding of different statistical models and software packages that give effect to the data collection in the research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Draw conclusions and present research results by demonstrating the ability to compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
  • Present research findings in various forms, i.e., verbal, written, and/or visual form to specialist and general audiences.
  • Apply institutional guidelines in ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality, where this is applicable.
  • Prepare an article for publication in an accredited journal, following the instructions to authors, and in consultation with supervisor(s).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Maintain awareness of ethical research practices and ethical decision-making by completing the Ethics Approval process before the research is undertaken.
  • Exhibit ethical and professional practice relating to research.
  • Showcase research process, independent and critical thinking, and professionalism were developed, which must be evidenced in the dissertation and the oral presentation.

    Showcase the development of independent and critical thinking and professionalism throughout the research process, providing evidence of this growth in both the dissertation and the oral presentation.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The assessment strategy of the qualification is designed to be in line with the institution's assessment strategy, which is guided by its Policy on Learning, Teaching and Assessments, as well as the Policy on Postgraduate Education and Research. As part of the Institutional Assessment Strategy, consideration is to be given to the Graduate Attributes described in the institutions Vision 2030, those of Relational Capability, Technological Capability, Resilience and Problem-solving ability, and Ethical capability.

    The strategy encompasses all the defined criteria for monitoring (internal and external moderation), all forms of assessments, and considers maintaining the integrity of the offering, including validity, transparency in assessment practices, recording of results, and settling of disputes, amongst others.

    The strategy is grounded in the principle of enabling access through and success out of the qualification. Upon qualifying for entry and registering for the qualification, the learners will journey through the qualification and achieve the learning outcomes through an assessment strategy that is enabling, iterative and contains significant feedback of learning. A combination of both formative and summative assessments will be used.

    Formative assessments:
    The formative assessments will be presented in the form of developmental learning, i.e., proposal writing, research article writing, peer-led inquiry and learning communities, annual progress reports, and seminars, all of which will receive continuous feedback from peers, Departmental staff, and the supervisor/s.

    Summative assessment:
    The summative assessment will feature at the end of the course of study, as an examination of the written dissertation by external examiners, who, based on an approved rubric and criteria aligned with exit-level outcomes of an NQF 9 qualification, will determine whether the learner has fulfilled the described learning outcomes of the qualification. The learner will be encouraged to submit for, or have published at least one peer-reviewed journal article, although this is not a necessary requirement at the master's level to be awarded the qualification.

    The marks submission is done in the form of a completed HDC 1.7 form and report by the examiner. The reports will then be reviewed by the faculty research committee, which will recommend one of the following to the dean: 1. Accepted for the award of the qualification with no revisions or changes whatsoever; 2. Accepted for the award of the qualification with minor changes, subject to the satisfaction of the supervisor; 3. Revised and resubmitted for further examination; 4. Should not be accepted in any form. In this case, the candidate would be deemed to have failed.

    Since the qualification requires that the research be conducted in-person in the laboratory space, assessments will primarily be conducted in the contact mode, except for the evaluation of the dissertation, which will be sent to the examiners, who assess remotely. However, the final exit seminar may be offered in a hybrid manner, using the appropriate technologies to ensure that the integrity and quality of the process is maintained.

    In terms of the assessment weightings, the following would be implemented:
    1. Research proposal: 15%.
    2. Dissertation: 65%.
    3. Final seminar: 20%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications from the United States and Australia.

    Country: United States.
    Institution: University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, USA.
    MSc Cell Biology and Biotechnology.
    Duration: 2-years full-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Official transcript of college and graduate schoolwork. International applicants must submit a course-by-course transcript evaluation for all previous degrees.
  • Proof of English proficiency for international applicants.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Initiate, conduct, and complete a research project that makes use of the knowledge and skills relevant to the program.
  • Demonstrate an improving set of oral and written presentation skills for communication of research results.
  • Develop competence in the acquisition and interpretation of the scientific literature relevant to the program disciplines.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, and South Africa qualifications require learners to hold a bachelor's degree in a science-related field.
  • Both accept international applicants with appropriate academic records.
  • Both qualifications are Master 's-level science qualifications focused on Biotechnology or related biological sciences.
  • Both qualifications aim to develop Advanced scientific knowledge and research competence.
    Laboratory-based skills.

    Differences:
  • The key difference is that the United States Master's combines coursework and research, while the South African Master's is a fully research-only.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of Queensland.
    Master's in Biotechnology (Research Extensive).
    Duration: 2 years full-time.
    AQF Level 9.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy or engineering.

    Purpose:
    The Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive program is designed for scientists who wish to increase their technical and research skills in core areas of biotechnology, and to obtain a more extensive laboratory immersion than is available in the regular Master of Biotechnology. This program also provides strong preparation for entry into a PhD program.

    Career possibilities:
  • University researcher.
  • Venture capital consultant.
  • Plant breeding, engineering, cropping or horticulture specialist.

    Similarities:
  • Both Australia and South Africa qualifications aim to develop Advanced technical and scientific skills, high-level research competence, and critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Both qualifications are AQF/NQF Level 9.
  • Both qualifications require learners who have completed a bachelor's degree/ honours in the relevant field.

    Differences:
  • The Australian qualification is offered with a duration of two years with 80 AQF credits. The South Africa qualification is offered with 180 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, Primary Agriculture, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.