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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Arts: Religious Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49103  Master of Arts: Religious Studies 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Religious Studies and Multi-Religion Education 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the qualification is to enable graduates to become specialists in a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework by gaining in-depth knowledge in a complex area of study.

    > A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesise information autonomously in specialised fields of study in order to provide leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently.
  • A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialised leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification are capable of :
  • Using a variety of sources, for example published, documentary and oral.
  • Taking responsibility for their own progress
  • Communicating ideas in sophisticated language and in sustained, coherent and logical discourse.

    Recognition of prior learning :
    This qualification recognises
  • Formal prior learning
    > Students need a BA Hons or equivalent. - Students` prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised
    non-formal and informal prior experiential learning
    > Students will be given RPL if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Collect, understand, communicate and critique information effectively by making informed theoretical judgements.

    Range Statement :
    At Master's degree level postgraduates should have a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in Religious Studies and a depth of knowledge in some areas of specialisation; a coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories and an ability to critique current research and advanced scholarship in an area of specialisation; an ability to make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence and an ability to think epistemologically; an ability to efficiently and effectively retrieve and process information; be able to critically analyse, synthesise and judge quantitative and/or qualitative data; have an ability to engage with current research and scholarly or professional literature in Religious Studies, and be able to present and communicate academic/professional work effectively by using a range of different genres to cater for a range of audiences.

    2. Apply theoretical, analytical and systematic thinking to a range of problem.

    Range Statement
    Master's degree graduates will be effective problem solvers, capable of applying logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems.

    3. Manage professional development by applying knowledge and understanding of ethical and social responsibility to particular contexts.

    Range Statement :
  • At Master's degree level graduates should demonstrate a capacity to manage tasks professionally and ethically and take responsibility for continuing academic or professional development.

    4. Select and apply a range of appropriate research methods, techniques and principles for particular research.

    Range Statement :
    At Master's degree level graduates should be thoroughly conversed with a range of research methods, techniques and advanced technical knowledge and have an ability to select these appropriately for a particular research problem in an area of specialisation and effectively apply the principles of sound research practices.

    Developmental Outcomes

    1. MA graduates can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Apply what they study in different contexts, both personal and public, real and simulated;
  • Show evidence of advanced study and research skills, selection, analysis and evaluation;
  • Develop independent thinking.

    2. MA graduates can play a leading role as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Manage diversity and use appropriate conflict-resolution skills;
  • Lead groups within limits of own competence; apply what they know and study in culturally diverse contexts;
  • Apply what they know and study at different levels, from personal to academic contexts;
  • Promote equity.

    3. MA graduates can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Assess impact of cultural diversity in a variety of fields;
  • Use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments of others (e.g., listening skills, empathy, sympathy open-mindedness, etc.);
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse and assess aesthetic criteria in literary and other texts.

    4. MA graduates can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.
  • Use the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the M.A. in the service of the community at large (local and global).
  • Practically apply their knowledge in the real world;
  • Identify the M.A. skills which are highly valued in the workplace within the relevant discipline;
  • Use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity;
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems and tasks set them on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon the skills from the M.A. (critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, etc.);
  • Demonstrate a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client and community.

    5. MA graduates can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.
  • Create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
  • Have a realistic view of their own value to contribute to their local community and global society;
  • Communicate that value to others;
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the M.A. qualification;
  • Deal with various unknown situations with flexibility and adaptability. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. The Master's degree graduate can :
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge with depth based in Religious Studies.
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of principles and theories.
  • Engage with current research and scholarly or professional literature.
  • Identify, find, acquire, evaluate, manage and process information in a range of media using technology effectively.
  • Integrate information from different sources to achieve a given purpose.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critique current research.
  • Demonstrate advanced scholarship.
  • Demonstrate the ability to make sound judgements based on evidence
  • Think epistemologically.
  • Distance themselves from knowledge in texts, reflect on it, independently evaluate the qualitative and quantitative data and take a critical position in relation to it.
  • Showing an understanding of audiences using a range of different genres appropriate to the context.

    2. The Master's degree graduate can :
  • Identify critical issues in the area of specialisation in the discipline/study field/professional area.
  • Analyse and synthesise variable, complex and specialised information to show its relevance to the area of research.
  • Conceptualise complex and or real life problems and formulate hypothesis.
  • Formulate evidence-based solutions.
  • Collect, collate and analyse relevant information, demonstrate the ability to develop a logical argument to base decisions on.
  • Demonstrate critical acumen, independence and insight.
  • Analyse the influence of cultural and historic issues on the area of specialisation.
  • Apply past and present knowledge to speculate on problems in future contexts.
  • Use appropriate theories to base arguments and evidence and the application of theory to practice.
  • Reflect a global perspective.

    3. Performance indicators/assessment criteria

    The Master's degree graduate can :
  • Participate in creating and sustaining a just and democratic society by questioning values knowledge and culture, both own and others and recognising social justice issues relevant to Religious Studies
  • Explore social aspects (political, economic, legislative, sociological, environmental, etc) and their impact on life, work and particular area of
  • Specialisation and take a stand with self-confidence and responsibility
  • Interpret relationships between social and cultural situations and between culture and aesthetics situations
  • Promote the importance of sustainable development
  • Demonstrate personal responsibility to the community through innovation that leads to productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Demonstrate accountability for own output and group output
  • Act professionally and ethically in all contexts
  • Take responsibility within own limits of competence
  • Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn independently for continuing academic or professional development

    4. The Master's degree graduates :
  • Are thoroughly conversed with a range of research methods, techniques and advanced technical knowledge;
  • Have an ability to select these appropriately for a particular research problem in an area of specialisation and effectively apply the principles of sound research practices.
  • Operate in complex, ill-defined contexts within the discipline/subject field/profession
  • Manage learning tasks autonomously
  • Negotiate, assert own values and respect the values of team members
  • Appreciate multicultural diversity and the complex and intercultural factors that contributes to notions of culture and cultural relationships
  • Exercise self-evaluation, team-evaluation and project-evaluation

    Integrated assessment

    Learning and assessment are integrated. The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components are assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor makes use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assesses combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

    1. MA graduates can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and innovatively.
  • Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience as well as theoretical knowledge within Religious Studies or within an interdisciplinary framework;
  • Use their knowledge and expertise to resolve abstract problems that expand or reconfigure existing knowledge.

    2. MA graduates can work effectively with others as a leader of a team, group, organisation, community, and provide leadership to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields traditionally considered as the Humanities.
  • Use and propagate `people skills` (respect, empathy, listening skills, etc.) in group situations;
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias;
  • Demonstrate acceptance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias;
  • Direct projects and successfully interact with others;
  • Use effective leadership skills within the group;
  • Organise others into effective working groups;
  • Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and /or oral) reporting.

    3. MA graduates can manage and organise the activities of selves and others responsibly and effectively.
  • Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies at an advanced level;
  • Organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies;
  • Evolve strategies best suited to their own and others` situations and contexts;
  • Think independently and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

    4. MA graduates can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information at an advanced and specialised level as required in the pursuit of the M.A.
  • Use the full range of library and other resources at an advanced level.
  • Integrate complex and specialised information from a variety of sources;
  • Act responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g., appropriate and accurate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc.);
  • Use relevant conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes;
  • Critically analyse and generate evaluation and synthesis of information and concepts at an abstract level;
  • Suggest complex and advanced arguments within a major research area.

    5. MA graduates can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.
  • Communicate their ideas lucidly and coherently and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner;
  • Generate ideas at a complex level as well as use the ideas of others in support of their own (without plagiarism, etc.);
  • Evaluate conclusions and premises in their own research;
  • Use language competently in written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.

    6. MA graduates can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others, in community, national and global contexts.
  • Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology;
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation; s
  • Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
  • Use natural resources in a sustainable way;
  • Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology;
  • Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

    7. MA graduates can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.
  • Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline or field of study; connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts;
  • Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them;
  • Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions and connections;
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a discipline or an interdisciplinary field. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A search on the Internet showed that the only qualifications that are in any way comparable to this is the Master's degree described on the Australian Qualifications Framework. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with a relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the exit level outcomes described in the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for registration of moderators

    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this qualification, the applicant should :
  • Hold a similar qualification to this at NQF level 8
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    61749  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  Global School of Theology  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180     CHE  HEQSF 
    15714  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  University of Cape Town  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  192  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    81807  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  180  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    15769  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  University of Natal  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    61749  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  Global School of Theology  
    15714  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  University of Cape Town  
    81807  Master of Arts: Religious Studies  University of KwaZulu-Natal  


    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.