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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and African Languages 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
66520  Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and African Languages 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Learners will focus on advanced current research in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics with special reference to Southern African and continental African studies. Two core courses will provide the requisite background for advanced modern applied linguistic work. Thereafter learners choose two options which focus strongly on areas of development like multimedia. The expected outcomes are that they will be able to apply these approaches to their mini research dissertations, with a compulsory focus on an African language. The qualification thus prepares learners to work in the field of African language development at an advanced level.

Rationale:
To produce learners who will be able to work at an advanced level on language development issues in African languages, in keeping with calls for the "intellectualisation" of African languages. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners will have achieved the prerequisite B.A. (Hons) qualification Applied Linguistics and African Languages with a satisfactory average mark. From their undergraduate studies they will be familiar with the basic structure of an African language and have encountered some language studies in their undergraduate curriculum. This will not apply at this level. Learners without formal degree qualifications but with appropriate RPL will be directed to the Honours prerequisite qualification.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Languages, Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Language Studies, Level 8.
    Or
  • Cognate Bachelor's, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Four Masters level modules, plus a mini dissertation. The four modules are as follows:
    Year 1; Fundamental/Core/Elective; NQF level; No. of credits:
    Masters:
  • Terminology and Terminography (Core); Level 8; 36 Credits.
  • Human Language Technology (Core); Level 8; 36 Credits.
  • Elective 1; Level 8; 36 Credits.
  • Elective 2; Level 8; 36 Credits.
  • Mini-thesis; Level 8; 144 Credits.
    Total: 288.

    Electives: Two of:
  • Translation and interpreting.
  • Multilingual Media.
  • Emergent Literacis.
  • Academic Literacy. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    N/A 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Each module in the qualification in common with other qualifications in the faculty will be made up of one long, or two medium, or three short essays or projects. Details are given in the outlines supplied for each module. One desideratum special to this qualification is that one of the essays in most modules will comprise a reflective translation exercise of a key text into an African language. All essays and projects in the course will be based on work in African languages. (The emphasis at this level is on essays and projects, rather than tests or formal examinations). The learners will display their expertise in the field of study by writing a mini dissertation of xxx words on a topic of applied linguistic significance to African languages.

    Integrated Assessment: 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification conforms to the template of UCT's graduate school of Humanities, which was designed to ensure international competiveness at MA level, with due regard to local conditions concerning access. The modules offered compare favourably with sociolinguistic and applied linguistic equivalents internationally. Our mini dissertations are often examined by international scholars. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in African Languages, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Cape Town 


    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.