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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Sport Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74019  Master of Philosophy in Sport Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Sport 
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 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with a Master's dissertation in which the qualification finally culminates. A qualifying learner would show evidence of independent and original scientific work. The dissertation and constitute a decided contribution to knowledge of and insight into the subject discipline as well as the field of research. Qualifying learners should also display competence in the application of related research methodology, and the proper written and/or oral communication of the research process and findings. The learner should be able to reflect on his/her research decisions and applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of the Sport Science industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to read study material with understanding and disseminate relevant literature on a post-graduate level. Learners should be able to take strategic decisions and to assess any internal or external decisions impacting on Sport Science. Learners should be able to reflect on his/her managerial decisions and applications.

Access will be provided to the learner who is in possession of a B.Com Honours or BA Honours degree in Sport Science or any other related Honours degree generating 160 credits on NQF level 7. The Department of Sport and Movement Studies may require an additional study programme as a prerequisite for the learner's admission. The Department must specifically approve of the research topic, methodology and programme before the learner may commence with his/her studies. The Deans of the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences or Arts may refuse a learner admission to the Master's degree if of the opinion that the learner's academic background is insufficient The proposed topic and promoter for the dissertation must also be approved by the Executive Committee of the Senate on recommendation of the Faculty Board.

Recognition of prior learning:

Recognition of prior learning in case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
The learners should be able to demonstrate:

1. A Sensitivity for and an ability to identify, assess, formulate and solve problems scientifically.

2. A sensitivity for and an ability to integrate technology responsibly during the problem solving process.

3. The ability to apply flexible, independent thinking processes, displaying an openness for now ideas

4. The ability to conduct fundamental research of an original nature in the Sport Science field/discipline; thereby making a contribution to knowledge and/or insight in the field/discipline.

5. The willingness and ability to generate well-founded ideas, which should then be structured, articulated and communicated to informed members of society.

6. The ability to communicate in a structured manner, including written and oral presentations as well as the facilitation of scientific discussions.

7. The inclination and ability to collect disseminate and interpret relevant data and information, as and when needed by individuals/organisation in the Sport Science field/discipline, as well as in society in general.

8. A well-founded knowledge framework within the field of research, but particularly with regards to the Sport Science field /discipline.

9. A fundamental scientific, critical research and service-orientated attitude; scientific and academic values like objectivity, structure, reliability, validity, accuracy, coherence, logic and ethical obedience.

10. The ability to do advanced scientific research, specifically in the Sport Science field/discipline, while successfully functioning within a team that could be of interdisciplinary nature. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Can the learners demonstrate?

1. A sensitivity for and an ability to identify, assess, formulate and solve problems scientifically?

2. A sensitivity for and an ability to integrate technology responsibly during the problem solving process?

3. The ability to apply flexible, independent thinking processes, displaying an openness for new ideas?

4. The ability to conduct fundamental research of an original nature in the Sport Science field/discipline; thereby making a contribution to knowledge and/or insight in the field/discipline?

5. The willingness and ability to generate well-founded ideas, which should then be structured, articulated and communicated to informed members of society?

6. The ability to communicate in a structured manner, including written and oral presentations as well as the facilitation of scientific discussions?

7. The inclination and ability to collect disseminate and interpret relevant data and information, as and when needed by individuals/organisation in the Sport Science field/discipline, as well as in society in general?

8. A well-founded knowledge framework within the field of research, but particularly with regards to the Sport Science field /discipline?

9. A fundamental scientific, critical research and service-orientated attitude; scientific and academic values like objectivity, structure, reliability, validity, accuracy, coherence, logic and ethical obedience?

10. The ability to do advanced scientific research, specifically in the Sport Science field/discipline, while successfully functioning within a team, which could be of interdisciplinary nature?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals is required. It is also expected from master's learners to engage in regular formal discussions with the supervisor(s), not just to demonstrate his/her progress, but to highlight research problems that have been encountered.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a research dissertation on the selected topic within the field of Sport Science. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate evidence of original work and should constitute a decided contribution to the knowledge of and insight into the field of study.
Every master's learner must also submit an article that is ready for publication. This does not place a publication on either the learner or the promoter. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
1. Access to qualifications on a lower level:
Learners who wish to gain access to certificates, diplomas or degrees on NQF level 5 to 7 may be allowed, subject to approval by the Dean and panel of participating departments. Credit will be retained for modules passed previously.

2. Access to qualifications on the same level:
Learners who want to continue their Master's studies at this institution may do so if they can provide formal evidence of their previous academic training on a Master's study level 8 of the NQF. Their previous exposure to Master's training will be assessed by the dean's committee, where upon the necessary status and credit will be recognized. The dean may refuse a candidate to continue with the Master's degree if in his/her opinion the applicant's prior training or academic standard is insufficient. Such a candidate may appeal to the Executive Committee of the Senate. A supplementary study programme may be required as condition for midstream entry. Learners who want to switch to another qualification or to another field of research, may do so, after consultation with their promoter(s) or the departmental head. Credit will be retained for formal prior training (courses that have been passed). Transition to another institution will only be possible after careful deliberation with the promoter(s) and corresponding department(s) at that institution. The learner who wishes to exit the RAU M. Phil (Sport Science) in mid-stream, i.e. change to another similar degree at RAU or another higher education institution may do so with permission and motivation of his/her new promoter.

3. Access to qualifications on a higher level:
Qualifying learners may continue with any other higher education programme, pending approval and recognition of certain credits by the institution offering the latter programme.
The learner who has successfully completed the M. Phil (Sport Science) qualification will have the opportunity for further study through a doctoral study (D. Phil, D. Litt et Phil or D.Tech) in Sport Science. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
Both internal and external examiners are appointed by the Deans of the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and Arts upon recommendation by the RAU Department of sport and Movement Studies. The internal and external examiners must assess the dissertation of the learner and submit a report regarding the dissertation, clearly indicating whether the dissertation is accepted un-amended or after improvements have been made, whether it is referred back for revisions and re-submission for examination, or whether it is rejected.

At least one external examiner (from a higher education institution or from a relevant field) is used for the external evaluation of the dissertation, short dissertation and two papers. These external people, which could also be of international stature, must be approved by the faculty board and therefore they should be specialists in the Sport Science field/discipline. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
Qualified assessors for assessing the learner undertaking this qualification, in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive outcomes, will be appointed by the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and Arts of this institution, upon recommendation of the Department of Sport and Movement Studies and based on the following criteria:

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should be qualified in the area of Sport Science and should be in possession of a relevant M degree on NQF level 8.
* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have learning and job experience in the area of Sport Science.
* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have experience in the field of education and training, particularly with respect to the subject of Sport Science. Assessors should also be well informed of what is required of them in connection to the assessment of the learner. 

REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Johannesburg 


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.