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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98927  Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security 
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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
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-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:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with specialist knowledge and to equip them with skills that will enable them to engage critically in solving problems relating to food and nutrition security.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Understand societal challenges in food and nutrition security and find innovate ways to address them.
  • Apply systems frameworks to solve problems through reflection, transforming own and other's attitudes, developing personal competences and taking ownership, and through this, build the capacity of those involved in the food system, particularly in terms of leadership.
  • Select a research topic related to food and nutrition security.
  • Conduct research with the appropriate expertise in order to contribute to the development of food and nutrition security.
  • Discuss the problem of macro- and micronutrient malnutrition and the role and implications of evidence-based approaches and strategies and also develop a food based health promotion programme to address a nutrition problem in a specific community.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security is designed to provide learners with specialist knowledge and skills required to meet challenges related to food and nutrition security. South Africa and the international community acknowledge that there are complexities in the food system. The United Nations has prioritised the issue of food and nutrition security as one of the urgent matters that need to be addressed. One of the targets in the Millennium Development Goals is "Achieving Food Security by Eradicating Hunger", and this is at the heart of endeavours of international organisations such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which exist to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food leading to active and healthy lives. This qualification is developed to train and equip learners with skills relevant to critically solve problems through research specifically in the area of food and nutrition security. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The University has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

    The Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security conforms to the University's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).

    The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The APRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is:
  • A four-year cognate Bachelors' Degree at NQF Exit Level 8; or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
    Modules:
  • Conceptualising Food Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Food Safety, Hazards & Risks, 10 Credits.
  • Human Economic Development, 10 Credits.
  • Agriculture-Nutrition Linkages, 10 Credits.
  • Food Processing & Preservation, 10 Credits.
  • Food & Nutrition Policies, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Epidemiology, 10 Credits.
  • Macro & Micronutrients & Health, 10 Credits.
  • Functional Foods & GMO's, 10 Credits.
  • Food Chains and Consumers, 10 Credits.
  • Assessing Food Security, 10 Credits.
  • Food Security Project Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Research Assignment, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand societal challenges in food and nutrition security and find innovate ways to address them.
    2. Apply systems frameworks to solve problems through reflection, transforming attitudes, developing personal competences and ownership, and through this build the capacity of those involved in the food system, particularly in terms of leadership.
    3. Select a topic related to food and nutrition security.
    4. Conduct research with the appropriate expertise in order to contribute to the development food and nutrition security.
    5. Discuss problems of macro and micronutrient malnutrition and the role and implications of evidence-based approaches and strategies and also develop a food based health promotion programme to address a nutrition problem in a specific community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The various types of food and nutritional assessment at individual, household, community and population levels are explained and food security indicators are interpreted in reliable, valid and cost-effective ways and monitoring of food security risks are conducted.
  • The methods of assessments of social determinants such as poverty and hunger and implications on food security, nutritional status and nutrition related outcomes are explained.
  • The importance of nutrition surveillance systems is motivated including its development, choice of indicators and development of monitoring and evaluation tools.
  • The implications of assessment methods on the selection of appropriate and sensitive data collection methods, data analysis and software is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge and skills in food and nutrition security are integrated and applied to the development and analysis of food and nutrition policies.
  • The effectiveness of food and nutrition policies is evaluated.
  • The role of food security in developing and monitoring food and nutrition policies is identified.
  • The different policies that are relevant in South Africa are identified and described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A clear definition of food and nutrition security related research problem including the well-defined study objectives, research questions, the limitations of the study and its place in the whole food system is identified and designed.
  • A well-defined methodology for the collection of food and nutrition data and an appropriate analysis supported by a critical and correctly presented; literature study is designed.
  • A concise, correctly presented scientific report, showing the necessary independence, motivation, dedication and initiative is developed and presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A research topic is defined and formulated.
  • Appropriate technology is set up.
  • Data is collected, processed and analysed.
  • A manuscript is drawn up.
  • The results of scientific research are communicated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The social determinants of health and the association between poverty and health and how to measure socio-economic status is interrogated.
  • The role of nutritional epidemiology is evaluated and the types of nutritional surveys are critically appraised.
  • Measures of disease occurrence and measures of effect/association are predicted.
  • Sources of measurement error are located and methods to correct them applied.
  • Evidence-based approaches and strategies to address malnutrition and related health outcomes are proposed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The University requires the Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security learners to follow a programme approved by the University with set outcomes pertaining to knowledge and skills. The number and type of assessments for each module are contained in the module descriptor - Form B. There will be formative and summative assessments. Final marks for theoretical modules will consist of class mark (35% - SUNLearn discussions, assignments, tasks) and examination (65%). A minimum of 50% is required for all individual modules.

    The final mark for the Degree will be calculated as per section "5.4 general provisions for Masters research assignments and Master's thesis, sub-section 5.4.3.3 "of the University general regulations. This translates to: 65% from course work and 35% research assignment contributions to final Degree mark.

    More than one assessment is required per module. Assessment formats include online learning discussions and longer written assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Murdoch University:
    The Murdoch University in Australia offers a Master of Food Security qualification. This qualification provides a sound understanding of food security, including international frameworks in which food trade operates, and the drivers behind food security. Using case studies, learners will explore biosecurity and food policies that underpin food security and trade in a global context. Learners will investigate the concept of producing, protecting and providing food, to ensure sustainable food production for present and future generations. Learners are also expected to undergo the project or internship that provides an opportunity for in-depth analysis of an issue of relevance.

    University of Glasgow:
    The University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Science in Food Security. This qualification discusses the demographic, social and economic issues, the challenges of achieving sustainable agriculture and presents the factors affecting food production from crops and animal sources. Learners will also be provided with practical laboratory skills in molecular biology and in genetic modification and also undertake a project that will develop their investigative skills and their ability to critically appraise and integrate information from different sources.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with international qualifications that are offered in Australia and the United Kingdom. All of these qualifications provide learners with specialised skills related to solving food security and nutrition challenges. Critical skills and problem solving skills are tested through undergoing a comprehensive research and learners are also expected to write a report. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation with the Doctor of Science: Food Science, Level 9 (ID 19569) offered by the University of Stellenbosch.

    Systemic articulation is also possible horizontally with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided learners meet the minimum admission requirements. The possibilities are:
    Horizontally:
  • Master of Food Security, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Agriculture in Food Science, at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. 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.