Supervisor first, then your studies

Since the MSc degree comprises a dissertation and course work to support this dissertation, it is necessary for us to appoint a supervisor for you upon first registration to guide and advise you in choosing your research topic together with the appropriate supporting modules. The

idea is that these modules should provide the background knowledge for the planned dissertation, and that the dissertation should, in turn, provide evidence that you understand the current research literature in your chosen field. The module selection must therefore be done in consultation with your supervisor.

5.3 REGISTRATIONS IN 2011

For new registrations in 2011 the curriculum will include a compulsory 24 credit research proposal module, (Code: MPCOS90), which will only be offered in English. Completion of MPCOS90 is a prerequisite for registration for the research dissertation

The research programme towards an MSc degree includes the completion of (i) a research proposal module (MPCOS90) in which a proposal is developed on which the subsequent research and (ii) the research dissertation will be based. Registration for and execution of the research towards the research dissertation strictly follows the completion, submission and formal acceptance by the graduate committee of the School of Computing of the research proposal. An MSc degree is awarded subsequent to the successful completion of the proposal module and a period of research which includes the submission of a dissertation based upon a research project, an external examination process and possibly an oral examination, together with a series of progress reports and a seminar governed by School regulations.

The dissertation is expected to display a comprehensive specialised knowledge of some part or aspect of the field of study, and to make some contribution to knowledge and understanding in the area of specialisation.

Before being awarded an MSc degree, a student must be able to do the following:

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the scientific body of knowledge relevant to the topic. A student must

understand the fundamentals of the relevant subjects be able to identify and discuss the areas of conflict and

consensus, as well as the gaps in the existing body of knowledge and what bearing they have on the topic

Demonstrate the ability to formulate an appropriate research design and a clear research plan.

Discuss the relationship between the relevant body of knowledge and the proposed research.

Demonstrate the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. The student must be able to

draw conclusions, make generalisations and/or confirm existing research results

identify and discuss questions raised and how they could be investigated in future research

demonstrate the proficiency in appropriate research methodology and scientific writing.

5.3.1 Regular supervision

Although UNISA is a distance education institution, advanced degrees cannot be obtained through correspondence only. All students must receive regular supervision in one of two ways:

Regular weekly or monthly supervision meetings in person lasting at least an hour. At these meetings the student’s progress and work will be discussed and assessed.

OR

An annual visit of at least ten working days to the School for the purpose of supervision, to deliver the required seminars, conduct research in the laboratories and/or library, and plan future research. The costs of such visits (including travel and accommodation) must be covered by the student.

5.3.2 Continuous assessment

During the course of working towards a research degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, the work of a student is subjected to a number of assessments. These are to allow the student’s progress to be monitored and any problems to be dealt with as early as possible during the study period. At each stage of assessment the student may be expected to reach a standard determined by the supervisor and assessor (an internal or external examiner other than the supervisor) acting on the behalf of the graduate committee of the School of Computing.

For MSc students, re-registration for the next year of study depends on reaching the required standard in the assessed work. If the supervisor and assessor are not of the opinion that the student has achieved the required standard at the first attempt, the student will usually be given an opportunity to revise or repeat part or all of the work. This revision will be based on written feedback from the supervisor and assessor, covering those aspects of the work that need to be improved and the time frames allowed. If a student is still not able to meet the requirements, re-registration for the next academic year will not be approved.

All work for assessment must be completed and submitted by the pub-lished deadlines unless an extension has been granted by the graduate committee of the School of Computing. Such an extension will normally be given solely on academic grounds (that is, personal reasons such as work pressure, overseas trips or not having enough time to spend on studies cannot be taken into consideration).

The work that is subject to assessment includes (but is not limited to) the following:

Completing formal course work (for non-degree purposes) if the student’s background is found to be lacking in certain aspects Progress reports

A literature review and seminar The research proposal and seminar

A draft article to be submitted to a reputable journal or conference A research dissertation, examined by at least two internationally recognised examiners, followed by an oral defence, if required Details with regard to the time frames for these will be provided by the supervisor in consultation with the graduate committee of the School of Computing.

5.3.3 Curriculum

In the case of both Computer Science and Information Systems, the curriculum consists of two components, namely the research proposal module MPCOS90, and the research dissertation. It should be noted that:

the finalisation of an MSc curriculum cannot be done without active consultation between the student, the School of Computing and

designated supervisor

the registration for the research dissertation cannot proceed before MPCOS90 has been formally completed and the proposal accepted by the graduate committee of the School of Computing

the final mark for the MSc is determined by the dissertation only.