SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100825  Bachelor of Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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
National First Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
In combination with one of the following disciplines, namely the Psychological Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities (Languages, History and History of Art), Natural Sciences (Geography, Mathematics, Computer Sciences) and Economics, the purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who have specialised in the ability to have a philosophical or meta-perspective (i.e. to look beyond, wider and deeper) on the abovementioned special disciplines and our world in general; to produce graduates who have a heightened awareness of the ethical implications of their roles within the segment of society in which they will serve professionally. The purpose is thus to give the student opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, including postgraduate study, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, and for rewarding and constructive contributions to society.

Rationale:
What makes the qualification different and justifies the use of the designator "Philosophy" is the substantial component of philosophical modules (in Philosophy and Ethics) that combines with special disciplines. The intention of these combinations is to add to the study of the special disciplines insight in the foundations, meta-theoretical assumptions and context of the special disciplines and world in which the graduate will work and live. The degree will also involve a considerable amount of independent study which can include a supervised research project on exit level. We therefore envision a this qualification for the institution that combines Philosophy and Philosophical Ethics with a number of special disciplines with the intention of giving students the advantage of the advanced critical and meta-theoretical insight that Philosophy and Philosophical Ethics offers as well as the development of independent research skills. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study in not only the philosophical disciplines but also in the different specialisations included in the qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes based, source-based- and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of this institution. Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (FET) level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for modules of this qualification and, if appropriate, allow the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelors studies are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational (NCV) for Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 5, 6, 7 and 8.

    Elective Modules, Level 5:
  • German Elementary 1 (GERB111), 12 Credits.
  • English (ENLS111), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physical Geography (GGFS112), 12 Credits.
  • Afr and Dutch Lang and Lit Study: Text and Context (AFLL121), 12 Credits.
  • German Elementary 2 (GERB121), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology (PSYC111), 12 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Ergonomics (IOPS121), 12 1 Credits.
  • Introduction to Setswana Grammar (SETM121), 12 Credits.
  • Creative Writing (SKRK111), 12 Credits.
  • Creative Writing (SKRK111), 12 Credits.
  • German Elementary 2 (GERM121), 12 Credits.
  • Creative Writing (SKRK121), 12 Credits.
  • Business French for Beginners 1 (FREB111), 12 Credits.
  • Introductory Algebra and Analysis I (WISN111), 12 Credits.
  • German Elementary 1 (GERM111), 12 Credits.
  • Language usage for the Practice Ii (LAPP121), 12 Credits.
  • The South African Political System (POLI123), 12 Credits.
  • Intro Hum Geo (GGFS121), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computers and Programming (ITRW112), 12 Credits.
  • English (ENLS121), 12 Credits.
  • Business French For Beginners 2 (FREB121), 12 Credits.
  • Language Usage for the Practice I (LAPP111), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Industrial Psychology (IOPS111), 12 Credits.
  • Afrikaans and Dutch (AFLL111), 12 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL121), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Political Studies (POLI112), 12 Credits.
  • Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN121), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Economics (ECON111), 12 Credits.
  • History (HIST111), 12 Credits.
  • French for Beginners 2 (FREN121), 12 Credits.
  • French for Beginners 1 (FREN111), 12 Credits.
  • Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN111), 12 Credits.
  • Programming I (ITRW124), 12 Credits.
  • Social Anthropology (SANL112), 12 Credits.
  • Art History (KSGS113), 12 Credits.
  • Social Anthropology (SANL122), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sociology: Institutions And The Sa Context (SOCL121), 12 Credits.
  • History (HIST121), 12 Credits.
  • English (ENLL121), 12 Credits.
  • Introductory Algebra And Analysis Ii (WISN121), 12 Credits.
  • English (ENLL111), 12 Credits.
  • Social And Community Psychology (PSYC121), 12 Credits.
  • Math Tech (WISN123), 12 Credits.
  • History of the Setswana (SETM111), 12 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL111), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sociology: Basic Concepts and Themes (SOCL111), 12 Credits.
  • Basic Micro- And Macroeconomics (ECON121), 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy (AGLA121), 12 Credits.
  • Art History (KSGS122), 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6:
  • Human Environments (GGFS222), 16 Credits.
  • German Intermediary 2 (GERM221), 16 Credits.
  • German Intermediary 1 (GERM211), 16 Credits.
  • Physical Geography (GGFS212), 16 Credits.
  • Social Anthropology (SANL213), 16 Credits.
  • Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN221), 16 Credits.
  • Development Psychology (PSYC211), 16 Credits.
  • Sociology of Work (SOCL224), 16 Credits.
  • Art History (KSGS212), 16 Credits.
  • Social Anthropology (SANL223), 16 Credits.
  • French Intermediary 1 (FREN211), 16 Credits.
  • Computer Science (ITRW212), 16 Credits
  • English (ENLL221), 16 Credits.
  • International Trade (EKIP211), 16 Credits.
  • Personnel Psychology (IOPS211), 16 Credits.
  • English (ENLL211), 16 Credits.
  • Christian Ethics (ETIE221), 16 Credits.
  • Micro-Economics (ECON221), 16 Credits.
  • Career Psychology (IOPS221), 16 Credits.
  • Computer Science (ITRW225), 16 Credits.
  • History (HIST221), 16 Credits.
  • Computer Science (ITRW222) ,16 Credits.
  • International Trade Finance & Payment (EKIP221), 16 Credits.
  • Afrikaans and Dutch:Frameworks For Language And Literary Stu (AFLL222), 16 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics (ECON211), 16 Credits.
  • History (HIST211) 16 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis I (ITRW213), 16 Credits.
  • Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN211), 16 Credits.
  • French Intermediary 2 (FREN221), 16 Credits.
  • Afr and Dutch Language And Literature Study (AFLL211), 16 Credits.
  • Creative Writing (SKRK211), 16 Credits.
  • Comparative Politics (POLI213), 16 Credits.
  • Setswana Phonetics And Setswana Modern Lit (SETM211), 16 Credits.
  • Positive Psychology (PSYC221), 16 Credits.
  • Setswana Phonology And Prose (SETM221), 16 Credits.
  • Skills for Language Practice I (LAPP211), 16 Credits.
  • Creative Writing (SKRK221), 16 Credits.
  • Linear Algebra I (WISN212), 8 Credits.
  • Personality Psychology (PSYC212), 16 Credits.
  • Analysis Iii (WISN211), 8 Credits.
  • Political Studies (POLI223), 16 Credits.
  • Sociology of Development And Social Problems (SOCL211), 16 Credits.
  • Skills for Language Practice II (LAPP221), 8 Credits.
  • Sociology of the Family and Level Group Dynamics (SOCL221), 16 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL221), 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Translation work (LAPP222), 8 Credits.
  • Medical Sociology (SOCL222), 16 Credits.
  • Linear Algebra Ii (WISN222), 8 Credits.
  • Ontology (PHIL211), 16 Credits.
  • Analysis Iv (WISN221), 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7:
  • Issues in Sa Politics (POLI324), 16 Credits.
  • Fiscal and Monetary Policy (ECON311), 16 Credits.
  • International Trade Geography (EKIP311), 16 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL322), 16 Credits.
  • Research Project (ETIE322), 16 Credits.
  • The Ethics of Care (ETIE321), 16 Credits.
  • Political Theory (POLI313), 16 Credits.
  • Social Research Methodology (SOCL312), 16 Credits.
  • Theories of International Relations (POLI314), 16 Credits.
  • Algebrac Structures (WISN322)16 Credits.
  • Real Analysis I (WISN311), 16 Credits.
  • Real Analysis Ii (WISN321), 16 Credits.
  • Political Economy (POLI323), 16 Credits.
  • Combinatorics (WISN312), 16 Credits.
  • Political Sociology (SOCL327), 16 Credits.
  • Social Theory (SOCL311), 16 Credits.
  • Ethics in the Workplace (ETIE313), 16 Credits.
  • Economic Analysis (ECON321), 16 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL311), 16 Credits.
  • Sociology of Religion (SOCL323), 16 Credits.
  • Development Economics (ECON322), 16 Credits.
  • Sosial Anthropology (SANL323), 32 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL321), 16 Credits.
  • Philosophy (PHIL312), 16 Credits.
  • Socio-Economic Ethics (ETIE312), 16 Credits.
  • Sosial Anthropology (SANL314), 16 Credits.
  • Gender Studies (SOCL321), 16 Credits.
  • Social Anthropology (SANL313), 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Develop an understanding of the demands of the specific occupation they wish to enter.
  • Develop the broader society and world within which they will function.
  • Understand, apply and extrapolate key concepts within especially the philosophical disciplines and the sciences that combine with the latter in the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) qualification, and master and apply the academic conventions valid within these disciplines.
  • Develop an attitude of lifelong learning.
  • Demonstrate mastery of a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, which includes an understanding of discipline-related meta-theoretical ideas, theories, concepts and principles.
  • Access and evaluate appropriate information including knowing how scientific and scholarly knowledge is created; an appropriate level of cognitive and other generic skills including problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, written and spoken communication; and competence in applying knowledge through elementary research methods and practice. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories is achieved.
  • The ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information is demonstrated.
  • An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice is critically reflected.
  • Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations is displayed.
  • Scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas, written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology are communicated.
  • Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The offering of the qualification will employ both formative and summative assessments throughout the three years of study, in the form of written as well as practical assignments and examinations used in the various disciplines included in the qualification. Students will be assessed on the application of the skills they develop in the various subjects. In some subjects -e.g. Philosophy-students will be assessed in an integrated manner by means of a project in the third year of the qualification, wherein not only the students evidence of the mastering of the mentioned philosophical knowledge and skills are assessed, but also his/her writing and communication skills as well as her/his computer literacy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is a recognised Degree offered at many universities internationally. The motivation for the name of the Degree is to be found in the focus in content on Philosophy and on a large amount of independent study. The Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil's) earliest form is as a University of Oxford graduate Degree. Some universities including Oxford recognise it as a Postgraduate Degree. In accordance with the Oxford model, the Degree is suitable as a foundation for doctoral (D.Phil. or Ph.D.) work in philosophy. At other universities, the term "Bachelor of Philosophy" refers to an undergraduate Bachelor's Degree. (This is also how the institution intends to use the degree.) The qualification frequently involves a considerable research component, either through a thesis or supervised research projects, or a considerable amount of independent study. (As part of the 3rd year in Philosophy and Ethics the institution intends to include a 32ct supervised reading and writing project.) 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Education (Level 8).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) Honours Degree.
  • Honours Degree associated with one of the various other main subjects (Level 8). 
    		•

    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. North West 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.