SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100828	Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication
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
Honours Degree	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Communication Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	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		2031-06-30

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:
The purpose of the qualification is to deepen the student's scientific knowledge of a specialised field in Communication, and acquire scholarly and scientific insight into the connections between related matters in the field of Communication enabling the identification and solving of real problems in a critical and creative manner. A student is thus prepared for a career as a communication practitioner in the diverse context of South Africa and internationally.

Rationale:
This Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication qualification is intended to educate learners in the theory and practice of a specialised field in Communication to be a relevant role player and practitioner in the South African society. Graduates would be able to play an important role in solving communication problems within the different fields of specialisation. This qualification in a specialised field of Communication is intended to assist relevant role players, such as potential employers, current students and their parents, to understand the criteria determining job possibilities in the world of Communication.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based-and life-long learning, in which considerations of Recognition of Prior Learning 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 the North-West University. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) 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 the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Humanities 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, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements:

A three year Degree in Communication Studies with an average pass rate of 60% for the core modules on third year level in Communication Studies, namely KOMS312, 315, 324 and 325 or an equivalent qualification with a pass rate of 60% for selected modules. b) All applicants are screened before admission.

Admission to the specialisation fields Journalism is subject to screening according to the criteria stated in the student guide.

An average of at least 60% for the research module KOMS324.

The compilation of the students honours curriculum is in all cases subject to the final approval of the subject chairperson as well as the director of the School of Languages.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of a compulsory module and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Module:

Research Report (KCMN671) 32 Credits.

Elective Modules:

Film Studies (KSGS676) 24 Credits.

Corporate Com Management: (KCMK612) 8 Credits.

Marketing Management in Communication (KCMK613) Level 8 16 Credits.

Development Communication: Context and Application (KCMO611) 16 Credits.

Communication Management: Relationship and Reputat (KCMK621) 16 Credits.

Communication for Social Changes: Fundamental Approaches (KCMO612) 16 Credits.

Corporate Communication Man: Context and Application (KCMK622) 16 Credits.

Communication for Social Change: Context and Application (KCMO621) 16 Credits.

Public Speaking (KCMK623) 8 Credits.

Research Article (KCMN621) 16 Credits.

Corporate Communication Management: Fundamental Approaches (KCMK611) 16 Credits.

Organisational Media Management: Theoretical Applications (KCMM611) 16 Credits.

Video Production (KCMV671) 64 Credits.

Organisational Media Management: Contexts and Application KCMM612) 16 Credits.

Organisational Media Management: SpecialiSed Projects (KCMM674) 32 Credits.

Journalism: Media and Society (KCMJ672) 16 Credits.

Organisational Media Management: Writing (KCMM675) 8 Credits.

Journalism in Practice (KCMJ673) 72 Credits.

Research Methodology (KCMN611) 16 Credits.

Advanced Communication for Social Change (KCMO672) 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Acquire scholarly and scientific factual knowledge, and insight into the connections between related matters in the field of Communication by means of an interdisciplinary approach.
2. Identify and solve problems in a critical and creative manner.
3. Acquire, control, apply, analyse, and integrate knowledge independently, as well as to evaluate it in a responsible and well-grounded manner.
4. Be effective learners who understand the need for life-long learning.
5. Describe, contextualise and analyse specific communication problems and phenomena within different theoretical perspectives.
6. Know and master the requirements to be a well rounded beginner communication practitioner.
7. Deal critically with the methodologies of various theories.
8. Articulate and communicate the value of communication within a vocational context.
9. Recognise and understand how to communicate within a culturally-diverse South African and world population.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.

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.

Integrated Assessment:
Continuous formative assessment ensures feedback to learners on progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment focuses on the Exit-Level Outcomes of the qualification and includes integrated assessments, among others a mini-dissertation, which assess the students' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. Integrated assignments focuses on assessing whether the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in to or in the component parts of the programme of study and on the demonstration of applied competence. It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods - and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Communication qualification standard is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time. To ensure international comparability, the Level Descriptors of Level 8 were benchmarked against the standards and norms contained in the qualifications frameworks developed for countries around the world.

Academic staff members teaching this qualification also work closely with colleagues worldwide in order to ensure comparable standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

Master of Arts in Communication, 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.	North West University