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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Medical Sociology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100840  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Medical Sociology 
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 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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:
Within the social sciences, the purpose of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons) Medical Sociology is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the medical aspects of sociology that they can apply within a working environment to investigate, analyse and interpret the evidence of medical sociology and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every graduate with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, for rewarding and constructive contributions to society and gives admission to more advanced studies, such as a cognate Master's Degree.

Rationale:
The rationale behind the composition of the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons) Medical Sociology is to empower learners in developing their research and analytical skills, while deepening their understanding of the medical issues as they are related to society. The design of the programme is focused on providing students with the knowledge and skills to operate as medical sociologists successfully and independently. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A relevant Bachelor's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Theory of Medical Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Project, 32 Credits.
  • Sociological Health Behaviour, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology in Medicine, 16 Credits.
  • Ethics in Medical Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Sociological Dynamics in Health Care Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Lifestyle Educ and HIV/Aids, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base of the sociology in medicine and be informed about current developments and debates in this new field of study.
    2. Present a health care plan based on the relevant theoretical knowledge of the area.
    3. Function supportively as a health care worker in a simulated environment and facilitate social health training.
    4. Identify the need for a health care system within a community and on a personal level.
    5. Undertake a research project related to health care, which entails knowledge of research methods, skills to identify shortcomings in existing research, the gathering and analysis of data, and the evaluation and utilisation of articles in journals for the literature study.
    6. Compile a research report and debate findings orally by way of suitable media. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini dissertation/ project report etc. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Learners are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Level Descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 8 were used to design the qualification standard. These level descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the national quality assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Medical Sociology. 
    		•

    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.