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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100842  Bachelor of Arts Honours in 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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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:
Within the social sciences, the purpose of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) (Sociology) is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of sociological aspects that they can apply within a working environment, such as the Non-governmental organisations (NGO), state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret sociological aspects 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 qualification is to enable the student to develop as a researcher and to prepare him/her for further study at Level 9. There is a need to produce competent qualitative social researchers able to function effectively in a number of specialised areas. Graduates that are well equipped with a broad range of fundamental research and writing skills are essential to meeting this need. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The North-West University (NWU) 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 NWU endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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:
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA) (Hons) programme is open to approved students who have been awarded a Bachelor's Degree, or a qualification designated by the Senate as equivalent, with a major in Sociology or Social Anthropology. Senate may require any candidate, before being admitted to the Honours programme, to attend and complete,as may be determined by Senate, such undergraduate courses or portion of courses of a Bachelor curriculum as the senate may prescribe. The modules at the exit level must have been passed with an average of at least 65%, barring exceptions as approved by the School Director. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Modules:
  • Sociology of Development (SOCL621), 16 Credits.
  • Women's Studies (SOCL627), 16 Credits.
  • Gender Identity (SOCL628), 16 Credits.
  • Sociology of South Africa (SOCL629), 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Social Theories (SOCL611), 32 Credits.
  • Research Methodology (SOCL612), 32 Credits.
  • Research Project (SOCL671), 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced socio-analytical skills that would enable them to engage with advanced methodologies, including a basic knowledge of statistical methods, to identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solution to a current sociological problem in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of Sociology as well as a detailed knowledge of the specialisation fields of The Sociology of Development, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies, Women Studies and the Sociology of South Africa.
  • Render a service with the acquired knowledge in order to analyse social questions in South African society and to show a well-founded knowledge in this regard.
  • Write a research report in accordance with accepted academic standards and communicate the findings to an audience of academic peers with the aid of suitable Information technology (IT). 
    		•

    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. Students 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 South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) 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 
    Vertical Articulation:
  • On the successful completion of the curriculum, students may be admitted to the Master's Degree in Sociology at 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 


    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.