SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Development Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100936	Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Development Studies
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	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
72764	Bachelor of Social Science Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of politics 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 political 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 train learners who will meet the needs of National, Provincial and Municipal governments and institutions; Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Faith based organizations; and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the various sectors of the economy and society in implementing Population and Development programmes more effectively through research and integration of population factors in development policies and programmes. Additionally, the proposed programme aims at providing sufficient background knowledge for a more specialised training at the Honours and Master's level.

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 (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:
The minimum entry requirement is:

A Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies or any other Bachelor's Degree approved by the Senate.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Research Project, 30 Credits.

Theories of Development, 24 Credits.

History of Development, 18 Credits.

Development Policy and strategy, 24 Credits.

Theories and Strategies of Rural and Urban Development, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. 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 analyse development strategies and initiatives, design, implement, monitor and to evaluate development programmes and policies.
2. Identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solution to a current sociological development problem in South Africa.
3. Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of Development Sociology as well as a detailed knowledge of specific field of specialisation.
4. 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.
5. 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

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

Demonstrate 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.

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

Demonstrate 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.

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

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

Demonstrate 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 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 7 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:

Masters Degree in Development Studies.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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