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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100937  Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations is to deliver learners who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of politics that they can apply within a working environment, such as Non-governmental Organisations, state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret political aspects and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every learner 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 qualification.

Rationale:
The rationale behind the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations is to provide learners with advanced scientific knowledge, and to equip them with sound and in-depth analytical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Political Science/International Relations. They will thus be exposed to principles of political thoughts, ideas, and philosophies which provide platform for examining issues of human interaction within the polity. The qualification also aims to turn out academic researchers for engagement in South Africa in the discipline of Political Science, who will be able to contribute to advancement of knowledge for the use of policy makers in the country. 

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 for modules or the qualification. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge required, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the qualification.

The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in a cognate field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Theories and International Politics, 16 Credits.
  • Foreign Policy Formulation and Negotiation, 16 Credits.
  • International Political Economy, 16 Credits.
  • Regional Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Security and Global Transformation, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Foreign Policy Analysis, 16 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,
    2. Identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solutions to a current international relations problem in South Africa;
    3. Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of International relations as field of study, as well as a detailed knowledge of specific specialisation fields;
    4. Render a service with the acquired knowledge in order to analyse international relations questions in South Africa 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 IT. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • Function 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 SAQA level descriptors for 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 possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Political Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in Development Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in Communication, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master Social Sciences in International Relations, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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 


    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.