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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Sociology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100939  Bachelor of Social Sciences 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  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:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Sociology 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. It aims to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of selected fields in Sociology, which include basic methodological approaches and theoretical orientations applied to the South African context.

Rationale:
The rationale behind the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Sociology in Sociology is to be found in the composition of modules of relevance to some of the most challenging and real issues facing the present South African society. The knowledge and competencies acquired from this honours qualification will enable learners to contribute to solutions and interventions within a social and work contexts, and secondly to do qualitative social research in a number of specialised areas. Learners 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 institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits to the qualification. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to NQF Level 7 the learner already possesses, 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 learner setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for the modules and qualification. 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's qualification with a major in Sociology or equivalent, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 160 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8: 96 Credits:
  • Social Theories, 32 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 32 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Specific Social Problems, 16 Credits.
  • Social Policy, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology, 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 solution to a current sociological problem in South Africa;
    3. 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;
    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 technology. 

    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 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;
  • Critically reflect on and apply appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice;
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior 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 effectively 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:
    The Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Sociology employs continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests etc., as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini dissertation/project report. 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. These formative, summative and integrated assessments take place in the form of written as well as practical assignments, class tests and examinations in all the modules included in the qualification.

    The learner skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate technology, are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy. Assessment focuses particularly on a critical, creative and interpretative perspective of the various disciplines. These assessment procedures link the teaching and learning strategy directly to ensuring that specified learning outcomes are achieved as per associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The SAQA level descriptors for HEQF Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These level descriptors are internationally compared 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:
  • BA Honours in a cognate field NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's qualification in Sociology at 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.