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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101083  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
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
5353  Bachelor of Arts Honours  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification attempts to familiarise potential and practicing language practitioners with relevant theories and practices in linguistics as a whole, while affording a more in-depth study of language as it relates to society, cognition, teaching and learning as well as planning. Language practitioners can benefit from (and are often required to have) such knowledge in that these factors play an essential role in embarking on careers related to language planning, editing, analysing, writing, teaching, curriculum development, research and academics, among others.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in General Linguistics curriculum has been redesigned with the intent to provide learners with an understanding of the field of Linguistics holistically, by providing them with a combination of general modules covering concepts, theories and practice in Sociolinguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Language Planning and research in linguistics. The Sociolinguistics curriculum addresses aspects related to language planning and policy procedures as well as language variation within context (i.e. the use of different dialects/codeswitching/the influence of style and gender on language choice). In Cognitive linguistics, factors such as cognition and its role in language are addressed. Learners are exposed to general research procedures and practices in linguistics to examine any one of these fields in more detail. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

This qualification recognises:
Formal prior learning:
  • Learners need a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree to register for the Honours BA.
  • Learners' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

    Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning:
  • Learners will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. They may also be awarded blocks of credits towards elective modules. A policy is currently being drawn up.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree with at least 60% in Linguistics or a language as a major. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 96 Credits:
  • Language Contact and Variation, 24 Credits.
  • Research Report in Linguistics, 36 Credits.
  • Language Planning in Education, 12 Credits.
  • Cognitive Linguistics, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 24 Credits (Select one module):
  • Issues and Factors in Applied Linguistics, 24 Credits.
  • Perspectives on Translation and Interpreting Studies, 24 Credits.
  • Translation for Specific Purposes, 24 Credits.
  • Translation Method and Function, 24 Credits.
  • Reading and Writing in Applied Linguistics, 24 Credits.
  • Methods and Testing in Applied Linguistics, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural and human environments.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    3. Manage and organise own activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies within the open and distance learning context.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required.
    5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global context.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging own responsibilities to those in the local and broader community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and on the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
  • Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.
  • Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
  • Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to their own views.
  • Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base, etc.) To support their stated views.
  • Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs and opportunities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use and propagate 'people skills' (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) In group situations.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Undertake projects of a theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
  • Use advanced communication skills within the group.
  • Act as supportive followers and group participants.
  • Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
  • Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies.
  • Organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
  • Evolve strategies best suited to their personal situations and contexts.
  • Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate research skills within a discipline or field of study.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
  • Integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Act responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g. Appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc).
  • Follow relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
  • Critically evaluate theories, examples, experiences, etc.
  • Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate their ideas logically and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
  • Use language competently, showing awareness of written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.
  • Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
  • Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of their ideas.
  • Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
  • Analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
  • Use natural resources in a sustainable way.
  • Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology.
  • Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline.
  • Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
  • Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
  • Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Summative Assessment takes place by means of a written exam at the end of the year. The mark acquired during the exam counts 80% towards the year mark. The research article requires the student to do extensive research. Formative Assessment takes place during the year based on two draft papers, which counts 20% towards the year mark.

    Summative Assessment takes place when the completed research article is submitted and the mark counts 80% towards the year mark.

    Formative Assessment is done by means of activities in study guides, self-assessment questions in study guides and self-assessment assignments as well as written assignments that have to be submitted for assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Institution forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, institution's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon completion of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) Learners may proceed to Postgraduate study at Master of Arts (M.A.) level. 

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.