SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101222  Bachelor of Arts in Music 
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
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 this qualification is to facilitate and deepen the learner's general understanding of the theoretical, practical and ethical aspects of Music Education and Music Performance. The qualification will equip the learner with the theory and practice of music. The qualification will also equip the learners with a sufficient depth of knowledge and practical skills for continued personal intellectual growth, including postgraduate research, for gainful economic activity and rewarding and constructive contributions to society. Provide society with music graduates who demonstrate initiative and responsibility and are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society.

Rationale:
Music is a fundamental mode of human affection and cognition that is central to enculturation, social formation and the economy. The responsible management of this essential cultural and economic resource requires professionals with advanced training in a variety of musical fields like education, (Ethno) musicology, music technology, African music, church music, theory and performance. The training of educators, performers and choir conductors is emphasised as this is where South Africa. The musical need is most urgent. Teaching methods and learning outcomes are in align with practices accepted by the South African Society for Research in Music the International Society of Music Educators and the Pan-African Society of Music Educators. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role. The institution subscribes to the view that recognition of prior knowledge whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution (such as the Diploma in Music) or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Diploma in Music, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 396 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding and knowledge of (i) the relationship between music, culture and society, and the philosophy and practice of music disciplines such as Music Education, Music Technology, African Music, Performance Practice, Arts Administration, Music Theory and Choral Conducting.
  • Apply knowledge and skills of basic research designs and methods in music;
  • Apply all acquired insight and expertise as educators, novice researchers and performers,
  • Address ethical issues in music education and the performing arts. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    The following forms of integrated assessment are continuous formative and summative assessment to ensure integration of all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Written assignments and tests
  • Written and practical examinations.

    The participation mark mostly forms 50% of the pass mark of each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The School of Music aligns itself with international standards using exchange programmes with universities in Finland, Sweden and the USA. Academic staff of the BA Music qualification work closely with colleagues from these universities in order to ensure that the qualification compares favourably with international standards and practices. Furthermore, there is the use of the national Level Descriptors for HEQF level 7 to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally comparable to the 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 Arts NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.