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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101445  Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  384  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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BA Journalism) is to educate and train graduates for Journalism for the unique circumstances of South Africa. These circumstances include bridging the divide between developed and developing communities within one society, advancing social justice and acting as the watchdogs of democracy. The qualification will equip students with fundamental knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism, reporting across different genres and platforms, practical newswriting and publication skills, a sound theoretical background in terms of media theory and critical thinking as well as knowledge of broader communication contexts, mass media research, and communication law and ethics.

This qualification enables learners to respond to the working environment by providing them with a solid foundation within the discipline of Communication Science with a specific theoretical and practical focus on Journalism as a profession within a developing society.

This qualification has been carefully designed to allow for three lines of development as proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Model Curriculum, namely:
  • Professional practice: Characterised by engagement in active enquiry (undertaking tasks similar to those undertaken by professionals) and achieved through experiential learning (skills exercises, collaborative projects, creation of original work, for example portfolio). The teaching content of the three Newsroom modules (JCOM1508, JCOM2608 and JCOM3708) and those of the two modules in Applied Journalism (JCOM3718 and JCOM3728) are focused on training learners practical reporting skills, editing and writing skills and techniques and skills in the layout and editing of a publication.
  • The study of journalism in society: The content of the modules of this qualification emphasises social, cultural, political, economic, legal and ethical aspects of journalism within and outside national borders. Learners will learn the importance of context and how a professional journalist navigates through a variety of world-views resulting from a multi-cultural society and a global village.
  • General knowledge of other disciplines: Journalism is inherently interdisciplinary and exposure to other disciplines will allow for specialisation later in career. A carefully selected list of subjects included in this qualification as electives include Anthropology, Art history and visual culture study, Criminology, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and three language options; namely, English, Afrikaans Mother Tongue and Afrikaans Non Mother Tongue.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge of journalism. The aim of this qualification is to educate and train journalists for the unique circumstances that they face in South Africa. The importance of journalism is underscored by the importance of freedom of expression as global fundamental human right, according to Section 16 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is leading in promoting freedom of expression and access to information and knowledge, and has taken various initiatives to improve the quality of journalism education worldwide. It states that "sound journalism education contributes towards professional and ethical practice of journalism. Such journalism is better suited to foster democracy, dialogue and development. Citizens cannot exercise and enjoy their citizenship in the absence of crucial information and knowledge, which well-trained journalists are better placed to provide.

    Therefore, the institution has a responsibility to ensure its journalists have the competencies to seek out and interpret information, and the judgment and integrity to communicate it in as objective and unbiased terms as possible. At the core of journalism is the need for newsrooms that are staffed by well-trained and critically-minded journalists who are likely to influence the processes of democracy and development in their societies.

    This qualification provides an undergraduate qualification that enables the Institution to be proactive in addressing the need for journalists and media practitioners in various contexts and across different mass media. This is achieved by equipping learners with the theoretical and practical knowledge of journalism within the field of Communication Science.

    The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BA Journalism) is tailored to address the needs within the sector, namely:
  • Journalists who are able to practice their craft across a variety of platforms.
    And
  • Specific knowledge of the South African context and the requirements of a transitional society.

    In terms of the individual, this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to qualify for a career in journalism as well as the broader media industry. This holds economic benefits to the individual who will be able to secure a stable financial future, while at the same time contributing trained journalists to a growing media industry. In a transitioning society such as South Africa well-trained journalists who are able to think critically and engage with issues from various viewpoints are a necessity as these journalists act as the general link of the public with complex and often abstract information.

    Graduates who complete the Degree successfully will be able to join a newsroom in one of the following: print (e.g. newspaper and magazine); radio (e.g. commercial; public broadcaster; community) or multimedia (cross-platform) as a junior reporter and be able to produce journalism across genres as required by an entry-level journalist. Also learners will receive a solid theoretical foundation with ample opportunity to transfer and apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This qualification will enable learners to work as qualified Journalists in various media contexts, ranging from community media through commercial media to public broadcasting, and across platforms, including print, broadcast and online/multimedia.

    Also graduates who meet the criteria may continue with their studies at Honours level with specialisation in Media Studies and Journalism within the Institution. Other Postgraduate pathways at other Institutions are possible after successful completion of this qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements stated, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning for credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment and the Institution RPL policy. The process will be managed by the central RPL Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • A Senior Certificate with endorsement and the appropriate subject choices.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate granting admission to Bachelor studies; and and the appropriate subject choices. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 96 Credits:
  • Newsroom 1, 32 Credits.
  • Interpersonal Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Interpersonal Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Visual Communication, 16Credits.
  • Persuasive Communication, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 96 Credits:
  • Media Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Newsroom 2, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Media Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Communication Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Communication Ethics, 16Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits:
  • Newsroom 3, 32 Credits.
  • Applied Journalism 1, 32 Credits.
  • Applied Journalism 2, 32 Credits.
  • Communication Research, 16 Credits.
  • Development and Health Communication, 16 Credits.

    Electives vary in terms of Levels, 64 Credits (select four streams):
    Anthropology:
  • Introduction to Anthropology.
  • Culture: Understanding Ourselves and Others.
  • The Anthropology of Identity.
  • A cross-cultural study of symbolism, religion and worldviews.

    Criminology:
  • Introduction to criminology and victimology.
  • Contemporary crime issues in South Africa (SA).
  • Theoretical foundation of sentencing.
  • Practical sentencing.

    History:
  • Introduction to the Twentieth Century History South Africa.
  • 20th Century World History.

    Philosophy:
  • Introduction to philosophy.
  • The Church fathers and the Middle ages: Historical and conceptual overview.

    Political Science:
  • Introduction to Political Science.
  • Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance.
  • Globalisation and World Politics.
  • Governance and Political Transformation in Africa.

    Sociology:
  • Introduction to Sociology.
  • Social Institutions.
  • Consumerism and Consumption.
  • Industrial Sociology.

    Art history and Visual Culture study:
  • Image interpretation in art history.
  • Studying visual culture and media.
  • Visual narratives and fictive worlds.
  • Image translations in South Africa.

    English:
  • Reading literature: An introduction to reading, writing and critical textual analysis.
  • Reading literature, Film and culture.
  • Early modern to contemporary world literatures.
  • Twentieth century and modern literature.
  • Early English literature and cultures; South African and African Literature and culture.

    Afrikaans Non-Mother Tongue:
  • Basic Afrikaans Language - Patterns and Usage.
  • Basic Afrikaans Literature.
  • Afrikaans Morphology and Semantics for Non-Mother Tongue Speakers.
  • Advanced Afrikaans Linguistics and Language Diversity.
  • Advanced Afrikaans Literature.

    Afrikaans Mother Tongue:
  • Introduction to Afrikaans linguistics.
  • Introduction to the Afrikaans and Dutch literature: Periods of emancipation.
  • Afrikaans Morphology and Sociolinguistics.
  • Advanced Afrikaans semantics, pragmatics and syntax.
  • Contemporary Afrikaans literature and its historical background. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a broad knowledge base of the two major disciplines of Journalism and Communication Science.
    2. Develop generic skills including a broad general knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to innovate and to work across disciplines.
    3. Develop all the basic technical skills required to practice as a journalist across genres and platforms.
    4. Analyse the state of the industry and adapt in order to ensure sustainability.
    5. Contribute to a developing democracy in a mature manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles and theories pertaining to journalism and communication science.
  • Integrate knowledge across journalism and communication science.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate systematic knowledge of theories and models, methodologies and scholarly positions in Communication Science, Journalism and Media Studies.
  • Show how this knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.
  • Apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments pertaining to Journalism and Communication Science while navigating the variety of world-views resulting from a multi-cultural society and a global village and understand how these impact on and are impacted on by the media.
  • Adapt models, theories, methodologies and approaches from Journalism and Communication Science as well as from unrelated fields in order to recognise general patterns, find solutions to problems by comparing concepts from a variety of fields to find creative solutions to problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Gather and synthesise information for a given context, whether for creating journalistic output or for deliberating on journalism as practice by developing appropriate processes and synthesise information collected from a variety of respected, valid sources.
  • Communicate and argue effectively and according to academic acceptable standards in a variety of formats (e.g. written, oral, visual), as well as professional journalism products (e.g. producing journalism across a variety of genres and for a variety of platforms).
  • Apply theories of various media and communication through active enquiry in order to solve problems within, for example, a newsroom.
  • Utilise various methodologies to analyse, evaluate and adapt, for example, content strategies.
  • Engage critically with current discourses about practical and normative issues in the media and about the media by:
    > Challenging assumptions and identifying consequences.
    > Demonstrating an open-mindedness and willingness to adjust thinking and beliefs through, for example, challenging fundamental assumptions behind political, economic, social and cultural issues.
  • Complete tasks required of a professional journalist and thereby identify own abilities and challenges and adapt learning strategies accordingly.
  • Critically analyse media theories, editorial policies and statutory requirements that influence the media environment.
  • Act responsibly and recognise how responsibility translates to the professional working environment, including limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others as it manifests in, for example, group work, which simulates the co-dependent situation in a professional newsroom.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and locate new knowledge.
  • Create own work in contemporary contexts (e.g. South Africa and Africa) regarding specific issues and problems as it pertains to journalism and the study of journalism in society, including journalism's role in a developing democracy.
  • Analyse the state of the media industry.
  • Provide solutions to adaption in order to ensure sustainability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate a keen understanding of social and human complexity and diversity that result in a questioning attitude regarding existing journalism practices.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a sense of civic responsibility both as professional media practitioners as well as private citizens.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of moral awareness regarding the role of journalism in safeguarding democratic principles in an emerging democracy and a transitioning society, including editorial decision-making.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Description of the number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies:

    Assessment will comply with institutional assessment policy. Assessment will provide for formative, summative and continuous assessment opportunities.

    Formative Assessment:
    Practicals will be done in nine compulsory modules (Newsroom 1-3, Interpersonal Communication, Persuasive Communication, Communication Theory, Communication Ethics, Communication Research, Development and Health Communication) to equip learners, inter alia with journalistic technical skills and practical competence. Tests will be written or orally taken in all modules, except in Applied Journalism 1 and 2. These will explicitly assess theoretical knowledge and applied knowledge. Assignments will be used extensively in most modules. Assignments that require the learner to discuss, analyse or evaluate a topic through the writing of essays or structured written assignments. Other formative assessment methods will include presentations and case studies.

    Summative Assessment:
    One examination will be written in eight of the fifteen compulsory modules: Interpersonal Communication, Applied Interpersonal Communication, Visual Communication, Persuasive Communication, Media studies, advanced media studies, Communication Theory, Communication Ethics.

    Continuous Assessment:
    Due to the assessment of the outcomes required, continuous assessment, through the compilation of a portfolio of journalism across genres and platforms, will be done in the seven modules Applied Journalism 1, Applied Journalism 2, Newsroom 1, Newsroom 2 and Newsroom 3. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following qualifications:

    United States of America (USA), Medill North Western University offers the Undergraduate Journalism qualification. This qualification focuses on training journalists for a changing media landscape. It prepares a learner to work in a journalism industry where journalists must be able to adapt to challenges and work across platforms and genres. It has a strong focus on learners first acquiring basic journalism skills, multimedia reporting abilities and a focus on the storytelling element of journalism, in addition to exposure to general modules from fields outside journalism.

    United Kingdom, City University of London The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BA Journalism) is offered by the City University of London, United Kingdom (UK). This undergraduate journalism programme also focuses on practical proficiency combined with relevant studies in the humanities in order to prepare students for entry-level journalism practice.

    Students will receive a solid theoretical foundation with ample opportunity to transfer and apply theoretical knowledge in practice. The qualifications will allow learners to work as journalists in various media contexts, ranging from community media through commercial media to public broadcasting, and across platforms, including print, broadcast and online/multimedia.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the qualification offered internationally. All the qualifications aim to equip learners with journalism skills through theory and practice. The qualifications focus on training learners and equipping them with skills that will enable them to prepare for the changing media landscape. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the University of the Free State.

    Horizontally Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), Level 7, ID 61990.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Science, Level 8, ID 9143.

    This qualification offers systemic horizontal and vertical articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontally Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts: Communication Science, Level 7.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism, 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. University of the Free State 


    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.