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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105726  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-02-13  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to produce learners who will be able to:
  • Construct and elaborate on a firm Sociology knowledge base concerning the social construction of reality, social structures, social dynamics, and social and environmental policy issues, in a way that acknowledges the complexity of our globalizing world.
  • Implement and develop research skills with increasing independence, with a bearing on social processes and social change, using appropriate methodologies, and pursuing acceptable forms of analysis within the discipline of Sociology. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing inequality, social conflict, and environmental sustainability issues.
  • Cultivate an interdisciplinary skill set and learn the value of analytical rigour though engaging with different methodological and sociological approaches to understanding social problems.
  • Implement the ethical orientation towards others and the environment encouraged through a Sociological approach, in the interest of building a worthy contemporary ethos, which is crucial given the crises faced locally, continentally and globally.
  • The qualification consists of three compulsory modules, one elective, as well as an Honours research Project. All modules in this qualification contribute in an integrated fashion towards the qualification's intended outcomes.

    Graduates will be equipped with the critical skills needed in order to understand various intergroup relations and social dynamics. Thus in terms of career paths, graduates will be able to assume entry-level positions as academics, social researchers, social policy analysts, health specialists, and Non-profit Organisation (NGO) consultants, among other occupations. Furthermore, skills learned and knowledge gained in postgraduate sociological training see graduates equipped with transferable skills, including: multi-disciplinary understanding; contextual sensitivity; knowledge of policy and society, and research competency.

    Rationale:
    Sociology is critical for the human ecology; societal development and advancement; and the sustainability of the natural environment. It addresses key issues of health, human rights, gender and labour matters.

    The Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) in Sociology currently on offer is due to be phased out, with the last intake in 2018. The BAHons (Sociology) will replace the current qualification and ensure not only an alignment with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) requirements but also a continuation of a vertical articulation route to the existing Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) research qualifications in Sociology. More specifically, the qualification will be far more of a focused offering than the previous qualification, drawing on the specific discipline strengths of the Sociology staff at the institution. In addition, the content of this qualification builds on the undergraduate Sociology modules but without duplication. This will lend structural coherence to Sociology at the institution, whereby first, second and third year modules build upon one another in a gradated way, leading into the Honours and then into the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

    This qualification is relevant for political, economic, social, cultural, educational, and environmental contexts. The curriculum will draw on staff research strengths, thus developing a niche for the institution's Sociology-focusing on development of academic knowledge and critical skill sets in the sociology of human rights; gender and labour studies and health and society.

    Because of the nature of work and economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay region, it makes sense to equip BA Hons in Sociology learners with necessary skills in order to understand the region, and contribute to the development of the local and national economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is not applicable to this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirements for admission are:
    A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum pass of 60% in Sociology or a cognate discipline. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

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

    Compulsory Modules, 100 Credits:
  • Research Project, 40 Credits.
  • Social Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Social Research, 20 Credits.
  • Gender and Labour Studies, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 20 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Human Rights and Social Justice, 20 Credits.
  • Sociology of Health, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Draw on the existing, and contribute to, the Sociology knowledge base, with particular reference to the social construction of reality, social structures, social dynamics, and social and environmental policy issues.
    2. Demonstrate competence in relevant research methodologies and forms of analysis, in order to apply these skills in real-world conditions within human rights, gender, and social welfare and environmental sustainability.
    3. In their academic work consistently manifest analytical rigour in terms of Sociology methodologies and methods, while demonstrating a firm grasp of the necessity of interdisciplinary analysis.
    4. Conduct themselves ethically in the academic and public domain, and constitute an example for others to follow in terms of interpersonal relations and reflection on issues of health. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Critically engage with different sociological perspectives.
  • Compare, contrast, select, apply, and critically evaluate sociological frameworks.
  • Adhere to discipline specific academic writing (grammar, structure, referencing, coherence and relevance of arguments etc).
  • Demonstrate integrated critical reading.
  • Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Various formative and summative assessments will be used in line with the nature of the subject of assessment. These will include:
  • Research projects (internally and externally examined).
  • Departmental and class presentations.
  • Essays.
  • Tests.
    Each module will be concluded by a summative assessment in the form of an examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification can be compared to sociology qualifications offered by the following global and regional institutions.

    The University of Kent (United Kingdom):
    This institution offers a Sociology BA (Hons) qualifications consisting of a variety of modules (compulsory and optional) that provide an understanding of core traditions and development in sociological thinking and research, explore childhood gender, political change, race, violence, work etc.

    University of Nairobi, Kenya:
    The university of Nairobi offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts qualification (equivalent to an honours qualification) with focus areas that include the economy, health, ageing and mass communication.

    Based on the above, it is evident that while this qualification conforms to international expectations related to compulsory research based modules, it has positioned itself as offering a niche focus on sociological issues related to health, human rights, gender and labour. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree in History or Anthropology.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Sociology. 
    		•

    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. Nelson Mandela 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.