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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
108894  Bachelor of Social Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-02-13  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 the qualification is to ensure that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in sociology, anthropology and psychology to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context where application of the principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, Postgraduate study, or professional practice in a wide range of careers within civil society, the public or private sectors. The courses within the Bachelor of Social Science are developed in a progressive manner covering the major functional specialisations and culminating in an integrated manner which provides broad strategic context for graduates to gain insight into and greater understanding of how individuals and groups interact in local, national and global stages. It includes instruction in social theory, social science research methods, social organisation and structure, public administration, governance and ethics, workplace psychology, anthropology, socioeconomics, social change, family structures, social deviance, and sexuality and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) education, which are underpinned by professional communication and computer literacy skills. Furthermore, a few elective options are available in entrepreneurship, marketing and management to incorporate the third pillar of society, that of the private sector.

The breadth and depth of learning achieved by graduates reflect a broad repertoire of skill-sets and knowledge-sets consisting of principles, theoretical engagement and levels of intellectual independence characteristic of a first Bachelor's Degree within Social Sciences and Humanities and which facilitates access to the world of work and promotes critical and analytical citizenship. For a rapidly evolving and growing nation, this qualification forms part of the increase in provision of graduates with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Social Science is a response to the critical and scarce skills demand lists published annually in South Africa wherein the demand for competent individuals who can: critically assess and present information in written and oral forms; structure and present logical arguments; analyse material and opinions; reach informed decisions; work autonomously and collaboratively; accept leadership for self and others; display organisational and programme/project management capabilities across all sectors in society. The current and future need for competent middle and senior level professionals has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required of graduates are captured in this qualification while remaining, to a certain Degree a generalist programme for the field of practice rather than a specialist programme, by offering good breadth on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth for its intended purpose. The qualification provides exciting opportunities in a wide variety of career paths in the areas of human resources, business management, education and assessment, research and policy analysis and any area in which a global and 'big picture' awareness coupled with critical thinking skills is an asset. Furthermore, it encourages opportunities for self-employment.

In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated and changing world of work; the continued development of higher order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum has been designed to give graduates the skills required for managing life-long learning, to build successful careers, and to remain productive and responsible citizens. The qualification provides a balance in fields that broadly enable abilities in relation to career pathways while providing opportunities for both professional memberships with a variety of local and international bodies and further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:
  • Specialised studies in industrial psychology or public policy and governance Postgraduate studies in education or business administration.
  • Honours Degree studies in sociology, anthropology or development studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with English as one of the subjects passed and with access to a Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)) Level 4 with English as one of the modules passed and with access to a Bachelor's Degree studies programme.
    Or
  • A Higher Certificate at Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory at Level 5, 6 and 7, with Elective modules at Level 6 and 7, totalling 374 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5 at 144 Credits:
  • Computer Literacy: 16 Credits.
  • Sociology 1: 20 Credits.
  • Psychology 1: 16 Credits
  • Professional Communication: 8 Credits.
  • Anthropology 1: 20 Credits.
  • Socioeconomics 1: 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Criminology: 10 Credits.
  • Sexuality and HIV Education: 16 Credits.
  • Public Administration: 16 Credits.
  • Public Discourse Law: 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6 at 106 Credits:
  • Sociology 2: 20 Credits.
  • Psychology 2: 20 Credits.
  • Anthropology 2: 20 Credits.
  • Socioeconomics 2: 14 Credits.
  • Project Management: 12 Credits.

    Elective modules Level 6 (choose one):
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management: 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Management: 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7 at 124 Credits:
  • Sociology 3: 20 Credits.
  • Workplace Psychology 3: 20 Credits.
  • Social Science Research Methods 3: 8 Credits.
  • Leadership, Ethics and Governance: 12 Credits.
  • Anthropology 3: 20 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning Research Report: 14 Credits.

    Elective modules Level 7 (Choose one):
  • Geography of Politics: 30 Credits.
  • Global Management: 30 Credits.
  • Services Marketing: 30 Credits.
  • New Venture Creation: 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in sociology, anthropology and psychology.
    2. Demonstrate competence in the ability to structure and present logical arguments, critically analyze material and opinions, and make informed decisions about what is happening at the forefront of contemporary society.
    3. Demonstrate competence in understanding ethical issues, standards, and/or public responsibility in relation to professional practice.
    4. Demonstrate competence in social research skills.
    5. Demonstrate effective communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences and social science practice.
  • Consolidate and synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge of the dynamics of social systems and practices in different settings and apply this to a chosen specialty.
  • Apply concepts and principles, theories, methodologies and techniques to understand current 'real world' issues.
  • Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
  • Inquire into the dynamics of particular social problems and practices using established social science protocols.
  • Analyse unpredictable, complex social problems, issues and situations; apply creative, logical and critical thinking skills; and form evidence-based judgments regarding possible solutions.
  • Critique how individuals and groups interact in local, national and global stages.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically apply ethical principles, inter cultural understanding, and socio-cultural sensitivity Justify the need for sensitivity towards cultural diversity and marginalised groups.
  • Justify the importance of ethical practice, social responsibility, social justice and civic awareness when acting to resolve conflicts, addressing problems and responding to social and environmental challenges.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply basic research methods to design and conduct independent research on social problems.
  • Collect, organise and critically assess information and develop well-written and coherent reports on the results.
  • Work productively with others, as well as independently.
  • Show initiative and develop new skills.
  • Articulate ideas using a wide range of techniques effective with different audiences, including experts and non-experts.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate management and teamwork skills in different cultural, cross-cultural and regional contexts to best effect desired and desirable social change.
  • Work autonomously and collaboratively to apply knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement.
  • Demonstrate a proficient level of written, oral, or interpersonal skills, including the effective use of information and communication technologies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is ordinary practice in this type of qualification and is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to the occupational focus carried by the qualifier and in terms of its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and critical cross-field learning outcomes.

    Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learner is able to express-through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria-hat they can operate effectively in an entry level occupational position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

    Formative Assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and students are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative Assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Western Sydney University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Social Science

    This is an online qualification offered at AQF Level 7 with 240 Credits. It can be completed in 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time. The Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science is also offered online (in the distance mode of provision) and may be completed in 3 years at minimum, or in 9 years at maximum. The AQF is directly comparable to the South African NQF Levels and Descriptors ,the AQF Level 7 carries the same Level Descriptors as the South African NQF Level 7, however the notional hour calculation per credit in Australia is not made explicit (in South Africa, 1 credit = 10 notional hours of study) Entry requirements for Australian Citizens are as per the national regulations, and for international applicants there is a requirement that candidates be proficient in English, and provide appropriate school-leaving qualifications, i.e. the National Senior Certificate (NSC - previously referred to as the "Matric" certificate) in South Africa with admission to a Bachelor's Degree (sometimes known as a "Bachelor's pass"). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are applicable in Australia and such applications are evaluated on an individual basis, as they are in South Africa.

    The comparison indicates clear similarity between the major and elective course options in both qualifications (in terms of modules of study, but a comparison of credit allocations was not possible given the information to hand, however, in the understanding that the AQF and NQF are very closely aligned, it is assumed that the credit allocation and associated volume of study would also be comparable). The most obvious difference lies in the inclusion of foundational modules in Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science (Computer Literacy and Professional Communications), both of which provide the necessary bridging for candidates who may not have had prior exposure to ICT, and who may not have received adequate preparation for higher education in the basic school system. This is important in the South African context, whereas the Australian context may not call for such inclusions. The range of modules from which candidates can choose in the Western Sydney University's Bachelor of Social Science is mirrored by the compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 in the Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science. Importantly, both qualifications ensure that the candidate progresses in the major/core module/subject - thus ensuring a depth of specialist knowledge specific to the field of social science, while adding additional knowledge via the electives and/or 'minor' subjects/modules which add breadth of understanding in the social science arena.
    The outcomes of the Bachelor of Social Science are to "equip students with the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge that a new graduate would need on entering the workforce or on proceeding to advanced study. The qualification aims to expand understanding of the social world in three ways: through social theory, social research and the applications of these ideas and knowledge to practice through social engagement. It provides a wide base for understanding issues in the complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social environment of the 21st century." These align to the Exit Level Outcomes of the Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science which include "demonstrate competence in understanding ethical issues, standards, and/or public responsibility in relation to professional practice", "demonstrate competence in the ability to structure and present logical arguments, critically analyse material and opinions, and make informed decisions about what is happening at the forefront of contemporary society", and "apply knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in sociology, anthropology and psychology".
    The close alignment of these qualifications has been demonstrated, and what is more, both qualifications are demonstrably contemporary as well as being contextually and topically relevant.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The University of Bath
    Qualification Title: Social Sciences BSc (Honours)

    This qualification with 180 credits, can be completed in four years if undertaken full-time (note that this qualification entails three years of study plus an additional year - the third of the four years - on a work placement). The 180 credits are divided into 60 credits (European Credit Transfer System, ECTS) per year, or 1200 notional hours of study (thus, 1 credit = 20 notional hours of study compared to the South African system where 1 credit = 10 notional hours of study). This qualification can also be undertaken online/in the distance mode of provision. Applicants should have completed an undergraduate qualification (a minimum of 120 ECTS credits) with the inclusion of at least one humanities or social science subject, such as:
  • Geography.
  • History.
  • Philosophy.
  • Politics.
  • Psychology.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Sociology.

    Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for the chosen qualification including relevant reading, voluntary work or additional study. Specific entry requirements for South Africans were not available on the website, however, foreign applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
    The two qualifications are comparable, with modules reflecting the societal context in which each qualification is offered, i.e. "Understanding Society: Britain in a global context" versus "Ethnography of Postcolonial Africa". Both qualifications include not only in depth sociological theory, but also the foundational modules that prepare the candidate for academic research, or project management in corporate contexts - through the 'Academic Research Skills' modules and the 'Research Methods & Statistics' modules. Not only is there considerable depth of theoretical exploration in both qualifications, but there are opportunities for the candidate to select elective modules to encourage a broader understanding of sociological concepts and allied fields. The Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science does include foundational instruction that is not evident in the University of Bath's Social Science BSc (Honours)qualification. 'Computer Literacy' is included for 12 credits, given the understanding that many candidates entering higher education in South Africa may not have had adequate prior exposure to ICT. Academic support of candidates entering higher education - oftentimes as first generation candidates - is of importance and assists with access, while promoting success, hence the inclusion of the 'Professional Communications' and 'Academic Skills' modules. While work-integrated learning modalities are embedded in the Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science, this is more directly expected in the University of Bath's Social Science BSc (Honours) qualification which assumes some volunteer work and perhaps some vacation work experience prior to admitting candidates onto this qualification.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: The University of Namibia
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Honours)

    This is a four-year full time qualification in the contact mode of provision totalling 544 credits. To register for this qualification a candidate must hold a valid Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) or a recognised equivalent qualification (Candidates require a Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC), provided that the candidate has passed five subjects normally in not more than three examination sittings with a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM Evaluation Scale, or passed the UNAM Foundation programme with at least a C-average). Entry into this qualification may also be awarded to candidates who have previously completed a 240-credit Diploma qualification (Namibian Qualifications Authority). The South African NQF and the Namibian NQA are identically comparable. The total credit allocation for the University of Namibia's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Honours) is 544 credits over four years (416 credits for the three undergraduate years, or the equivalent of 4160 notional hours of study over three years). The credit allocation for the Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science is 374 credits over three years (or 3740 notional hours of study over three years).

    The University of Namibia's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Honours) is a four-year qualification as it includes the fourth (Honours) year in the curriculum. Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science does not include the fourth year in the qualification, and thus, the comparison between these qualifications rests in the first, second and third year curricula. Namibia's socio-economic situation, as well as geographic location in the SADC region determines that the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Honours) includes foundational modules similar to those offered in the Bachelor of Social Science curriculum (i.e. the 'Foundations of Communication' and 'Professional Communication' modules). The compulsory modules in the first, second and third years of these qualifications show a similarity in breadth and depth of theoretical scope, and both curricula prepare the candidate toward critical thinking, professional practice within an ethical framework, and in the advancement of social and economic justice. The University of Namibia's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Honours) includes much greater engagement with evidence-based practice and the processes of monitoring and evaluation - but these appear primarily in the fourth year. Furthermore, This qualification includes modules such as 'Palliative Care' which have a clinical emphasis, whereas the Boston City Campus & Business College's Bachelor of Social Science does not venture into the clinical side of sociology. Moreover, the Namibian qualification emphasises Social Work rather than Sociology and Social Science in this regard. Despite this, there is alignment between the exit-level outcomes and there is equitability in the reference to "critical thinking", "application to specific contexts" and consideration of different theoretical approaches to complex problem-solving. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Social Science Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Science in Human Resource Development Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours: Development Studies and Social Transformation Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours at Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Business Management Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Population and Policy Analysis 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd 


    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.