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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Religion and Social Transformation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110860  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Religion and Social Transformation 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

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:
This qualification aims to start to prepare independent researchers in the area of Religion and Social Transformation as these pertain to their own religion, their religion of choice, or their work with more than one religious formation. They must be able to generate knowledge at a basic level by conducting original research that addresses complex context-based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor. The research will culminate in a production of a research report in the form of a research project in the traditional format.

The qualification aims to provide achieving learners with specialised knowledge and competence in their areas of study related to religion and social transformation. Learners achieving the qualification will be able to contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development within the relevant commercial, industrial and state-related sectors associated with the socio-economic systems in our countries as these are impacted by religions and faith-based communities and vice-versa. Alternatively, they will be prepared to undertake Master's studies in their area of specialisation as this relates to their chosen religion of study.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in the area of Religion and Social Transformation. On completion of their research projects, learners should be able to operate at basic levels of research, and provide intellectual leadership in all areas pertaining to religion, especially as it articulates with both challenges and the dynamics of social transformation processes. On the policy level, learners should be able to provide strategic and evidence-based guidance, informed by their scholarly research in their area of specialisation and be able to address local, regional and global issues pertaining to the different world religions but also smaller religious systems and faith-based organisations and institutions. At a practical level, learners ought to be able to constructively and cooperatively engage social phenomena related to the local and global religions and religious formations, and provide leadership through the research knowledge and skills that they have developed.

Should graduating learners wish to follow an academic career-path, the qualification will provide the necessary entrance to further independent research toward the qualification of Masters in Religion and Social Transformation. This qualification provides a pathway that also goes to Doctoral and Postdoctoral studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for the recognition of prior learning for the purpose of admission to study at the institution. Prior learning will be recognised in the form of properly certified qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. Appropriate professional qualifications in the areas of the cultural and/or media industries as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application may also be considered.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Level 7 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 64 Credits:
  • Research Methodology in Religion and Theology, 16 Credits.
  • Method and theory in Religion and Theology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 64 Credits (Choose modules totalling 64 Credits):
  • Introduction to African Religion and History, 32 Credits.
  • Text and Interpretation, 32 Credits.
  • African Culture and Christian Literature, 32 Credits.
  • Directed Study 1, 32 Credits.
  • Directed Study 2, 16 Credits.
  • Directed Study 3, 16 Credits.
  • Primary and Secondary Sources in Islam, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of the qualification the learner will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in the selected field of study.
    2. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that addresses complex issues in the chosen field of study.
    3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
    4. Present research findings to fellow learners in seminars using appropriate educational media or means to disseminate findings.
    5. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the area of religion and social transformation in identifying and conceptualising a research area pertaining to a religion or religious formations.
  • Undertake research under the guidance of a supervisor in the field of religion and social transformation, and report on these in ways that reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There is continuous assessment in the form of written assignments, oral presentations and participation in workshops. Learners are assessed on Independent individual research, oral presentations, written assignments and examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Religion and Social Transformation, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.