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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110997  Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
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  2021-07-01  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 the qualification is to enable working language practitioners to undertake reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking and research methods in the disciplines of translation, interpreting and language management. The qualification also aims to provide a retraining opportunity for learners in other professions.

Rationale:
In the officially multi-lingual context of South Africa, the need for language practitioners is ever-increasing, both in the public and the private sector. The qualification is suitable for translators, interpreters and language managers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.
The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 64 Credits:
  • Capita Selecta (Postgrad Diploma) - Linguistics module, 32 Credits.
  • Language Practice, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 32 Credits, Choose Two:
  • Language Policy and Planning in Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Foundations of Interpreting: Theory and Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Approaches to the Theory and Practice of Community Translation, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate engagement in an area at the forefront of the field of language practice.
    2. Evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    3. Apply a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the relevant sub-discipline of language practice.
    4. Identify and address ethical issues.
    5. Operate effectively within a system, or manage the system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
    6. Take full responsibility for own work, decision making and use of resources and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate level-appropriate practical skills as translators, interpreters and language managers.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and research methods relevant to the sub-disciplines of language practice.
  • Communicate academic and professional ideas effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights and rigorous interpretations.
  • Apply in a self-critical manner learning strategies which effectively address own and others professional and ongoing learning needs.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The approach to assessment is predominantly continuous with projects, portfolios of evidence of practical competence and oral assessments dominating the assessment strategies. Where modules are theoretical in nature formative small group work, laboratory work in the interpreting laboratory and individual assignments are favoured.

    Summative Assessments would tend to be open-book examinations with access to all the sources required to support excellent translation and interpretation work. In the case of summative assessments, i.e. examinations, including, among others, oral and practical examinations, or module credit assessments (semester or module tests/portfolios in cases where the promotion system applies), departments are required to apply internal assessment and external moderation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in General Linguistics, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Language Practice, NQF 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.