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:

Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political and International Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111459	Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political and International Studies
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship
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	2019-09-03	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 produce learners with in-depth knowledge, and sustained proficiency in both scholarship and specialised training in the fields of Political and International Studies. Demonstrating initiative and responsibility in an academic context, learners will be equipped with sound analytical skills at a foundational level that will allow them to engage with key social, political and economic issues within the disciplinary areas. The qualification will also prepare learners to conduct research in the field of Political and International Studies.

Combining the critical perspectives and theoretical grounding of Political and International Studies with the competencies required for public and international affairs, the qualification is designed to equip learners for a diverse range of career opportunities in the public sector, civil society (including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)), consultancy bodies, research institutes, diplomatic and military academies as well as higher education.

The qualification enhances learner attributes in the following four areas:

Traditional Intellectual Knowledge.

Personal attributes.

Communication skills.

Organisational and or institutional awareness.

Within the premise of Political and International Relations, learners will learn how to apply theoretical discourses, conduct independent research, and apply specific models and analytical tools under closely supervised conditions. With this, learners will develop a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the processes, functions and practices in the field of political and international relations. It thus aims to provide an integrated understanding of key issues in the study of power (politics broadly understood) and the interaction of state, economy and civil society.

Rationale:
The increasing demand for experts in the field of political science and global politics (International Studies) is critical and essential in a growing international system, thus making it imperative for developing the training, analysis, research and practitioner needs in the broader South Africa's socio-political landscape and its engagement with the international community.

A qualification (Political and International Studies) of this nature is aimed at providing South Africa with a significant number of skilled political and international relations experts who can operate in a number of different areas of critical capacities and applied competencies in the general field of Political and International Relations. These areas include the public sector, Non-Governmental Organisations, Consultancy Bodies, Military Academies as political analysts, Policy Advisors, Researchers, Diplomats, as well as academics in Tertiary Institutions.

This qualification will help locate the changing political landscape of South Africa within the broader international environment.

Furthermore, the qualification offers broad spectrum of modules which could lead to advanced study as well as specialisation in fields of political and international relations with professional occupations-particularly since Political and International Relations is a discipline that encompasses a majority of all other disciplines to form a distinct discipline of its own.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Policy and Procedures set out the requirements and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning for admission to the qualification. The university will consider appropriate professional qualifications, as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application. Applications must be in terms of the rules governing selection for Postgraduate studies which states that:
"An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of Postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a student of the University. Students will have to use the university's procedure, which is approved at various university levels".

The process of the University involves visible, mediating, evaluating and acknowledging prior knowledge and skills of the eligible RPL learner.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Senior Certificate, Level 4 with endorsement.
Or

National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
Or

A National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 90 Credits:

Introduction to Political Science, 15 Credits;

Introduction to International Relations, 15 Credits;

Introduction to International Development, 15 Credits;

Introduction to South African Politics, 15 Credits;

Introduction to International Organisations, 15 Credits;

Theory and Practice of Gender Politics in Africa, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 30 Credits:
Choose one of the following:

Computer Literacy 1, 15 Credits;

Practical English 1A, 15 Credits;

Communication Studies, 15 Credits;

Communication Skills, 15 Credits.

Choose one of the following:

Practical English 1B, 15 Credits;

South African History, 15 Credits;

Public Relations Skills 1, 15 Credits;

Journalism Skills 1, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 90 Credits:

African Political Thought, 15 Credits;

Politics and Public Policy in Southern Africa, 15 Credits;

African Politics and Development, 15 Credits;

Introduction to Political Sociology-South Africa, 15 Credits;

Themes in Contemporary Middle East Politics, 15 Credits;

Corruption and Development in Africa, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 30 Credits:
Choose one of the following:

Communication Studies 2, 15 Credits;

Journalism Skills 2, 15 Credits;

Political Philosophy, 15 Credits;

19th and 20th Century Europe, 15 Credits.

Choose one of the following:

19th and 20th Century South African History, 15 Credits;

Knowledge and Scepticism, 15 Credits;

Public Relations 2, 15 Credits;

Media Ethics, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:

Foreign Policy Analysis, 15 Credits;

Comparative African Politics - SADC, 15 Credits;

Public Policy Analysis, 15 Credits;

Policy Papers On South African Affairs, 15 Credits;

Geopolitics, 15 Credits;

Introduction to Political Enquiry and, 15 Credits;

Research Themes in Conflict Transformation, 15 Credits;

Policy Papers on Global Affairs, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge in the fields of political and international studies and be able to apply theories.
2. Exhibit understanding about the extent to which knowledge in these fields is contested and is in a constant state of flux.
3. Develop the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within research practices or approaches.
4. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the field of political and international studies.
5. Act ethically and professionally to justify decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within political and international studies.
6. Access, process and manage information concerning political and international studies.
7. Demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional or occupational discourse.
8. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain a solid understanding of key terms, concepts and facts.

Demonstrate a detailed, clear and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts of the main political international studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate a degree of knowledge literacy in political and international studies.

Evaluate different types of knowledge and explanations in the fields of political and international studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Select specific methods of discipline and procedures and apply them to investigate problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify problem-solving skills in terms of applying respective theories to specific cases.

Critically analyse problem-solving skills in terms of applying respective theories to relevant scenarios.

Evaluate problem solving skills in terms of applying respective theories

Reflect on problem solving skills on in terms of applying respective theories to specific scenarios.

Address complex problems using theory driven arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Understand moral values, ethics and professional practices behaviour, traditions and institutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Select appropriate processes of information gathering in the field of political and international studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Produce and communicate information on the different theories, approaches and debates in the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate a sense of accountability in different contexts with learner taking ownership of their own agency.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment of the taught component will be continuous in the form of, amongst others, research, written assignments, attendance at lectures, and participation in discussions.
The type of work that learners will be assessed on includes the following:

Essays reviewing of recent literature on relevant topics.

Tutorials on relevant topics.

Exams.

Participation in class discussion.

The approach and methods of assessment are multi-mode, incorporate both formative and summative assessment and are designed to assess different competencies of the learners.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is offered by the institution in order to make available a qualification that has both regional and international applicability. Learners who complete this qualification are regularly accepted to further their studies into institutes such as the University of Birmingham, University of Warwick and the University of London.

This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
While the specific modules at any of these universities vary in terms of focus, the overall qualification content covers the core elements that allow learners to combine their interest in international relations with the study of political theory and the national politics of a variety of countries. The modules for this qualification, have been developed with a focus on both international and regional specialisation with a focus on the most important issues currently being dealt with in Southern African Development Community (SADC), generally in Africa.

Conclusion:
What is common in all of these qualifications is that the specific module offerings combine to develop learners whose skills allow them to collect, present and analyse political data which can then be used to make informed evaluations about those issues, processes and agendas that shape the political environment.

Common exit level skills for learners that do a degree in Political and International Studies are improved communication, creative and critical thinking and the development of cogent arguing techniques. Learners will be adept at solving problems, negotiating and influencing decisions.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Political Science, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Administration Honours in Political Science in International Politics, 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.

NONE