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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111559  Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
57143  Bachelor: Consumer Sciences Honours  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours is to equip learners with the necessary integrated knowledge, competences, expertise and applicable practical skills to function as Consumer Scientists in all South African Societies and to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. This qualification delivers Consumer Scientists who have the ability to assess the impact of external influences such as economic, socio-cultural and technological changes in the environment on consumer behaviour and recommend appropriate actions to consumers, government and industry. It also aims to provide the country with learners who can guide consumers in an educational and advisory capacity to make informed and responsible decisions in order to improve the general quality of life with respect to the core areas of Consumer Sciences, namely interior, fashion, foods and consumer behaviour. This qualification lays the foundation for research to improve consumer well-being and serves as entry into a Master's qualification at NQF Level 9.

Rationale:
This qualification is a postgraduate qualification focused on the preparation of leaners for research-based postgraduate study within the field of the Consumer Sciences. The qualification will enable learner Consumer Scientists to become entrepreneurs, leaders and researchers in the fashion/interior/food industry to improve the lives of SA consumers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme.

The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in a formal setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated in learning modules and qualifications. The difference is the route to the assessment. RPL assessment takes a holistic view of the process of assessment where the context of the learning as well as the context of the person who is being assessed is taken into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 88 Credits:
  • Adult Education and Training, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project: 32 Credits.
  • Consumer Behaviour, 16 Credits.
  • Research Policy Writing, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 56 Credits (Choose three):
  • Food Product Development, 24 Credits.
  • Consumer Resources Management, 24 Credits.
  • Housing and Community Development, 24 Credits.
  • Interior Design, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Fashion Industry, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Textiles, 24 Credits.
  • Consumer Behaviour in Foods, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate: extensive and integrated knowledge and engagement in a selected discipline of Consumer Sciences (Interior, Fashion, Foods and Consumer behaviour) to evaluate and apply concepts, principles, theories and skills thereof while knowing how such knowledge links with other related disciplines.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation concerning complex consumer issues in order to develop logical and creative solutions to the South African consumer within the selected area of Consumer Sciences in a professional, ethical and responsible manner.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate consumer-related issues, rigorous interpretation and solutions in an appropriate academically correct and professional manner using different types of media and technologies.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and in a team to identify, study and critically review discipline-related processes and systems in specialised contexts and develop scientific solutions for different consumer groups.
    5. Systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
    7. Critical reflect on and apply appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
    8. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
    9. Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
    10. Function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment: Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practical's, class discussions, semester tests.

    Summative assessment: Written exam papers and oral presentations.

    The Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout the one year of study, in the form of written as well as practical assignments, class tests and examinations in all the modules included in the programme. The students skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate IT, are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Consumer Science Honours qualification of this institution is comparable to other similar qualifications worldwide with regard to outcomes, credits, level of difficulty, notional hours, and electives offered as well as career opportunities. The following two international qualifications are benchmarks for this institution qualification: Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Sciences with Honours (University of Otago, New Zeeland); Housing and Consumer Economics, Honours (University of Georgia, US). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master Science in Consumer Sciences, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.