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 Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112871  Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Science 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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 Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Sciences is to prepare students for research-based postgraduate study. It serves to deepen students' expertise in the field of recreation science, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the field of recreation science. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. Qualifying students will be provided with a broad, integrated knowledge foundation of the field of Recreation Science, and critical skills to apply Recreation Practice Management, Therapeutic recreation and leisure programming appropriately and effectively. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for fundamental and applied research methods intending to further studies in Recreation Science at HEQF level 9.

Rationale:
Recreation Science is a professional field that is rapidly expanding in South Africa. It is already one of the top career fields in the USA as well as certain parts of Europe. For that reason, is it of the utmost importance to have a focussed qualification that specializes in relevant components of Recreation Science for the South African context. During the planning and compiling of the curriculum career opportunities as well as the labour needs of our country were considered. With the expansion of the field of Recreation Science, more qualified professionals will be needed to address the recreation needs of the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the programme. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of prior learning, Credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the NWU RPL policy. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Health Science.
  • Not more than 10% of a cohort of students in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Science programme will be admitted through an RPL process.
  • Through its RPL policy and that of the university, the Faculty of Health Science 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.
  • Applicants will be assessed against NQF level 7 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirement to the Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Science is:
    To qualify for admission to the Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Recreation Science, a prospective student needs to have an appropriate bachelor's degree (level 7) in the field of Health Sciences or an appropriate advanced diploma (level 7); or the equivalent of these as approved by Senate. In addition, a prospective student must comply with all other requirements as prescribed in the rules of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and as contained in the faculty yearbook. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 140 Credits:
  • Applied research methodology and Research report, 36 Credits
  • Therapeutic Recreation, 24 Credits
  • Applied Recreation Management, 24 Credits
  • Recreation Service Programming, 24 Credits
  • Outdoor Leadership, 32 Credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    After completion of the Honours Degree in Recreation Science, students should demonstrate the following:
    1. Comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the field of Recreation Science, regarding recreation practice management, health promotion, child welfare, therapeutic recreation and leisure programming.
    2. Critical evaluation of existing knowledge concerning theories, research methods, techniques and technology in the recreation sciences, and apply that knowledge to various contexts.
    3. Diagnose the recreation needs of individuals, groups and communities, design basic intervention programmes and apply them in various socio-cultural circumstances.
    4. Obtain, analyse and interpret relevant information concerning individuals, groups and communities, and communicate the information, either individually or as a member of a group, by writing reports, doing assignments, or reporting orally.
    5. Observe and apply ethical, professional and value-based code of conduct in all modes of communication and association with individuals and groups.
    6 Utilize appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Recreation Science environment (technological and environmental literacy).
    7. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Recreation Science.
    8. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of Recreation Science related skills.
    9. Combine critical and creative thinking in the use of science, research and technology with sound and systematic theoretical expertise.
    10. Demonstrate skills and values as entrepreneurs or employees in the field of recreation provision or adventure therapy through integrated projects to identify and solve known and unknown problems and demonstrate mastered competencies in community involvement. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic recreation within the multidisciplinary relationship and service delivery (ELO1).
  • To combine this knowledge with the necessary theoretical expertise to identify, analyse, evaluate and solve practice-oriented problems (ELO 1&2).
  • Demonstrate comprehensive and systematic knowledge of service delivery and management in the recreation environment (ELO 1, 2 & 7).
  • Apply effective and appropriate management skills during the planning, organizing, and presentation of recreational services. (ELO 4, 5, & 10)
  • Show a cohesive and critical understanding of the science, research and technology and can combine it with the necessary theoretical expertise to identify problems around the management of recreation service delivery planning, organizing, and presenting recreational services (ELO 6, 9, 8 & 4)
  • Use knowledge to programme leisure time specific to the South African population (ELO 3 & 4).
  • Produce evidence of implemented programmes for positive leisure-time functioning (ELO 3, 4, & 7)
  • Successfully plan, organize, present and manage outcome-based outdoor and adventure based on recreation service professionally through the effective and appropriate use of fundamental knowledge and practical skills (ELO 3, 4, 5 & 7).

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    (Summative, Formative and or WIL)
    Formative assessment will be undertaken through projects, assignments, case studies and tests during the year in the modules. In some modules, formative assessment will include portfolios, practical evaluations and a research proposal.
    Students will also write a summative and integrated exam (written and practical) and will submit a research report on discrete research that was conducted under supervision at the end of the year for summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: USA
  • Institution: University of Northern Iowa
  • Qualification Title: Leisure, Youth and Human Services, B.A

    The BHScHons (Recreation Science) qualification is similar to the final year of the Leisure, Youth and Human Services, B.A qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications are aimed at preparing individuals with the skills, knowledge and values required to effectively assume a professional career in the areas of leisure, recreation, parks, therapeutic recreation, tourism, youth and human service settings. Both qualifications articulate to Master's degrees. The more reason why this qualification is only compared to the final year to the Leisure, Youth and Human Services, B.A. More so, the qualification in the University of Northern Iowa is a professional qualification whereas this one is professionally oriented.
  • Country: New Zealand
  • Institution: University of Auckland
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)

    The BHScHons (Recreation Science) qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications include both coursework and research.
  • Both qualifications share similar themes and focus on leisure as in the curriculum is on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public. These leisure services take place in outdoor recreation, parks and recreation, therapeutic recreation programs for people with disabilities, campus recreation, commercial recreation, travel and tourism, and youth-serving organizations. Both qualifications are at NQF level 8 and articulate to Maters level. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8; or the
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Health Management, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Science in Hand Rehabilitation, 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.
     
    1. North West University 


    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.