SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Consumer Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115094	Bachelor of Science Honours in Consumer Science
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand
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 11 - Services		Consumer 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 this qualification is to allow learners to demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialised knowledge in the area of specialisation and apply knowledge and conduct research in various fields of Consumer Sciences such as food product development, extension and rural development, foodservice and hospitality management. Maintain high levels of academic work and promote a work approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.

Rationale:
The field of Consumer Sciences is core to multiple processes of production and consumption, as well as the reciprocal interactions between humans, the micro- and macro environment for improved quality of life and well wellbeing. The field encompasses a wide variety of industrial, community-based and commercial areas, including nutrition, foods, family ecology & livelihoods, and hospitality. There is at present a need for knowledge creation in this core area to strengthen the philosophical and knowledge base of the profession to address food and nutrition-related challenges, transform societies, through advocacy influence the family and resource management and articulate the evolving food systems/management, massive social and economic changes. Science is the core component of practice; the qualification introduces the effective use of critical thinking and integrative, holistic and multi/interdisciplinary approaches that respond to the societal needs and develop specialised knowledge and skills mindful of the needs of prospective employers.

Learners should be able to contribute to current thinking and the development of innovations in the field, consumer sciences. Learners in the qualification will develop research skills, academic writing and presentation skills required to present a research project. Moreover, learners will acquire the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills regarding small-scale production, entrepreneurship and the marketing of quality products to create job opportunities and or significantly contribute towards the improved economy. Learners will be able to work as scientists and consumer advisors in a variety of situations within the specialised area of choice, using the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired, guiding others' decision making in the best use of resources according to scientific principles.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be conducted according to the institution's RPL policy. Prior learning acquired in the workplace or informal study, company/industry based-training, working with experts, or life experience will be evaluated. One's skills and knowledge will be evaluated; if it is found to be relevant, one may be granted appropriate credits. RPL may thus make it possible for one to either gain access or earn credits towards the institution's Honours academic qualification based on prior non-formal learning.

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

Bachelor of Science in Consumer Science, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science Education in Home Economics, NQF Level 7.

Cognate Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 60 Credits:

Research Methods, 20 Credits.

Research Project and Oral 40 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 60 Credits (Choose 3 Modules):

Non-Formal Education and Extension, 20 Credits.

Family Studies and Household Resource Management, 20 Credits.

Advanced Nutrition, 20 Credits.

Housing and Interior Design, 20 Credits.

Community Nutrition, 20 Credits.

Foods, 20 Credits.

Food Service Management Systems, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Exhibit the ability to construct new concepts or create new understanding through the process of enquiry, critical analysis, problem-solving, research and inquiry.
2. Demonstrate discipline(s) knowledge, research skills, technical competence, understanding and skills which will enable learners to solve a range of complex real-world issues;
3. Undertake a study of literature and current research in the area of specialisation and develop a research design, proposal and report, demonstrating the ability to select and apply the appropriate research methods and techniques, for their area of study.
4. Effectively disseminate knowledge gained to the relevant stakeholders using appropriate communication in both professional (intra and interdisciplinary) and social (local and international) contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcome:

Identify and apply theories and principles correctly.

Show individual self-management or team capacity through projects.

Establish an ability to make decisions based on open-mindedness, objectivity and reasoned analysis in order to achieve common goals and further the learning of themselves and others using a range of appropriate theoretical underpinnings/systems/tools.

Critique relevant research articles and reports of various sources within Consumer Sciences and other related disciplines.

Establish an appropriate, practical and suitable research design.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to communicate effectively using visual aids, and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment will be primarily formative with a summative research report and oral. Practical reports are showing understanding of and application of theory in a real-world setting. Reflective reports demonstrating the learner's ability for critical self-reflection and critical analysis of collective learning. Project reports showing the capacity to translate theory and practice into realistic and viable qualifications. Research projects showing the capacity to conduct basic primary and secondary research and to write appropriately about all processes involved in the research.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The University of reading, Abertay University in the United Kingdom offers Honours Degree which "is vocationally relevant and blends academic learning with practical skills honed in the state-of-the-art pilot plant and consumer science laboratories". Their focus is on:

The nutritional requirements of a person throughout their lifespan;

What drives consumer food choices;

What are the quality and safety requirements for manufacturing foods;

How to innovate and make healthy delicious foods ensuring they are safe to eat; and

How to improve products and processes to make the food industry more efficient and sustainable.

However, the programme does not focus much on development though sustainability is one of their primary focuses.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation:
Horizontal Articulation:

Cognate Bachelor in Consumer Science Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Consumer Sciences, Level 10.

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.	University of Zululand