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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Language Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115168  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Language Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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 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 qualification will provide learners with knowledge, skills and competencies in the fields of Formal and Theoretical Linguistics (Morphology, Syntax, Phonetics and Pragmatics); Applied Linguistics (Ethnography, Discourse Analysis, Language, Power, Identity and Discourse, Language Acquisition and Learning); Multilingualism (Literacies, Culture, Race, Gender, Class, Language shifts and varieties); Models and Practices of Language Learning (Multilingual teaching approaches and methodologies); Language Policy and Language Planning; Translation and Interpreting; Lexicography and Corpus Linguistics (Writing dictionaries and computerised linguistic data collection and analysis); and Creative Writing.

The qualification and its research component will develop the learner's critical thought. Exit Level Outcomes are that learners will be able to know, understand and demonstrate the formal aspects of language at word, sentence, sound and meaning levels; the application and analysis of language and language problems in society; the socio-political and socio-linguistics issues that are pertinent at local and global levels; the skills and theories involved in practical and theoretical translation and interpreting; lexicography and corpus linguistics and creative writing. Learners will be able to research language-related issues and provide analysis, recommendations and conclusions. Lastly, they will be able to know and apply creative writing techniques. The outcomes will promote in-depth disciplinary knowledge, an ethical, socially aware, responsible and critical thinker who will be linguistically creative, innovative, adaptive and technological and have advanced writing and reading proficiencies.

Learners will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provides opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to equip learners with skills and knowledge in Linguistics and Language Practices. It will provide solid theoretical and practical foundations in Formal and Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language Planning and Language Policy, Translation, Lexicography and Corpus Linguistics, Conference Interpreting and Creative Writing. This qualification will equip learners to work in a variety of language-related fields that include education, research, copywriting and editing in publishing and journalism, translation and interpreting, online writing, writing technologically-enhanced language learning qualifications, communication and marketing language-related jobs, conference and legal interpreting. The multilingualism imperatives enshrined in our Constitution requires teachers, linguists, language planners and implementers, translators and interpreters to action these in various sectors in the country. Also, many careers in the corporate sector require language skills and knowledge for success. Articulate and multilingual learners will help will facilitate economic development and growth. They will also help with social cohesion and redress of linguistic inequities.

This qualification is meant to encompass these fields so that learners have choices for their own personal and career growths. It will open up many fields for learners, ranging from Education, Training and Development, Law, Human and Social Studies, Culture and Arts, Business, Commerce and Management Studies, Culture and Arts, Health and Social Services and Computer and Information Sciences. These are all spaces where language skills and knowledge are needed. The qualification will help foster a multilingual and inclusive society through an in-depth study of how language constitutes one's being and the affordances of multilingualism.

The qualification will prepare learners for a Masters' qualification in a specialist field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University's Report of the Admissions Committee (AC): Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied where relevant.
Both admission and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

RPL implementation will use a triangulated verification approach using academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of academic and external experts. All RPL decisions are tabled at the Faculty Management Committee meeting for scrutiny and approval.

Learners who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL. The Faculty policy, derived from the institutional RPL policy, requires that each learner be assessed on an individual basis. The learner will approach the Head of Department regarding the RPL policy and process. The HOD will explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC.

Learners must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.

This material must meet with the following academic criteria at NQF Level 7 and NQF 8 for module credits. The material must:
  • Indicate adequate knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental principles of IT,
  • Demonstrate the ability to gather and collate multiple sources of information and competing perspectives to support a theoretical understanding of relevant issues;
  • Involve the application of discipline-based knowledge to the analysis of practical and conceptual problems.

    Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps:
  • The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.
  • The internal assessor will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation, will be submitted to the HOD.
  • The final decision regarding the RPL status of the learner will be presented to the FMC. The FMC Secretary will communicate the FMC decision to the Faculty Officer, who in turn will communicate the outcome to the learner.

    For learners who have already qualified with a cognate qualification and have done modules in their qualification within the Postgraduate Diploma may apply for the module/s to be credited. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum of the module/s within their completed qualification. The outcome will be communicated to the learner.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a critical and analytical understanding of applied linguistic theory.
    2. Demonstrate an advanced theoretical knowledge of language policy and planning, pragmatics and discourse analysis.
    3. Demonstrate a principled understanding of how the promotion of the use of African languages in professional multilingual contexts relates to values, ideologies, attitudes, social identities and relationships.
    4. Construct, interpret and analyse spoken and written discourses in a multilingual context.
    5. Relate professional discourse of applied languages to broader issues concerning language and society in the implementation of multilingual language policy.
    6. Identify and analyse problems relevant to the development of multilingualism and language policy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Evaluate and critique current theories and policies on Applied languages.
  • Identify, analyse and present solutions to complex problems concerning the status and role of multilingualism.
  • Show evidence of the current scholarly literature in the fields.
  • Select appropriate research methodologies for pragmatic investigation or analysis of a research problem.
  • Identify, analyse and present theory-based solutions to complex phenomena independent investigations.
  • From research findings, justify the importance of research findings explaining the links to professional multilingual contexts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification includes a 30 Credit research project, which serves to integrate theoretical knowledge in the researching process, writing of the report, presentation of the finding and the overall assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The English Language, Linguistics and Literature BA Honours at Sheffield University, UK and in Greece is a comparable qualification to the BA Honours in Applied Language Studies. The UK qualification offers a solid foundation in the study of language, linguistics, literature, language teaching, translation, media and film providing learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thus enhancing their employability profile. The curriculum is inclusive of modules such as Introduction to the Study of Language, Practice in English Language Teaching, Semantics and Syntax, English Phonetics and Phonology, Sociolinguistics, Pragmatics, Second Language Acquisition, Literary Translation, Introduction to Research Practice, Literary Theory, Language, Gender and Identity, English Language Teaching Principles and Practices, Methodology of Translation. It also offers a wide range of literature modules such as Drama and Social Issues and Multi-cultural Literature in English. Learners need to write a research dissertation in their 4th year. The qualification suits anyone who wishes to become a language teacher, a linguist, a literary scholar, or who wishes to pursue a career in translation, media, publishing or journalism.

    This is a 4-year Degree, while this qualification is a one-year qualification.

    Entry requirements for the qualification at Sheffield are that learners need to have a High school leaving Certificate or a High School Diploma, local A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. They need to have good English proficiencies and IELT or TOEFL testing. If schooling was done in English, a test is not required.

    The qualification at Sheffield provides in-depth theoretical background as well as vital professional skills through numerous hands-on practice.

    The qualification uses the following assessments:
    Project-based and research-led learning through individual or collaborative learner learning projects. Examinations, projects, essays, quizzes, presentations, demo teaching, lab tests, tasks, screencasts and reflective reports. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Language Practice, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Applied Language Studies, 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. Nelson Mandela 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.