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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115218  Bachelor of Social Science 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
National First Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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  2021-07-01  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:
This qualification seeks to provide a multidisciplinary Social Science platform for the analysis and understanding of human development challenges in South Africa and beyond as a particular focus of academic enquiry. The qualification allows for specialisations in the field of Anthropology, Political Studies, Sociology, Population Studies, Criminology, Psychology and Philosophy.

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide multidisciplinary academic trajectories for the study of human society and development dynamics. The qualification aims to equip professionals and learners from social science disciplines with a sophisticated understanding and appreciation of human social and development challenges and the solutions after that. Also, to develop critical, well-informed competencies and apply them appropriately to solve regional and country centred perspectives on issues of social, cultural, political and economic problems. This qualification will provide such views and enable learners to operate in a multidisciplinary framework for a positive contribution to the economy and social transformation.

Rationale:
The core of Social Sciences needs a scientific enquiry into developmental and social matters and fall squarely on the shoulders of relevant constituencies within institutions' core business structures. Due to the institution s' geographical location, the Bachelor of Social Sciences is then attracting quantile 1-3 Leaners.
The qualification wishes to skill learners to address the socio-economic challenges of their rural context in line with the district priorities, and SA in general while embracing internationalisation.

The multidisciplinary nature of the qualification is infused in each module among the various disciplines as significant fields. Such an infusion will prepare a holistic learner that will seek to balance socioeconomic development with human and environmental sustainability. A learner that will be able to take on and address such social ills with a multidisciplinary knowledge for social transformation as this is the need with industry and society.

The qualification is also a strong service qualification with needed critical thinking skills, social and emotional skills and applicable to human development, social transformation, transdisciplinary knowledge and skills policy, development, health, global change, social welfare and facilitation of citizenship rights and obligations. Therefore, its link and service to being a second major or elective to the following professional qualifications are vital; the qualifications primarily depend on it for learners finalised qualifications; Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Social Work, MBCHB, Bachelor of Public Administration, Humanities and Arts, Health Promotion.

Consultation with the following organisations has informed the need and relevance of the qualification. The Department of Social Development national and provincial that absorbs learners and also contracts them for practical skills. HWSETA also supports a social science major in the sociology of health, illness and medicine (Sociology of Medicine), Counselling Psychology and population studies/demography; Higher Health for health promotion and wellbeing blended in anthropology, sociology and psychology. The qualification prepares learners with a host of skills: writing, research, critical and analytical thinking, and oral communication, the ability to understand the culture and how it is affected by a variety of factors including race, class, gender, politics, and the economy. Using these skills, learners can pursue careers in a variety of fields.
  • Human Resources.
  • Sales/Marketing.
  • Social and Community Service Managers.
  • Advocacy work.
  • Legislators.
  • Meeting/Event Planners.
  • Urban/Regional Planners.
  • Public Relations.
  • Campaign Manager.
  • Program Manager.
  • Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs).
  • Provincial, District and Local Government.

    An undergraduate qualification in Social Sciences also prepares learners for Postgraduate studies. This Bachelor of Social Science provides opportunities for academic development, community engagement and research specialisation on the one hand, and partnerships within and outside institution boundaries. Training of learners in various fields of Social Sciences through this qualification will be able to unleash their expertise in both government and non-government agencies.

    Individuals already in the human development and services industry will also utilise the qualification as an opportunity to acquire or upgrade their academic excellence and research skills. Learner intake will have to meet the entry requirements of NQF Level four with a Bachelor pass be limited to the general provisions of the Bachelor's qualification at tertiary level.

    As a response to transformation imperatives, BSocSc affords learners the required developmental needs that are apparent in the 21st century. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The qualification will also permit RPL entry to the qualification to gain credits within the qualification in line with the institution's RPL policy. The institution will measure Recognition of Prior Learning against specified learning outcomes in the Bachelor of Social Sciences. That will position the learner with the relevant placement at entry in line with the rules of progression set in the qualification. RPL credits will be granted based on proof of evidence of learning for the relevant learning gained as a result of experience, and not for the experience alone. The learner's prior knowledge has to show competence against the set outcomes in the qualification. If a learner is not competent, the institution may request additional set work or require for the learner to register for the qualification traditionally through a conditional exemption where applicable.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • English for Academic Purposes 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 1B, 8 Credits.
    And
    Se 12 Modules, 96 Credits selected from 3 out of 7 Streams:

    Anthropology Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Social Organisation, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physical Anthropology and the Concept of Race, 8 Credits.
  • Ethnographic Studies of African Groups, 8 Credits.

    Criminology Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Introduction to SA Criminal Justice System, 8 Credits.
  • South African Crime Studies, 8 Credits.
  • Juvenile Delinquency, 8 Credits.
  • Juvenile Adjudication, 8 Credits.

    Philosophy Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Philosophical Problems, 8 Credits.
  • Ancient Greek Thought, 8 Credits.
  • Clear Thinking, 8 Credits.
  • Moral Philosophy, 8 Credits.

    Political Science Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Introduction to Political Science, 8 Credits.
  • Government and Politics in South Africa, 8 Credits.
  • Comparative Politics and Government, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to International Relations, 8 Credits.

    Psychology Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Understanding Human Behaviour, 8 Credits.
  • Normal and Pathological Human Behaviour, 8 Credits.
  • Determinants of Human Behaviour, 8 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.

    Sociology Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Introduction to Sociological Concepts, Perspectives and Social Institutions, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Social Research Methods and Statistics, 8 Credits.
  • Population and Rural-Urban Development, 8 Credits.
  • Intro. Social Research Project, 8 Credits.

    Population Stream, 32 Credits:
  • Introduction to Population Studies and Demography, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Methods in Population, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Components of the Population, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Social Research Project in Population, 8 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules and Elective Modules, Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits (Select 8 modules from the two disciplines as majors from Level 6):
  • Criminology Stream, 48 Credits.
  • Crime Prevention and Community Policing, 12 Credits
  • Introduction to Research Methodology, 12 Credits Victimology, 12, Credits.
  • Fundamental Penology, 12 Credits.

    Political Science Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Political Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methods, 12 Credits.
  • Contemporary Development Issues, 12 Credits.
  • Foreign Policy Analysis, 12 Credits.

    Psychology Stream, 48 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management, 12 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour, 12 Credits.
  • Psychological Assessment and Research Methods I, 12 Credits.

    Sociology Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Classical Social Theories, 12 Credits
  • Research Methods and Social Statistics, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology of Work and Labour Relation Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Population and Social Differentiation (HIV/AIDS), 12 Credits.

    Population Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Population Theories, 12 Credits.
  • Population Processes and HIV/AIDS, 12 Credits.
  • Population and Development Strategies, 12 Credits.
  • Social Research Methods and Statistics in Population, 12 Credits.

    Anthropology Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Development of Anthropological Thought, 12 Credits.
  • Ethnographic Studies of International Groups, 12 Credits.
  • Ritual Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Development Anthropology, 12 Credits.

    Political Studies, 32 Credits
  • Philosophical Anthropology, 12 Credits.
  • Moral Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Political Philosophy, 12 Credits.
  • Rationalism and Empiricism, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 24 Credits (Choose/Select two):
  • Anthropology Stream, 24 Credits.
  • Development of Anthropological Thought, 12 Credits.
  • Ethnographic Studies of International Groups, 12 Credits.
  • Ritual Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Development Anthropology, 12 Credits.
    Or
    Criminology Stream, 24 Credits:
  • Victimology, 12 Credits.
  • Criminal Justice Management, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamental Penology, 12 Credits.
    Or
    Philosophy Stream, 24 Credits:
  • Philosophical Anthropology, 12 Credits.
  • Moral Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Political Philosophy, 12 Credits.
  • Rationalism and Empiricism, 12 Credits.

    Political Studies Stream, 24 Credits:
  • Principles of Political Economy, 12 Credits.
  • Gender Politics and Development, 8 Credits.
  • Compulsory and Elective Modules, Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

    Anthropology stream, 48 Credits:
  • Anthropological Theory and Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Ethnography Ethnicity, 12 Credits.
  • Medical Anthropology, 12 Credits.
  • Economic/Development Anthropology, 12 Credits.

    Criminology Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Theories of Crime, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Pscho-Criminology, 12 Credits.
  • Human Rights in Criminal Justice System, 12 Credits.

    Political Studies Stream, 48 Credits:
  • International Politics, 12 Credits.
  • African Politics, 12 Credits.
  • International Political Economy, 12 Credits.
  • Public Policy Analysis, 12 Credits.

    Psychology Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Social Psychology and Therapeutic Interventions, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management, 12 Credits.
  • Community Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Psychological Assessment and Research Methods, 12 Credits.

    Sociology Stream, 48 Credits:
  • Critical Theories, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Project for Sociology, 12 Credits.
  • Population and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology of Work, Labour Conflicts and Resolutions, 12 Credits.
  • Environment and Development Sociology, 12 Credits.
    >Gender Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Health, Illness and Medicine, 12 Credits.
  • Population Policies and Programmes, 12 Credits.
  • Research project in Population, 12 Credits.
  • Population and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Demography, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 24 Credits (Choose/Select two):
    Criminology Stream:
  • Priority Crime Issues, 12 Credits.
  • Theories of Crime, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Psycho- Criminology, 12 Credits.
  • Human Rights and Criminal Justice System, 12 Credits.
    Or
    Philosophy Stream, 24 Credits:
  • History of Ideas, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Theories of Justice, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Political Philosophy, 12 Credits.
    Or
    Political Studies Stream, 24 Credits:
  • Rural Local Government, 12 Credits.
  • International Politics, 12 Credits.
  • African Politics, 12 Credits.
  • International Political Economy, 12 Credits.
  • Public Policy Analysis, 12 Credits.
    Or
    Population Studies Stream, 24 Credits:
  • Population Development and Gender Issues, 12 Credits.
  • Population policies and Programmes, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project in Population, 12 Credits.
  • Population and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Demography, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the focus areas in the Social Sciences (Anthropology, Criminology, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Studies, Population and Demographic Studies, Psychology).
    2. Apply the underlying theories of individual and societal dynamics.
    3. Demonstrate skills in collecting and critically evaluating the information for learning.
    4. Apply knowledge of community engagement.
    5. Acquire generic skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills and team-work, both in the workplace and in the society.
    6. Apply primary computer and internet skills in their studies.
    7. Effective use of the library as a learning and research resource.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research and make discipline informed interventions in society.
    9. Ability to be innovative and practical in addressing developmental issues that are specific to the Eastern Cape Province while also being relevant nationally and globally.
    10. Infuse indigenous knowledge systems to promote Ubuntu and African Renewal. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand cultural issues guiding the societal structures and human behaviour.
  • Understand the causes, preventive and control measures of crime.
  • Understand societal, ethical and moral issues.
  • Understand Political issues in the state and society.
  • Understand Population issues and processes within human societies.
  • Understand country and global Sociological issues.
  • Understand human behavioural issues within society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply feminist theories for the achievement of gender equality and women emancipation.
  • Apply Liberal methods in the understanding of democratic values and inter-governmental relationships.
  • Apply Social Learning Theories for the understanding of Human Behaviour.
  • Apply theories for the analysis of human behaviour and social structures.
  • Apply Conflict theories for the assessment and resolution of conflicts.
  • Apply population theories for understanding and analysing population dynamics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Collect primary and secondary data within the field of social sciences.
  • Organise and process data in the field of social science.
  • Analyse and interpret data in the field of social science.
  • Report on the research findings of the subject matter.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Offer services to communities.
  • Apply knowledge gained from the communities.
  • Deal with challenges faced by the communities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Show critical and analytical skills in group and class discussion.
  • Show critical and analytical skills, in-class discussion debates.
  • Show problem-solving skills through applying theories in real-life scenarios.
  • Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills through group discussion, presentation and debates.
  • Demonstrate teamwork for problem-solving through group assignment, group presentation and group discussion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Type and submit assignments and group presentation work.
  • Use e-learning (wise-up) for submission of assessments for online module-based assessments.
  • Search the internet in different journals online for research and projects.
  • Use computer software such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), N'vivo for data analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Assess the library catalogue to identify the relevant books and their call numbers.
  • Retrieve the identified books from the open shelves in the library.
  • Register and borrow the book.
  • Use small loan and reference books.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Undertake discipline-based scientific research.
  • Recommend responses based on the findings of the study.
  • Present results at seminars, symposia and conferences.
  • Publish the findings of the research.
  • Partner and network with other researchers and stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Provide recommendations that seek to address the developmental issues within and beyond the Province.
  • Through inter-faculty and inter-campus debates and seminars articulating provincial, national and international developmental issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Be exposed and enlightened with indigenous knowledge on concepts, theories on philosophies of social science.
  • Understand indigenous interface knowledge and Western knowledge.
  • Promote and embrace Ubuntu based on African philosophies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
  • Written tests, an assignment and written and oral presentations.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Written examination papers. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is similar to the Bachelor of Social Science offered by the Delta State University in the United States of America at an NQF Level 8 in SA terms. The university offers a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a variety of majors in social sciences like this qualification. Such majors in Delta university like this qualification, allows the learner to acquire knowledge and skills that are multidisciplinary in advantage. Also, Delta's qualification covers similar topic areas as this qualification, topic areas such as Social institutions - their structures and how they affect human behaviour and how they are affected by human behaviour. Examples of social institutions include the family, economy, government, education, and religion. A wide range of social issues such as poverty, access to education/healthcare/housing, and sustainable development. Social issues are also examined across race, class, and gender. Theoretical perspectives that help interpret, explain, and understand a wide range of social issues, political matters environmental concerns, community development processes, Global views on political, economic, environmental, and socio-anthropological issues. Spatial/Social relationships - how do space, place, and social interactions converge and what happens when they do.

    The University of Lagos Nigeria also has a Social Science qualification with philosophy and is similar to this qualification, philosophy as a major provides a qualification that emphasises the following competencies and skills in the qualification - analytical, critical and interpretative abilities. It enhances one's ability to express oneself clearly and to formulate and respond to arguments in speech and writing. It provides one with the general problem - solving skills, skills in analysing concepts, definitions, disputes and problems. It helps the individual to organise ideas and issues and to extract what is central to a mass of information. It helps one to make subtle distinctions and find common ground between opposing positions. It enables learners to understand other disciplines better in multidisciplinary training.

    Lastly, the Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) at University College Dublin in Ireland is the premier honours qualification (NQF 8 in South Africa). Similar to this qualification, it is the standard qualification for those working in policymaking and social services. Allows the learner will explore how societies, communities and families work and wish to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility.

    Most of these international universities have four-year qualification even in social sciences and cover the same content as this three-year qualification in social sciences. The advantage here is the learner has the content and its application in real-life scenarios, which gives the learner the knowledge application for a social transformation agenda. For this BSocSc applying for, the expected competencies of an engaged social science learner are infused and blended into the three-year curriculum, and a learner has to be trained with the content, and through infused research and community engagement, learners are exposed to blended knowledge from their social world as they progress with the qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Political Science in Political Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Psychology, NQF, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Honours in Social Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Honours Degree Physiological Sciences, NQF 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.
     
    1. Walter Sisulu 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.