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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115436  Bachelor of Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
St John Vianney Seminary NPC 
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  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
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  2019-12-17  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:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a well-rounded education that equips learners with a substantial content knowledge base, theory and methodology in Philosophy that will enable them:
  • To think clearly and critically about the deepest and broadest questions concerning life.
  • Being, knowledge, and value, as well as their connections to the full range of human activities and interests, including the meaning of existence.
  • The nature of truth and reality, scientific claims, God, religion and socio-political and cultural beliefs and injunctions.

    The qualification enables learners to focus on ideas and their logical structure, including arguments and investigations about abstract and real phenomena. Learners will be able to understand the aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics of the African Philosophy. They will also apply the theoretical foundations and methods of other disciplines. The qualification addresses the systematic study of the theory of moral good and its application to various theoretical and practical problems. The qualification includes ethical theory, history of ethics, belief and value systems, ethical constructs, and claims to specific topics, issues and problems. It will enable learners to have an open-minded exploration of religion and philosophy.

    Given the country's rich and largely diverse historical backgrounds and various philosophical perspectives, it is necessary to:
  • Develop skills of reflection that deepen personal understanding, promote autonomy;
  • Foster openness to multicultural worldview and multi-perspectival society;
  • Allow learners the opportunity to scrutinise the typical structure of genuine philosophical questions.

    Learners will develop the ability to:
  • Apply critical self- inspection;
  • Analyse critically and question the status quo, and the philosophical, cultural and theological injunctions and worldviews underlying socio-political, religious and cultural structures.

    Rationale:
    South Africa (SA) is a religious and culturally diverse country where all cultural, religious and other belief systems receive equal constitutional protection. Post-apartheid South Africa's Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion among other freedoms.

    Philosophy uses the tools of logic and reason to analyse how humans experience and view themselves and the world around them. This qualification fosters a sense of the value and a reflective attitude and sensitivity to the subtleties and complexities of philosophical judgments, and a life-long commitment to learning and inquiry.

    This qualification emphasises general principles and theory in Philosophy as preparation for entry into general employment or Postgraduate qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution provides greater access to education, particularly for individuals from a disadvantaged background.

    The institution allows learners who do not meet the formal admission requirements, for alternative admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system. The RPL processes and procedures are guided by the institution's RPL Policy.

    RPL learners will prepare portfolios of evidence, containing evidence from three sources, including, but not limited to:
  • Formal learning (e.g. certificates, academic transcripts);
  • Informal learning: job descriptions, employment contracts;
  • Work products (e.g. statements from employers, evidence of work performed by the learner).process;

    The process entails the following:
  • Identifying the qualification or module(s) for which the applicant believes they will meet the requirements;
  • Matching the applicant's skills, knowledge and experience with the specific requirements;
  • Assessing the applicant using appropriate forms of assessment (done by a subject matter expert/registered assessor);
  • Crediting the applicant for skills, knowledge and experience attained; and
  • Registration of the applicant for the relevant qualification.

    The RPL assessment methodologies include, but are not limited to, portfolios of evidence, interviews, demonstrations and simulations, observations, written and oral exams, letters of recommendation and other forms of expert testimony, case studies, and documentation of successful past learning experiences.

    The RPL application process and assessment can take up to 4-6 weeks to complete. The applicant will be notified regarding the interview process once the Portfolio of Evidence or Competency Test has been assessed and a decision reached regarding RPL. Once the panel has made the final decision, students will be informed both verbally and in writing.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 362 Credits:

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 122 Credits:
  • Philosophy, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Thinking, 10 Credits
  • English I, 10 Credits.
  • Latin I, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament I (Introduction to), 9 Credits.
  • Philosophy (Introduction to), 10 Credits.
  • Academic Writing, 4 Credits.
  • African History, 9 Credits.
  • English II, 8 Credits.
  • Ethics, 10 Credits.
  • Latin II, 8 Credits.
  • Logic, 10 Credits.
  • Old Testament II (Introduction to), 9 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Education, 7 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Philosophy, 11 Credits.
  • Modern Philosophy I, 10 Credits.
  • Patristic and Medieval Philosophy, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophical Anthropology, 11 Credits.
  • Psychology, 7 Credits.
  • Liturgy I, 8 Credits.
  • Augustinian and Thomistic Philosophy, 12 Credits.
  • Modern Philosophy II, 10 Credits.
  • Political Philosophy, 11 Credits.
  • Metaphysics, 11 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Cosmology, 11 Credits.
  • Liturgy II, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Contemporary Philosophy, 9 Credits.
  • Environmental Philosophy, 11 Credits.
  • Epistemology, 11 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Science, 11 Credits.
  • Science and Religion, 11 Credits.
  • Spirituality I, 6 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Religion and of God, 11 Credits.
  • Philosophical Hermeneutics, 11 Credits.
  • Phenomenology of Religion, 11 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Culture, 11 Credits.
  • Aesthetics, 11 Credits.
  • Spirituality II, 6 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking skills.
    2. Read and interpret philosophical texts.
    3. Recognise, critically analyse and coherently express arguments in both verbal communication and written texts.
    4. Summarise and explain difficult ideas and concepts through philosophical, critical and analytical debates, class discussions, presentations and argumentations.
    5. Demonstrate professional writing skill that reflects careful attention to language, logic, and subtleties of reasoning.
    6. Write philosophical essays that have coherent theses and critical supporting arguments.
    7. Understand reality from different perspectives and thus be aware of perspectival and diverse approaches to reality from different people across all modules.
    8. Demonstrate professional research methodology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Assess the extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts.
  • Apply the Philosophy theory to a practical context.
  • The balance between the conceptual and contextual, and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • Develop the analytical competence capabilities of the learner.
  • Use appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.
  • Ensure effective writing that reflects careful attention to language, logic, and subtleties of reasoning.
  • Read and interpret philosophical texts.
  • Measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the qualification modules.

    Integrated Assessment:
    These assessment methods include:
  • Written assignments;
  • Presentations;
  • Report writing;
  • Interpretative and analytical problem-solving in the written examination;
  • Self-assessments activities in the qualification material.

    Formative assessment:
  • The scheme of work includes tests and assignments based on the learning material, and learners receive feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
  • Examinations such as a portfolio to determine a representative selection of the outcomes assessed in the formative stage.
  • All assessment will attempt to integrate knowledge, critical thinking skills and attitudes and applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The specific outcomes, prescribed reading, level descriptors and associated criteria were compared with that of the Bachelor of Philosophy at several international universities, and University of Leuven in Belgium was chosen as a benchmark as it is ranked in the World's top 100 universities. Furthermore, the University of Leuven is well known for the best academic practices and high qualification standards. Desktop research was comprehensively undertaken and our Bachelor of Philosophy is comparable to the mentioned university in terms of:
    1. Qualification structure;
    2. Qualification content;
    3. Assessment strategy and
    4. Learning outcomes. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, NQF 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Law, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, 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. St John Vianney Seminary NPC 


    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.