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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Theory 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115645  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Theory 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Communication Studies 
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 qualification is to provide learners with systematic knowledge, specialised skills and theoretical competence within an interdisciplinary framework to prepare them as specialist in the field. The design provides in-depth knowledge and basic research opportunities to build research confidence and problem-solving skills. Learners will be developed to perform independently and to become intellectual leaders in society.

Rationale:
The rationale for the development of this qualification is to allowing for learners to study in the field of communication from first year level to Doctoral level. Communication Studies is offered on all the other study levels (Doctoral, Masters and undergraduate level), but not on an Honours level. The aim is to include communication theory and basic research for learners who aspire to become researchers and academics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value and will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. The institution manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purpose of these qualifications:
  • Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the institution.
  • RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:
    > is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution.
    > is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.
    > takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
    > is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the institution.

    Entry Requirement:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8: 120 Credits.
  • Communication Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Persuasion Communication B, 20 Credits.
  • Development Communication and Identity, 20 Credits.
  • New Media and Culture, 20 Credits.
  • Research Essay: Communication Theory, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve advanced communication problems.
    2. Take lead of a team or group.
    3. Produce a research project in the field of Communication.
    4. Facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Display critical thinking, by suggesting creative ideas to solve communication problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication.
  • Correctly display appropriate communication skills and media in different communication environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Correctly collect, organise information pertaining to a research project.
  • Explain the theory and the dynamic interrelationship between units within the broader context of Communication.
  • Demonstrate heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of Communication Theory during the research process.
  • Correctly apply the principles of responsible citizenship regarding Communication Theory in local, national and global communities.
  • Present research findings in an oral and in written presentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Effectively use complex Communication information in oral and in written format.
  • Demonstrate appropriate communication skills in relevant media.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment takes place in accordance with the institution's policy. Three summative assessments during the course a module, and one final summative assessment at the end of the module are done. The lecturer for each of the abovementioned modules determines the assessment method to be used in each instance.

    Qualification specific assessment criteria, rules and regulations, are communicated to learners in all learning guides. The development and implementation of assessment methods are based on the institution's principles of assessment. A variety of 'fit for purpose' methods of assessment are used by the assessor/s within a module to assess the learners as defined by the learning outcomes.

    Assessments include the following outcomes based activities:
  • Observation of real or simulated tasks, e.g. practical exercises/demonstrations, role-plays, presentations.
  • Evaluation of a product after a task has been completed, e.g. projects, assignments, case studies, portfolios, artifacts, log books, reflective journals.
  • Questions, oral or written, used either separately or in combination, e.g. tests examinations, including short or long questions, essays, multiple choice questions, etc.
  • All assessment activities are accompanied by a memorandum/assessment marking guide.
  • The number and range of assessment methods used are included in the Learning Guides.
  • Every assessment opportunity carries a predetermined weight that takes the integration of the outcomes into account. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country 1: Canada.
    Name of Institution: McMaster University.
    Name of Qualification: Honours Communication Studies (B.A.)

    Content:
    Offer an advanced knowledge of the nature, function and evolution of communication, and will develop both practical and theoretical skills necessary to pursue careers in the field of communications.

    Synopsis:
    This qualification resembles the institution's qualification in terms of theory and practical skills in the field of study, but the institution's qualification has a greater research focus.

    Country 2: Canada.
    Name of Institution: Otago University in New Zealand
    Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Communication Studies

    Content:
    Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Communication Studies seeks to address the changing developments in the sphere of communication in today's globalised economy. The focus is on intercultural communication, modern technology and media for commercial and political interactions and introduced new interfaces with technology.

    Synopsis:
    Like the institution's qualification, this qualification prepares learners for career opportunities in the field of Environmental Management and develop the learners' critical thinking skills to solve environmental problems. It further develops the learners' research capabilities on a high level. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Communication, 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.