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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Music Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116416  Bachelor of Music Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification equips learners with the skills necessary either for employment in Music or for further study at Masters level in Music or a related subject area. The qualification equips learners to integrate and apply the theories and methods of Music to an appropriate research context.

Rationale:
This Bachelor of Music Honours is the first year of Postgraduate study in Music. It provides the opportunity for further intensive study in Performance, Composition, Dance or Musicology and training in concepts and research methods that equip the learner with the skills necessary either for employment in the field of Music or for further study in a Masters in Music, or a related subject area. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Non-graduates who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree may apply.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Research Essay, 30 Credits.
  • Four more courses totalling a minimum of 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Understand and interpret literary and other texts within an area of specialisation;
  • Design and conduct research in an area of specialisation;
  • Produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engage in critical debate;
  • Find information about professional relevance efficiently and independently;
  • Use information-technology efficiently and independently;
  • Embark on independent study. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Formulate a sophisticated argument drawing on appropriate theory and practical skills.
  • Produce critiques of music theory and research.
  • Produce a portfolio of music compositions.
  • Utilise appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to address research questions.
  • Use computer-based notational packages to prepare musical scores.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to an understanding of advanced musical analysis.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integrated assessment includes measurement of foundational, reflective, technical and practical competencies. Learners are required to complete a series of exercises in creative work where appropriate. These serve both to integrate skills learnt during the Honours year, and to prepare the learner for Masters level study.

    A learner is required to pass each component of the Honours qualification.

    The Institution has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. The academic staff of the Institution use this in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the Institution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Institution's qualification aims at learners who have completed either the Bachelor of Music. The qualification is comparable to other similar 4-year qualifications around the world with regards to outcomes and assessment criteria, Degree of difficulty and notional learning time. The Institution accepts learners into a range of Masters and Doctoral Degree qualifications internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Music in Dance, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Music, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.