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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117166  Bachelor of Social Science 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72786  Bachelor of Social Science  Level 6  NQF Level 07  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to master a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying discipline-related theories, concepts and principles to. This qualification emphasises enquiry, innovation, and science within the environment of Social Sciences as well as healthy academic and social development. Learners will develop essential generic skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking applied in more than one related field of study.

Rationale:
The design of this qualification considered employment possibilities and the labour needs of our country. The qualification also prepares the learner for Postgraduate study in the different specialisations. There is a strong need to produce social scientists with a broader range of fundamental skills with the option of focusing on a related field when furthering their studies with a Bachelor of Social Science Honours or Bachelor of Arts Honours. Learners can further their studies with either a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or an Honours qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based- and life-long learning for the Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal curricula or informally (by experience). These types of learning are indispensable elements in deciding on admission to and awarding credits.

Formal prior learning:
Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training or at Higher Education level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing modules is recognisable. The learner needs to produce evidence that shows that they have achieved at a satisfactory level, the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for modules of this qualification and, if appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning:
A learner who does not have a formal qualification or has a non-formal qualification may apply for RPL. There will be a consideration for those learners if they can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential, or work-based learning for admission or the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but needs further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning programmes before admission or qualifications after admission.

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

    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 396 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of at least two disciplines from the Social Sciences.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate types of knowledge appropriate to their field of study.
    3. Develop appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and an ability to independently validate sources of information and evaluate and manage the data.
    4. Identify critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex psychologically-related problems and thereby introduce change within the related training.
    5. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse.
    7. Manage useful information and communication technology (ICT) skills.
    8. Manage effective functioning as a member and leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations.
    9. Manage self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment mostly takes place in the form of assignments and tests, and may sometimes include portfolios or reports etc. Summative assessments are in the way of formal examinations. Oral presentations of less complicated group research projects are also employed. The participation mark mostly forms 50% of the pass mark of the module. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The design uses SAQA level descriptors for HEQSF Level 7 for the qualification standard. These level descriptors are internationally comparable to criteria based upon published work of the national quality assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. North West 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.