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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
118403 | Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Exercise Teachers Academy PTY Limited | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National First Degree | Field 02 - Culture and Arts | Sport | ||
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 | 2021-11-18 | 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 Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure enables learners to develop appropriate skills and in-depth knowledge needed in the professional practice of sport, leisure and fitness environments. The core discipline is exercise science, with modules in business management and psycho-social studies. The qualification ensures the development of a well-rounded professional who can design, manage and implement scientifically-based projects for a range of participants within a range of sport, fitness or leisure business environments. Qualifying learners are able to: The qualification will lead to the awarding of the highest professional designations of the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA) and thus complying with best-practice in terms of national and international sport, leisure and fitness environments. Rationale: The health and fitness industries and their associated leisure, sport and recreation industries have gone through a period of rapid growth since the early nineteen eighties (Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2014). Memberships to fitness facilities in the United States of America grew by 18.6% between 2008 and 2014 (Franchise-Help, 2016). One of the largest fitness and leisure organisations in South Africa announced a growth of 14% for their South African market at the end of 2013. They opened five new clubs in 2013 and this number has increased annually since (Virgin Active South Africa, 2016). Exercise is now viewed as a primary factor for improved lifestyle and reducing risks related to chronic diseases of lifestyle in South Africa and overseas. This resulted in the growth of the sport and fitness profession locally and internationally, along with the establishment of an internationally recognised professional body; the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (IC REPS), and a burgeoning sport and leisure industry where available jobs exceed the supply of qualified professionals (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, 2013). Equally, managerial knowledge and skills are needed for these emerging professionals in sport, and leisure industries, where leadership skills can be expressed in a variety of contexts, including private practice, exercise studios, large multi-national and international fitness and leisure facilities, corporate health and wellness environments, sports clubs and sports federations. Included in this are health or wellness spas which can operate as a stand-alone business or as part of the larger hospitality, leisure and tourism industries. Thus, knowledgeable and skilled professionals are needed to manage people and environments, to lead and manage individuals and groups and to advise participants on health and performance. There is a need for ethical practitioners who work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; professionals who can integrate their knowledge of exercise science and apply it to professional practice, while demonstrating the attributes needed to manage themselves and others in demanding and fast-growing new industries. The qualification is designed to meet such demands, providing the scarce skills needed in the international sport, exercise and leisure industries as well as the critical skills required to manage individuals, teams and businesses in a local and international context. Finally, qualifying learners will be recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA), and be able to register at the highest designation on their professional register as Sports Science Conditioning Specialists or Exercise Programme Managers, depending on their elective or area of specialisation in the qualification (REPSSA, 2016). |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution which is aligned to the Council on Higher Education (CHE) RPL Policy. Granting of the qualification to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal education will take place, provided they can demonstrate knowledge, values, attitudes and skills that meet the assessment criteria as stipulated in the qualification and its Exit Level Outcomes. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to higher education learning qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: or or or or or or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 07 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5,116 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6,120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 28 Credits. Elective Modules, Level 7, 72 Credits (Select two). Elective Modules, Level 7, 24 Credits (Select two). |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Demonstrate the detailed knowledge of current science and wellness models to sport and leisure programmes.
2. Conduct screening, assessment, testing and exercise prescription. 3. Design and implement programmes for individuals, communities or organisations. 4. Manage business environments in sport or leisure. 5. Demonstrate relevant psycho-social knowledge and skills to leadership and management. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The qualification has been compared to two international institutions. The focus of the comparison was mostly on the degree of similarity in the duration, rationale and qualification structure.
Country: New Zealand Institution: Massey University of New Zealand Qualification Title: Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription and Training) Duration: Three years. NQF Level: 7 Credits: 360 Rationale: The qualification prepares learners to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a range of exercise specifics. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and assess exercise programmes to enhance sports performance, health, and rehabilitation from injury and disease. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules similar to the proposed qualification. Compulsory Core Modules, 105 Credits. Compulsory major modules for specialisation (Exercise Prescription and Training), 180 Credits. Learners may choose five electives - two in year two and three in year three. At least two electives in the third year must be 200-level or above. These can be from any other undergraduate degree qualification. Many learners take electives related to exercise, sport and health, such as Hauora (Maori philosophy of health and well-being), nutrition, sports coaching and sports business. Comparison: Both qualifications are in the same field, at the same level, credit value and duration. Similarities: The Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure (BESL) is similar in outcomes to this degree from Massey University of New Zealand in that qualifying learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and assess exercise programmes to enhance sports performance and health. The BESL does not include rehabilitation from injury and disease as this is outside the scope of practice of this graduate. South Africa has a distinct professional in Biokinetics who can work in rehabilitation from injury and disease and are registered with a different professional body. In terms of courses and content, both qualifications offer similar knowledge in sport and exercise science, training principles and methods, skill acquisition, health psychology and sport and leisure studies and sociology. Differences: This BESL qualification is different to the Massey University of New Zealand qualification in terms of the additional knowledge in business and management studies, these courses are included in the curriculum in both the first and second year. Also included are courses on research, ethics and research methods to ensure critical thinking and problem-solving knowledge and skills. This has been included in the BESL degree to provide greater levels of interdisciplinary knowledge and better access to the workplace and private practice. However, learners on the Massey University qualification may be able to choose such courses for their electives. Country: Australia Institution: Australian Catholic University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. Duration: Three years of study NQF Level: 7 Credits: 360 Rationale: This qualification focuses more on sports science. Learners learn how to improve the health, performance and participation of individuals, teams and athletes through exercise programming and delivery, athlete training, and health advice. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory modules, 170 credits: Community engagement specialisation. Core Curriculum learners complete 20 credits. Elective Modules, 20 credits (Choose two from the following): Comparison: Both qualifications share a similar field, level, credit value and duration. Similarities: The Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure (BESL) is similar in outcomes to this degree from the Australian Catholic University in that the qualifying learner is equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and assess exercise programmes to enhance sports performance and health. In terms of courses and content, both qualifications offer similar knowledge in sport and exercise science, training principles and methods, skill acquisition, health psychology and sport and leisure studies and sociology. Like the Australian Catholic University qualification, the BESL degree includes courses on ethics, leadership and the development of individuals and teams. Differences: The Australian Catholic University qualification emphasises sport conditions and sports performance whereas this is an elective stream in the BESL. The qualification includes knowledge in business and management studies. The BESL qualification also allows the qualifying learner to prescribe and manage exercise programmes in alternate environments i.e. community health, health and leisure facilities or corporate workplaces. The BESL degree includes research, research methods and professional development modules to ensure critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This has been included in the BESL degree to provide greater levels of interdisciplinary knowledge and better access to the workplace and private practice. Country: Australia Institution: Australian College of Physical Education Qualification Title: Bachelor of Applied Fitness Duration: Three years of study NQF Level: 7 Credits: 360 Rationale: The qualification is designed by professional fitness association members and industry leaders. It offers the flexibility and professional development to break into the competitive fitness and personal training industry. Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Fitness are eligible to register with Fitness Australia. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. First-year: Compulsory modules, 120. Second-year: Compulsory modules, 120 credits. Third-year: Compulsory modules, 120 credits. Comparison: Both qualifications are in the same field, at the same level, credit value and duration. Similarities: The Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure (BESL) is similar in outcomes to this Bachelor of Applied Fitness from the Australian College of Physical Education in that the qualifying learner is equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and assess exercise programmes to enhance health and fitness. In terms of courses and content, both degrees offer similar knowledge in sport and exercise science, training principles and methods, skill acquisition, health psychology and sport and leisure studies and sociology. Like the Australian College of Physical Education, the BESL degree includes courses in business management, professional integrity and ethics for disease prevention and exercise for special populations. Like achievement of the BESL degree allows graduates to register with REPSSA, the recognised professional body in South Africa, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Fitness degree can register with the Fitness Australia's professional body. Both REPSSA and Fitness Australia are members of the international body, IC REPS. Differences: The Australian College of Physical Education qualification does not include courses on research, research methods and professional development to ensure critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Country: United Kingdom Institution: Loughborough University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education Duration: Three years of study or four years (Honours) with one year's placement. NQF Level: 7 Credits: 360 Rationale: The qualification allows learners to develop critical, theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the sport, coaching and physical education as well as physiology, physical activity and health, skills acquisition, psychology and sport sociology. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. First-year: Compulsory module, 120 credits. Second-year: Compulsory module, 120 credits. Elective modules (Choose one) And Elective modules (Choose one). Third-year: Compulsory modules, 30 credits. Elective modules, 30 credits (Choose one). And Elective modules, 30 credits (Choose one). And Elective modules, 30 credits (Choose one) Comparison: Both qualifications are in the same field, at the same level, credit value and duration. Similarities: The Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure (BESL) is similar in outcomes to the Bachelor of Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education in that the qualifying learner is equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and assess exercise programmes to enhance sports performance and health. Both qualifications offer similar content knowledge in sport and exercise science, training principles and methods, skill acquisition, health and sports psychology and sport and leisure studies and sociology. The proposed qualification includes modules on ethics, research, leadership and the development of individuals and teams similar to those of Loughborough University qualification. Differences: The English qualification emphasises sports coaching and sports performance whereas sports conditioning is elective, but sports coaching is not included in the proposed qualification. The proposed qualification includes business and management studies, as well as opportunities to prescribe and manage exercise programmes to alternate population groups and not only sport. Conclusion: The qualification compares favourably with the above international qualifications in terms of the duration, credits, NQF Level, rationale and modules. The context may differ but these qualifications have a similar focus on their outcomes. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. |
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. |