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 Communication Studies |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
119072 | Bachelor of Communication Studies | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Vaal University of Technology | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National First Degree | Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language | Communication Studies | ||
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 | |
Registered | SAQA 158/22 | 2022-04-21 | 2025-04-21 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-04-21 | 2031-04-21 |
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 Bachelor of Communication Studies intends to integrate communication skills in the transfer of business-related communication principles, skills, and applications. The purpose of this qualification is to develop the understanding, knowledge, aptitude, and desire needed for the learner's professional development towards becoming a sought-after employee in the business, industrial or academic sectors. Learners will develop critical, creative, and strategic reasoning, as well as advanced writing, speaking, and listening skills in professional communication environments. The qualification aims to develop learner professionals with advanced communication abilities in a rapidly changing social-cultural, political, and economic environment. Upon completion of the qualification qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: Communication is a dynamic, complex, and ever-changing field of study. The qualification aims to address a specific niche area in the market which is constantly changing and developing. The objective is to equip learners to be employed in and function in diverse and vibrant communication environments. To cope with the changing needs, applied technology and soft skill demands in the marketplace, this qualification focuses on equipping learners with a sound knowledge base in the field of communication studies and the ability to apply knowledge and skills of this field to a particular career or profession. This qualification prepares a learner to skillfully deal with and apply a variety of communication principles, techniques, and strategies in any business setting. Benchmarking and consultation with national and international higher education institutions as well as consultation with relevant stakeholders revealed the need for a comprehensive qualification in Communication that would meet the diverse communication and related needs of the industry. Inputs for the design and structure of this qualification were obtained from professional, corporate, and academic stakeholders in the discipline and workplace to ensure that the qualification meets the demands of internal and external stakeholders and to give the qualification a competitive advantage. A discipline-based approach indicates a strong relationship between subjects in the curriculum and the sequencing and progression of skills and competencies. The diversity of communicative knowledge and skills required in the modern business environment across the globe necessitates learners who can effectively streamline the transfer, reception, interpretation, and feedback of messages. The qualification focuses on teaching and learning, research, short learning qualifications and community engagement. Qualifying learners will be able to contribute substantiated information toward the development of the South African democracy. The competencies attained will contribute towards: The qualification will allow learners to seek employment in various communication-related sectors such as Learners who complete this qualification can progress to Bachelor of Honours and thereafter to further postgraduate studies. This will enable them to produce original research relevant to the African context and allow South Africa to actively shape its own future. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to 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 |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7, totalling 380 Credits.
Compulsory Modules at Levels 5, 118 credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 142 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits: Elective modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits (Choose two modules from the following). |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and strategies to fulfil different communication functions within defined and ill-defined contexts.
2. Assess, process, and manage fundamental communication information and principles central to business contexts. 3. Apply and integrate strategies to design and assess communicative materials, tools, and applications. 4. Conduct research to solve problems within business communication contexts and apply appropriate research theories, methods, professional and ethical conduct, data collection, analysis, findings, and synthesise, and report in the appropriate format. 5. Demonstrate the ability to select and integrate appropriate technology in diverse and evolving communication processes and trends. 6. Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply appropriate communicative knowledge and skills in communication practices. 7 Develop, critically reflect on and apply ethical principles to function professionally and avoid misunderstanding and liability within a variety of business contexts. 8. Reflect on own performance and communication style and techniques to ensure continuous professional development, accountability, and lifelong learning. |
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: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT: Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes. Assessments within the qualification are governed by the academic regulations of the institution and take place in accordance with all academic policies. Assessments serve multiple purposes which include monitoring learners' progress and competence through assessment. Assessment of modules in the qualification will be in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain the module outcomes and assessment criteria which must be satisfied to pass. All the modules within the qualification are continuously assessed internally. However, in the final year, all exit level modules are assessed externally. These assessments may include but are not limited to review by an external panel, industry experts, peer reviews, and lecturer evaluations. Integrated assessment in this qualification allows learners to demonstrate applied competence and uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Formative assessment: Formative assessments through the qualification include but are not limited to: Summative assessment: Summative assessment and examinations are done during and on completion of the 28 modules. Summative assessments will typically include: The range of weighting of assessment tasks is designed to allow learners to develop competence through formative tasks and mastery through summative tasks. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The South African qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes.
Country: Portugal Institution: Universidade Nova de Lisboa Qualification Title: Bachelor of Communication Sciences Duration: Three years full time Credits: 240 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits Entry requirements: Similarities: The Universidade Nova de Lisboa qualification shares a similar purpose and rationale with the South African qualification in the following aspects. Both qualifications will equip learners to acquire the following competencies > in journalism and the news media, > in cinema, television, and other audio-visual media, > in strategic and political communication, > in public relations, > in the field of artistic and cultural production, management, and programming. > in journalism and the news media, > in cinema, television, and other audio-visual media, > in strategic and political communication, > in public relations, > in the field of artistic and cultural production, management, and programming. The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules/subjects: Compulsory Modules: First Semester: Second semester: Electives: Modules: First Semester: Second Semester: Assessment: Similar to the SA qualification, there are several types of assessment, used in isolation or combined, for example: oral and/or written essays; examinations; tests; theses; reports on traineeships/ and/or fieldwork, ongoing assessment, with the possibility of quantitative or qualitative classification. Differences: Country: Canada Institution: University of Canada West Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication NQF Level: NQF level 8 Equivalent Credits: 480 credits Duration: Four years full time Entry requirements: OR AND Purpose/Rationale: The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BA) is an interdisciplinary qualification that will develop the knowledge of media, cultural studies, and business alongside theoretical and practical skills. The communication methods learnt, and media training students get throughout this qualification are relevant to careers in: Qualification structure: The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BA) qualification is an interdisciplinary set of courses designed to provide core skills in writing, communication, research, and team performance. There is also a focus on the understanding of media and communications and how they function in the contemporary business world. The qualification is structured as follows. Year One: Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules (Select one elective from the Year one or Year two elective pool. or Year Two: Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules (Select one elective from Year one and Year two elective pool. Year Three: Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules (Select three electives from the year three and year four elective pool. Year Four: Compulsory Modules: Year Four: Elective Modules (Select seven electives from the year three and year four elective pool, two of which must be 400 level Communication courses. Learning Methods: The qualification focuses on many different forms of media. There is a strong focus on how media and communications function in the contemporary business world. The teaching and learning methods include: Similarities: >> Evaluate and integrate all types of business communication. >> Demonstrate research techniques and methodologies. >> Create ethically and legally sound content for a variety of markets. >> Integrate media and content to communicate persuasively to specific audiences. >> Apply communication methods to business problems and contexts. Differences: The University of Canada West qualification takes four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is three years of full-time study. Conclusion: Best practices have been identified from leading institutions abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and address the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning 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. |