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 Education Honours in Language Education |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
119201 | Bachelor of Education Honours in Language Education | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
North West University | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Honours Degree | Field 05 - Education, Training and Development | Schooling | ||
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 | SAQA 129/22 | 2022-06-21 | 2025-06-21 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-06-21 | 2029-06-21 |
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 purpose of the Bachelor of Education Honours in Language Education is to deepen learners' theoretical and pedagogical knowledge of Language Education. The qualification is intended for teachers, academics and other practitioners in the social sciences practising in the field of Language Education. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The focus of the qualification is on the relationship between theory and practice and how each informs and enriches the other expanding, strengthening and consolidating learners' knowledge of teaching, learning and assessment in Language Education. It also seeks to develop the learner's competence in conducting and reporting research under supervision. The purpose of the language education specialisation qualification is three-fold: 1. To prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study in language education through the development of research capacity. 2. To equip learners with specialised and integrated knowledge of the theory and practice of language teaching and learning applied to one of seven languages (Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, and Setswana) and to deepen learners' knowledge of the linguistic structure of the chosen language. 3. To consolidate and deepen learners' expertise in a component of their language of choice which could entail either the literature or linguistics or a relevant actual aspect of language teaching and learning in general. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale : Within South Africa's multilingual context, language and language teaching involve very complex and problematic issues, including the lack of well-qualified language teachers who can act as leaders in terms of the teaching, learning and assessment of languages in a multilingual society. Currently, there is a shortage of teachers who have a postgraduate qualification specialising in the teaching of languages, especially indigenous languages, and there is a need at the provincial and school district level to support in-service language teachers to address the problematic issue of teaching languages within multilingual classrooms. To take a leadership role in this regard, a language teacher needs to have in-depth knowledge of one or more of these languages, specialised skills to teach any language in a multicultural classroom, as well as high regard for the importance of the development of all the country's official languages as curriculum subjects. Language practitioners have an essential fundamental role to play in both teaching and learning environments and in communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The qualification seeks to contribute to the development of excellence in teaching given the national concern with the poor quality of schooling. In a multilingual country like South Africa, there is a need for Language teachers who are, not only knowledgeable in the languages but are well-grounded in language teaching methodologies. The qualification will contribute to the enhancement of learners' theoretical and pedagogical knowledge of major languages spoken in the province where the institution is situated. The need is greater now with the elevation of the African languages to official language status., a language teacher needs to have in-depth knowledge of one or more of these languages, specialised skills to teach any language in a multicultural classroom, as well as high regard for the importance of the development of all the country's official languages as curriculum subjects. To optimally realise this purpose both in-service and pre-service teachers who majored in one or more language(s) would have access to this qualification. Therefore, this qualification will be offered in contact mode on a full-time and part-time basis. The qualification has been developed to be in line with the revised policy on the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (Department of Higher Education and Training, Government Gazette No 34467, 15 July 2011) and the South African Standards for Principalship (18 March 2016). The qualification will therefore produce experts in all African Languages who will also be engaged in research to contribute to the body of knowledge in their specific language(s). This should result in more effective teaching and learning of African languages and assist learners to meet the demands associated with passing their Home Language. The qualification will grant learners in possession of a Bachelor of Education access to a postgraduate degree in Language Education, which could articulate into a Master of Education in Language Education. This will promote research in and through the medium of the indigenous languages and in future provide lecturers in the field of African languages education the opportunity to supervise Masters and Doctoral learners. |
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 |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8,102 Credits: Electives Modules, Level 8, 24 Credits (Select two modules from the following options): Electives with focus on an aspect of language education: OR Electives with a focus on linguistics OR Electives with a focus on literature: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Apply the methodology and techniques of the field of language education research and perform research under supervision aimed at actual and relevant problems within the field of language education applying adhering to sound ethical practices.
2. Apply extensive and deepened knowledge of internationally acclaimed theories of language acquisition and language education as well as specialised knowledge of language education in practice with the emphasis on self-directed learning, problem -solving and the utilisation of technology within the multicultural and multilingual context of the South African education system. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the linguistic structure of the chosen language to diagnose and address problems in learners' language usage. 4. Demonstrate consolidated and deepened expertise as well as the critical understanding of a component of the language of choice which entails critical interrogation and synthesis of applicable academic literature regarding the linguistics or literature of one of seven languages and an awareness of the crucial role of these in language teaching practice or a relevant actual aspect of language teaching and learning in general. |
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: In the case of deepening knowledge of literature: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are embedded in the learning design of the qualification throughout the year of study, in the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments and written and practical examinations. The forms of assessment that will be used for Language Education Research Methodology (LERM) and Language Education Research Project (LERP) are as follows: Formative Assessment: The 16-credit module on research methodology (LERM) will formatively assess learners using at least three assignments that will prepare them to write a research proposal. The 30-credit module on the research project (LERP) will be informally assessed in the form of supervision, with no formative participation mark involved and the final module mark entails the summative assessment of the final research project report. Summative Assessment: Formal participation marks will be awarded for all modules in the proposed programme except for the module on the Language Education Research Project (LERP). All the modules will be summatively assessed in the form of an examination paper or an examination assignment, except for Language Education Research Methodology (LERM) where only the research proposal will be summatively assessed and Language Education Research Project (LERP) where the research report itself will count for summative assessment. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
International comparison for this qualification in language teaching is quite complex as a number of international teaching qualifications do not offer Honours Degrees because learners can enrol directly for a Master's degree after completing their undergraduate study. Some universities offer an alternative postgraduate qualification, similar to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education in South Africa, but it is not a degree and not compulsory for admission to a master's degree.
Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Edinburgh Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Duration: Nine Months, Full-time Entry Requirements: To apply, the candidate should have: Purpose/Rationale: The Language Education qualification is for teachers of all languages interested in extending and deepening their knowledge of the latest research in the field of language education. The qualification is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of those with an interest in language and/or the teaching of languages. The qualification will develop knowledge and critical awareness of how to teach languages, how to learn languages and how we use languages, and enable the learner to best teach the languages they know. This qualification will enable learners to become a 'future thinking' language educator, empowered to respond to transnational migration flows, digital developments, and various models of language education policy. The Language Education qualification is distinctive and positioned in the global world and seeks to develop Language Educators that are agents of change, ensuring their learners are equipped to become multilingual, plurilateral citizens. Exit Level Outcomes Graduates of the Diploma (PgDip) Language Education will be able to: Career opportunities: The qualification will develop the love of language and its teaching, giving learners the knowledge and professional skills, learners need to enter the challenging field of language education or to extend their current careers. Whether learners are newly qualified or experienced teachers or are involved in a related area of language teaching, such as curriculum development, learners will benefit from the blend of educational and linguistic foundations on offer. This qualification will allow learners to pursue opportunities in foreign or second language teaching, either as a newly qualified teacher looking to enter the profession, an experienced practitioner seeking to diversify or reinforce the current career, or a non-qualified teacher with an interest in foreign language tuition. Learners will also gain a host of valuable transferable skills that they can carry into any career situation. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of compulsory modules focusing on language teaching and learning theory and methodology and some electives which include subjects such as: Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits: Elective Modules, 40 Credits: (Select any two modules of the following modules): Similarities: Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Leeds Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in English, Language and Education Qualification structure: The institution offers Bachelor of Arts Honours in English, Language and Education or other modern languages in combination with education. The qualification does not focus entirely on the teaching of a specific language (or languages) but includes a variety of generic modules such as analysing learner language and research methodology similar to the proposed qualification with some electives on language teaching such as: Country: Hong Kong Institution: The Education University of Hong Kong Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies and BEd (Honours) (English Language) Duration: Five Years Full-time Credits: 156 Entry requirements: For acceptable international qualifications and general English language requirements Purpose: This qualification aims to prepare learners to become competent teachers of English for primary/secondary schools or other English language-related professionals. Graduates will obtain a high level of English proficiency and an ability to help pupils learn English effectively. Learners will learn the English language system in-depth, and the principles and theories of teaching and learning with special reference to the teaching and learning of English as a second/foreign language. Learners will conduct teaching practices in primary and secondary schools and join an immersion programme in an English-speaking country. This co-terminal double degree programme aims to prepare learners to become effective schoolteachers or other professionals who have a good command of the knowledge and skills in Language Studies and with a positive work attitude and good interpersonal skills. The qualification is designed to provide students with the disciplinary and professional competency to teach in local primary and secondary schools. Majoring in English with in-depth academic and professional knowledge, graduates of the programme will have excellent career prospects. They will be ready to gain the following skills and qualifications: 1. Qualified Teacher Status in primary or secondary schools in Hong Kong subject to the decision of the Education Bureau (EDB). 2. Be able to apply for an exemption from the Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers - English (LPATE) with a high level of English proficiency; and 3. Ability to help primary and secondary students learn English as a second language effectively. In addition to the professional teaching career, as they will have been equipped with the necessary academic knowledge and intellectual skills, they can also embark on a wide variety of other careers, such as civil service, news organisations, publishing houses, etc. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules. There are two majors, namely, Education Major and Discipline Studies Major, in this qualification. Discipline Studies Major is about language studies. Education Major focuses on theories and practices in English language teaching. It will cover both primary and secondary school settings as BA (Lang Studies) and Bed (EL) programme is a cross-sectoral programmes. Compulsory Modules, 75 Credits. OR Compulsory Modules, 81 Credits. Education Studies, 30 Credits. General Education, 16 Credits. Final Year Project, 6 Credits. Field Experience, 20 Credits. Language Enhancement, 9 Credits. Elective Modules, 15 Credits: Overseas Immersion Programme credit points are shared by DS Major Electives and Education Major Electives (equivalent to 15 Credits.) Total: 156 Similarities: Differences: Country: Kenya Institution: Laikipia University Qualification Title: Applied linguistics or in Kiswahili na Mawasiliano Comparison: The Laikipia University in Kenya offers either Applied linguistics or Kiswahili na Mawasiliano, which is only one of the indigenous languages of Kenya. The qualification pays special attention to developing transferable communication and research skills to support teachers seeking in-depth knowledge in language education. The South African qualification finds expression in the independent research project incorporated. The comparison within Africa regarding the development of indigenous languages and the utilization of these languages as media of instruction up to tertiary reveals a bleak picture. All endeavours to come to scientifically sound knowledge of multilingual education in Africa at the tertiary level delivered the same unfortunate conclusion: No indigenous language is used as a medium of instruction at the tertiary level in Africa. Indigenous languages are generally promoted as languages of instruction up to Grade 3. These indigenous languages can at most be studied as subjects at the tertiary level at very few institutions. Considering the above challenge, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) found it necessary to conduct a formal survey on the status of indigenous languages as languages of instruction. The recent articles deal with topics such as the advantages of mother tongue education and the economic impact associated with multilingual education and suggestions to change the current language teaching situation to the benefit of learners, but the official situation about the status of indigenous languages as media of instruction is regarded as a given. The uniqueness of and the need for the proposed qualification offering an opportunity to develop a number of indigenous languages is, therefore, evident from the international comparison exercise. Conclusion: Taking the above-mentioned comparison into account, expertise across seven different language subject groups, faculties and campuses was exploited in the conceptualisation and design of the proposed qualification will be presented institution-wide to ensure that the qualification is nationally and internationally recognised as a postgraduate degree of distinction. |
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. |