SAQA 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 Journalism Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119810  Bachelor of Journalism Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
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  EXCO 1011/22  2022-10-04  2025-10-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-10-04   2029-10-04  

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 aim of the Bachelor of Journalism Honours is to produce journalists who have enhanced and crucial insights into the journalism profession, including its evolution wrought by the digital revolution, a critical understanding of the regional, national, and global contexts in which journalism functions, and the ethical principles that inform it. This qualification, therefore, is purposed to iterate to learners the importance of adherence to ethical codes and practices within the media industry, enhancing public confidence in the practice of journalism locally and globally and, securing the role of accountable, trustworthy, informative media.

The qualifying learners will be able to demonstrate competencies of general knowledge and intellectual ability as well as professional techniques of research, writing and other forms of presentation.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles and practice of research, especially in the journalism and media contexts and confidence in accessing and using academic literature in relation to their own practice and contexts.
  • Develop contextualised, in-depth multi-media content from inception to the final product.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how sociality is constituted by different forms of media and how these speak to issues of social belonging and calls for social change.
  • Demonstrate first-hand experience of the process of research and application of its principles through planning and implementing a simple, short-term research project.
  • Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility and accountability for own's work, decision-making and use of resources as newsroom personnel, and actions of others in the capacity of a newsroom manager.
  • Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field demonstrating an understanding of the context and ethical considerations.

    Rationale:
    The proposed Bachelor of Journalism Honours takes its cue from the scarce skills needs of the country. The guidelines offered by UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education (2007 and 2013) and its Global Initiative for Excellence in Journalism Education project (2014 - 2021) have also been considered.

    This offering will have a greater conceptual focus than the department's existing offerings. The aim, as alluded to earlier, is journalism praxis: to offer a healthy balance between theory and practice, to inculcate critical reflection and to produce ethical journalism graduates of depth and substance. This aim is aligned with the Global Initiative for Excellence in Journalism Education to produce questioning, independent and informed journalism graduates who, through their journalistic outputs, can disseminate quality knowledge for peace, development, and democracy. This will enable graduates to undertake with competence and confidence journalistic roles in a range of media forms and organisations or companies.

    There is a demand in South Africa for journalists who are new media savvy, multimedia specialists yet abide by core journalistic principles and are critical thinkers. These are quite a few challenging requirements which could be met adequately by an Honours degree offering.

    There are no journalism professional bodies in South Africa. A needs analysis and an analysis of relevant trends, including employment opportunities. The qualifying learner will have vocational skills coupled with a discursive edge and be able to think and write analytically. The Honours degree will provide a range of job opportunities in the Journalism field, across mediums such as print, broadcast, and online and is supported by stakeholders. 
    		•

    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 which is 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:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 08 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
  • Multimedia and Journalism, 20 Credits.
  • Media and Society, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project), 20 Credits.
  • Media Management, 20 Credits.
  • Specialist Journalism, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the principles and practice of research especially in the journalism and media contexts, and confidence in accessing and using academic literature in relation to their own practice and contexts.
    2. Develop contextualised, and in-depth multi-media content from inception to the final product.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of how sociality is constituted by different forms of media and how these speak to issues of social belonging and calls for social change.
    4. Demonstrate first-hand experience of the process of research and application of its principles through planning and implementing a simple, short-term research project.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility and accountability for own's work, decision-making and use of resources as newsroom personnel, and actions of others in the capacity of a newsroom manager.
    6. Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field demonstrating an understanding of the context and ethical considerations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define and present a research proposal correctly.
  • Critique, discuss and present a synthesis of existing literature and media relevant to the research proposal according to academic criteria.
  • Collect and interpret relevant data in terms of critical literature.
  • Produce and present a clear and acceptable communication of the research problem, its investigation, outcomes, and recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically source material for a range of news platforms.
  • Gather information according to established methods and values.
  • Script multimedia content appropriately.
  • Produce packages according to established criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Access, evaluate use, and source information.
  • Utilise language resources effectively and responsibly to produce essays and academic papers.
  • Analyse media text and institutions critically.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories.
  • Discuss and critique application in a specialist field of knowledge according to accepted academic criteria.
  • Consider ethical implications of the research.
  • Select appropriate methods of data gathering.
  • Apply appropriate methods of data analysis.
  • Conclude impactful research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conceptual and theoretical understanding of media management.
  • Demonstrate mastery of positioning analysis and financial acumen.
  • Produce a workable plan for daily management of a media product and organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Synthesise critically evaluated research into media content containing valid commentary and analysis.
  • Apply independent thinking when writing unbiased media stories.
  • Produce articles and multimedia packages utilising journalistic style, ethics, and principles. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Honours
    NQF Level: Level 8
    Credits: 120 credits
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    Prospective learners will be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Honours if they have:
  • Bachelor of Journalism and Communication Technology or a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Degree from the Namibia University of Science and Technology,
    Or
  • An equivalent qualification at NQF level 7 or a relevant three-year bachelor's degree (pre - NQF) from a recognised institution, worth at least 360 credits.

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Honours is an initial postgraduate Degree, registered at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 8. This qualification builds on the outcomes of the Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Degree and aims at consolidating and deepening the knowledge and skills of learners in the main cognate area of learning, as well as developing their capacity to conduct supervised research of an applied nature. This will enable learners to analyse theoretical material and demonstrate independent and critical analytical skills. The programme requires an advanced level of conceptual and analytical ability as well as intellectual autonomy. The Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Honours Degree is structured to enable learners to practice in the field of Journalism and Media Technology while interacting with people and organisations through the media. Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology Honours has been revised to ensure its continued relevance, as well as compliance with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Curriculum Framework and the NQF requirements. This revised programme addresses the ongoing need for qualified Journalism and Media Technology experts in both the public and private sectors, as confirmed by members of the PAC during consultations

    Career Possibilities: Journalist, Public Relations and Communications, Multi-media Design and Production.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Research Methods (Similar to the South African qualifications).
  • Media and Globalisation.
  • Media Research Production.
  • Mini Thesis.
  • Development Journalism and Media (Similar to the South African Qualification).
  • Intercultural Journalism.
  • Strategic Public Relations.

    Similarities:
    The Namibian qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualifications in the following criteria:
  • Both qualifications have similar entry requirements.
  • Both qualifications are offered over a period of one year.
  • Both qualifications are at NQF level 8 with 120 Credits.
  • Both qualifications are structured to enable learners to practice in the field of Journalism and Media.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Queensland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Journalism Honours
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8
    Qualification units: 16 units
    Duration: One year or two years part-time

    Entrance requirements:
  • A Bachelor of Journalism or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    The aim of the qualification is to further develop the skills learners gained at an undergraduate level by giving them opportunities for in-depth research and leadership under close supervision from world-class academics. The qualification is designed to enable learners to undertake advanced academic study and develop their leadership skills for the profession of journalism.

    The Honours course gives learners the opportunity to develop workplace skills and professional networks working alongside academics and industry professionals. The knowledge and skills learners will develop are widely valued and can be used in a variety of careers in media, online content development, broadcasting, publishing, and marketing. Graduates will have the opportunity to progress to the Master of Philosophy. The learner is required to research a journalism-related issue in-depth and present his/her findings in the form of a thesis.

    Career Opportunities:
  • Journalist (similar to the SA qualification).
  • Digital content producer.
  • Copywriter.
  • Broadcast writer.
  • Broadcaster (similar to the SA qualification).

    Qualification structure:
    Complete 16 units comprising:
  • 2 units for all BJ Honours Research Core Course.
  • 4 units from BJ Honours Research Elective Courses.
  • 10 units from BJ Honours Thesis Course.

    Modules in qualification:
  • Research Methods and Project Management, 4 units (similar to the SA qualification)
  • Journalism and Communication Studies, 4 units.
  • Honours Research Thesis, 8 units.

    Similarities:
    The Australian qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualifications in the following criteria:
  • Both qualifications have similar entry requirements.
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year.
  • Qualifying learners will develop contextualised in-depth multi-media content.
  • Both qualifications articulate a master's degree.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification carries a weighting of 120 credits whereas the Australian qualification has 16 Units. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation
  • Master of Arts in Journalism, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Journalism, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.