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 Arts Honours in Gender Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119974  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Gender Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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 1212/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-22   2029-11-22  

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 Arts Honours in Gender Studies is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen a learner's knowledge of the field and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that field. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the field of Gender Studies.
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to critically discuss and debate complex issues in gender studies.
  • Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and what constitutes knowledge and research in gender studies.
  • Access information from a diverse range of sources to address complex problems and issues in gender studies.
  • Evaluate the sources and the information and use this information to develop and sustain an argument in which different knowledge perspectives and interests are integrated, multiple views accommodated, and creative tension managed.
  • Undertake independent and original research in a specialised area of gender studies, starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, and analysing the data, to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional ethics in gender studies and apply this in their work, decisions, and actions.
  • Communicate confidently and effectively, orally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Work effectively as part of a group, taking the lead when required and taking full responsibility for personal work and that of the team members when appropriate.

    Rationale:
    Gender Equality is currently one of the international and national priority areas and a central tenet of the South African constitution. The qualification seeks to build on learners' knowledge and to provide them with specialised skills and theoretical competence in the field of gender dynamics. Furthermore, the qualification provides learners with skills to apply the acquired knowledge to solve complex gender-based problems in contemporary societies. Gender Studies aims to provide learners with an understanding of how gender operates within systems and institutions to create imbalances of power.

    The qualification will be transdisciplinary in nature and will draw learners from across various disciplines including Agriculture, Social Sciences, Development Studies and more. The focus of the qualification will be to advance learners' in-depth knowledge of gender theories, praxis as well as a feminist-based research methodology. Such research can inform policy and development strategies specific to the province, country, and continent.

    The qualification offers an alternative angle of vision or worldview and understanding of the social world in which we live, and which shapes our lives. It looks beyond normal, taken-for-granted views of reality to provide deeper, more illuminating, and challenging understandings of social life. Through its analytical perspective, theories, and research methods, Gender Studies is a discipline that expands on gender awareness and analysis of the human social relationships, cultures, violence, and institutions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.

    Qualifying learners will be prepared for further postgraduate studies but will also be able to join the workforce and work in Higher Education Institutions, International and Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector. 
    		•

    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 with 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 Social Science in Sociology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in the related field, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Any relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 90 Credits:
  • Intersectional Feminist Research Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Research Report, 30 Credits.
  • Gender Theories, 15 Credits.
  • Gender and Development in Africa, 15 Credits.
  • Gender and Violence, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 30 Credits (Select two modules)
  • Gender and Family, 15 Credits.
  • Gender and Institutional Transformation, 15 Credits.
  • Queerness in Africa, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the field of Gender Studies.
    2. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to critically discuss and debate complex issues in gender studies.
    3. Address complex problems and issues in gender studies to develop and sustain an argument in which different knowledge perspectives and interests are integrated.
    4. Undertake independent and original research in a specialised area of gender studies, starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, and analysing the data, to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
    5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional ethics in gender studies and apply this in their work, decisions, and actions.
    6. Communicate confidently and effectively, orally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Review and use relevant gender theories, principles, procedures and practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques to support the development of convincing arguments and positions in assignments, research reports and examinations.
  • Discuss gender studies supported by reference to current literature and case studies and draws on examples from around the world with an emphasis on Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the interrelationship between gender and socio-economic development with reference to current literature and case studies.
  • Analyse and discuss gender-based violence with reference to established theory and current literature.
  • Analyse the evolving nature of what constitutes family using gender as the lens.
  • Discuss the interrelationship between gender and institutional transformation with reference to current literature and case studies.
  • Identify appropriate methods, including statistical methods, where a range of methods are considered, and the appropriate ones are chosen.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply perspectives from different disciplines successfully and manage creative tensions such that multiple voices are heard.
  • Select and justify given familiar and unfamiliar research topics, an appropriate research paradigm.
  • Analyse knowledge and the nature of knowledge in the social sciences and gender studies with reference to relevant theory.
  • Access, evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources in the research paper.
  • Review and analyse existing knowledge in gender studies.
  • Manage contradictory information well, consider alternative viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate, discuss, and apply research paradigms used in gender research applications.
  • Apply critical awareness of relevant philosophies and research paradigms.
  • Use and apply routine and specialised methods in gender studies correctly.
  • Understand and describe the inherent weaknesses of an applied or recommended method.
  • Use a range of approaches to data collection and recommend and justify an appropriate method.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify ethical issues in gender studies correctly and report how best to address them.
  • Use a range of information sources and demonstrate a critical evaluation of each source.
  • Formulate recommendations, fully supported, and justified by the data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate results from the research project to both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology
  • Communicate oral arguments in a convincing manner.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories clearly.
  • Work effectively as part of a group, taking the lead when required and taking full responsibility for personal work and that of the team members when appropriate.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Formative Assessment:
    Learners will be provided with a minimum of four formative assessment activities and the feedback will be used by the learners to improve their learning. In this developmental approach to assessment, assessment tasks will be provided regularly and will be closely aligned with the learning outcomes; comprehensive feedback is provided to help with learning, and opportunities are provided for learners to demonstrate that their learning has developed or progressed. Through this, learners are empowered in the assessment process and are assisted to monitor their learning.

    Summative assessment:
    The extent to which learners have achieved the outcomes will be assessed in a formal examination. In the Research Report and Intersectional Feminist Research Methods modules, assessment is again formative and summative.
    The research project is an excellent tool to integrate learning and assessment.
  • Full details of the assessment are included in each of the module outlines, which have been uploaded.

    The final module mark is the weighted average of Formative Assessment at 60% and Summative Assessment at 40%. To pass the Honours degree, learners must pass each module with a final mark of 50% or greater.
    The single final mark for the Honours degree is calculated as the weighted average of the module marks where the weighting is based on the number of credits for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National University (ANU)
    Qualification Title: Gender, Sexuality and Culture Honours

    This is a single-year qualification that follows the successful completion of a BA. This specialisation gives learners high-level preparation for professional life or a higher degree by research through the development of an advanced knowledge of the research principles and methods and theoretical concepts of gender, sexuality, and culture, and through the design and implementation of a research project, typically a thesis of up to 20,000 words, that develops new understandings or that provides solutions to complex problems.

    Modules:
  • Gender and cross-cultural perspective
  • Gender and development
  • Critical issues in policy and practice
  • Critical issues in gender and development, gender, violence and development, trauma, memory and culture and feminist theory.

    Similarities:
  • Both Qualifications are offered in one-year.
    The following modules offered at AUT are similar to the SA qualification:
  • Gender and development
  • Critical issues in gender and development, gender, violence and development, and feminist theory.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: The University of Auckland in New Zealand
    Qualification Title: BA Honours in Gender Studies
    This is a one-year full-time qualification which combines both theory modules and an original research project. The research project is worth 25% of the credits for the degree.

    Modules:
  • Topics on women and femininity
  • Men and masculinity.
  • Sexuality and gender relations across a wide range of areas, including society, politics, history, arts, education, religion, and literature.

    Learners can take modules across multiple disciplines to develop an understanding of how the social and cultural constructions of masculinities and femininities function in human society.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one-year.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Trinity College in Dublin
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Gender and Women's Studies
    This qualification is included in the international comparability because the structure and content are similar and not all countries have stand-alone honours-level qualifications. This qualification is offered for one-year full-time.

    The qualification provides a critical understanding of the current scholarship on the position and representation of gender in society. The qualification is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, training learners to research across a range of disciplines.
  • Learners acquire a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which theories of gender are produced, performed, and negotiated and an ability to use the primary source material as well as critical theories and scholarship.
  • The qualification also hones the sort of analytical, written, and verbal communication skills that are highly valued and effective in many different careers. (Similar to the SA qualification)

    Learners take the core modules gender theories, and approaches and methods to gender research, which provide a grounding in key approaches and skills. Learners choose further modules from a wide range of electives, varying from year to year. These include both special topics and further skills and methodologies training options, allowing learners to build specific skills.

    Modules offered:
  • Gender and Symbolic Violence (Similar to the SA qualification)
  • Gender, Art, and Identity
  • Gender and War in the 20th Century
  • Saints and Sanctity in Ireland, Britain, and Europe
  • Gender, Identity and Authority in 18th century France
  • Gender and Nation in Irish Writing
  • Approaches to Historical Research
  • Libraries and Archives
  • Curating Art in Theory and Practice.

    The capstone of the qualification is a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on a research topic in Gender and Women's Studies selected by the learner and carried out under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one-year and prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study.
  • Both qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules.

    Differences:
  • The Ireland qualification is set at one level above the SA qualification.
    The below modules offered in the Ireland qualification differ from the modules offered in the SA qualification:
  • Gender, Art, and Identity
  • Gender and War in the 20th Century
  • Saints and Sanctity in Ireland, Britain, and Europe
  • Gender, Identity and Authority in 18th century France
  • Gender and Nation in Irish Writing
  • Approaches to Historical Research
  • Libraries and Archives
  • Curating Art in Theory and Practice. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Gender Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts Gender Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Gender Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Gender Studies, 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.
     
    1. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.