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 in Communication Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120077  Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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  EXCO 1212/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-22   2031-11-22  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
14169  Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science  Level 6  NQF Level 07  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides a depth of knowledge of communication to enable learners to apply their learning in the contexts of a decolonising Africa and its communication industries, as well as of the fragmentation, convergence, transformation, and disruption of communications. The qualification contains universal principles, quality academic and career-focused learning, and theory, as well as research opportunities to prepare learners for employment.

The qualification incorporates a creative, critical, problem-posing approach to communication that embraces multiple perspectives of communication, its historical development and context, and personal, community, industrial and professional manifestations. Qualifying learners will develop analytical, interpretative, and argumentative skills which will empower them to critique the received knowledge of the discipline and its manifestations in African society and to formulate and maintain coherent positions on the relationship between communication and its social structures, justice, economic contexts, ethics, and the moral sphere.

This qualification allows for the development of various competencies and capabilities in the digital age as qualifying learners must engage with emerging technologies in the analysis and application of communication. Computer and communication technologies necessitate digital practices because the semiotic practices of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are constantly adapted to represent the experiences of the global village through the integration of multi-modalities with multiple media and contexts. Content is re-created through the integration of digital technology and related skills. Learners must demonstrate the application of appropriate technologies to communicate effectively using different media, and critically reflect upon, and understand operations of the changing media environment, media products and media consumption by audiences.

The completed qualification provides an opportunity for career advancement across the spectrum of media and the discipline, as well as for further studies in the disciplines of communication.

Rationale:
This qualification will meet the increasing need for economic growth, development and sustainability, educational and critical research needs, as well as the ever-increasing and changing demands of the technology-enabled world. The qualification prepares qualifying learners for general employment in various occupations, jobs, and positions within the communication-related industry. The communication industry and media environment have been changed by technological developments. Progress and multiple modes of communication are now integrated with a variety of media types to provide new knowledge.

Learners must be equipped with skill sets that match those required in the digital age to ensure a sustainable career path for themselves and others, to meet stakeholder needs in a variety of contexts, to meet socio-cultural needs, and to fulfil various roles in society. It is equally important to promote and enhance creativity and creative innovation, scholarly development, and to promote and encourage lifelong learning.

This qualification addresses issues that have increased in salience and pervasiveness, notably the African decolonised perspective of communication, disciplinary integration, multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to communication, convergence, globalisation, and social and technological disruption. The qualification also takes an integrated and holistic approach to the communication discipline, within a theoretical framework that is both current and aligned with the needs of a technology-driven industry.

The benefits of this qualification for learners include enhanced knowledge and skills, exposure to integrated skills in the field of communication, and a focus on an Africanised and decolonial nature of the discipline in a global context to function across a range of contexts. 

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:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Communication Practices, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 108 Credits:
  • Fundamental Principles of Decolonial Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Disruption and Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Communication in the context of the Organisation, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Decolonising Media Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Language through the African lens, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Law, 12 Credits.
  • English Proficiency for University Studies,12 Credits.
  • Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to African Philosophy, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 12 Credits (select one module):
  • Introduction to Law, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Western Philosophy, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 108 Credits:
  • Applied Organisational Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Brand Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Campaigns, 12 Credits.
  • Decolonising Communication Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Media Audiences, 12 Credits.
  • Media Content, 12 Credits.
  • Critical Reasoning, 12 Credits.
  • Research in Social Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Writing Skills for the Communication Industry, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 12 Credits (select one module):
  • Community Development and the Basic Needs Approach, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamental Rights, 12 Credits.
  • African Ethics and Politics, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Communication for Social Change: health, development, and intercultural perspectives, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Policy, 12 Credits.
  • Critical Organisational Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Decolonising Communication Research, 24 Credits.
  • Global Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Media Industries and Institutional Culture, 12 Credits.
  • Political and Government Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Visual Culture, 12 Credits.
  • Persuasive Texts, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a sound theoretical knowledge of the discipline of Communication and critique the knowledge of the discipline.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse multiple perspectives of communication in its personal, community, corporate, institutional, political, and professional manifestations.
    3. Apply a range of existing and emerging technologies in the analysis and application of communication.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and solve communication problems in the community, corporate, institutional, political, and professional manifestations.
    5. Formulate coherent positions on the relationship between communication and its social structures, justice, ethics, and the moral sphere.
    6. Apply an African and decolonial perspective in the analysis and critique of communication in local, regional, and global contexts.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to develop applied communication and research skills in multiple communication and multi-cultural contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use the vocabulary and critical perspectives needed to discuss, analyse, and challenge power and knowledge systems from multiple perspectives.
  • Analyse and reflect on an understanding of the relationship between texts and critical theory.
  • Discuss and show the ability to reflect critically, in theoretically informed ways, to constantly improve and adapt communication to evolving circumstances.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss and reflect on sound knowledge of communication industries.
  • Analyse texts and show an applied understanding of:
  • The technological specificity of their medium
  • Their construction
  • The broader inter-medial movement of texts and ideas
  • The historical, social, cultural, and political contexts within which they are produced, disseminated, and read.
  • Discuss how the multiple and critical theoretical perspectives of intrapersonal, interpersonal, small, and large group, institutional and professional contexts impact communication.
  • Apply multiple and critical theoretical perspectives of the subdisciplines of communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select and use appropriate technologies in a strategic way to interact with the intended target audience.
  • Apply and recognise multiple variables that enable professionals to communicate effectively with their audience.
  • Write creatively, analytically, interpretatively, and argumentatively in a range of mediated formats, including the traditional academic essay, as well as more contemporary visual and networked forms, demonstrating an understanding of the rhetorical features specific to the medium.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop and maintain interpersonal group relations within organisations.
  • Use symbols to create and maintain organisational images, missions, and values.
  • Support, socialise and persuade relationships with a range of stakeholders.
  • Critically analyse the operations of the media, media products and media consumption by audiences.
  • Interpret scenarios, case studies, and dialogues.
  • Apply communication knowledge and skills to transform relationships.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss the relationship between communication and business ethics, leadership, human motivation, and collaboration.
  • Develop contextualised positions in terms of ethics and the moral sphere in communication.
  • Develop and apply self-reflexivity, self-understanding, and responsible and ethical conduct in communication.
  • Examine the democratic communication principles in keeping with the ideals of ethics, diversity, equity, and social justice (to be refined/removed).
  • Apply communication knowledge and skills to transform social structures, justice, ethics, and the moral sphere (to be refined/removed).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply the epistemological contestation between the scholarship of the global south and north.
  • Evaluate and apply frameworks from indigenous, colonised and historically marginalised spaces to the context of communication.
  • Explore the shifting ontologies in the communication discipline.
  • Analyse and apply theories and methodologies of oppositional consciousness in the discussion and analysis of communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Analyse and apply alternative critical theories in multiple communication and multicultural contexts.
  • Conduct original research by finding, reading, and assessing appropriate sources for the support of an idea, and place their own analyses into conversation with a field of work.
  • Analyse texts across various communication technologies using appropriate methodologies.
  • Critique the imperial model of research in scientific enquiry and independently validate, evaluate, and manage sources of information.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Formative and summative assessments are conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy.

    A specific assessment strategy is applied throughout the tuition period, and the assessment criteria on each level of the qualification reflect the complexity of learning presented on each level. Specific processes in the setting, marking, and grading of assignments and examinations ensure consistency, reliability, and accuracy, while fairness and consistency are ensured by applying the standardised assessment policy and procedures.

    Formative assessment takes place during the teaching and learning process and is integrated with the teaching and learning activities. The function of formative assessment in open distance learning (ODL) is to provide contact, support, and structure to the learning experiences of students often unfamiliar with and alienated by the distance learning experience.

    When designing assessments, assessors will make use of the relevant NQF level descriptors to determine the level of complexity of the assessment. To authenticate assessments, assessments will be based on real-life world experiences, for instance, case studies, scenarios, and simulations. Both formative and summative assessments may be venue-based or non-venue-based.

    Formative and summative assessments encapsulate the weighting of assignments and portfolios against predetermined criteria. Formative assessment in each module is based on a minimum of two assignments which are weighted and contribute 20% or more to the final mark of the module. The number of formative assignments could increase according to the subject matter, teaching strategy and assessment method. These assignments could consist of online activities, portfolios, and analyses of scenarios and/or case studies.
    Formative assessment prepares learners for summative assessment and enables academics to plan or improve interventions to support students.

    Formative feedback to learners in verbal and written form ensures dialogue between academics and learners, highlights strengths and weaknesses, and can be instructional to provide guidelines for improvements, the development of competencies and to promote cognitive development. Feedback is provided individually in written and online assignments, in e-mails, or telephonically. General feedback is provided online in discussions and/or announcements and tutorial letters.

    Summative assessments refer to the assessment of written and online examinations or the assessment of developmental portfolios which culminate in an examination portfolio.

    The formative assessment mark will comprise a semester or year mark and is determined by the specified number of compulsory assignments applicable in each module. The summative mark consists of an examination mark. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both formative and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio and 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction. A sub-minimum of 40% applies in modules to allow students a supplementary examination opportunity. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification has been compared with the following three international qualifications:

    Country: Uganda
    Institution: Makerere University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts in Communication
    Duration of study: Three Years
    At the University of Makarere Communication and Design teaches the appealing visual aspects of communication to design and develop posters, fliers, leaflets, and banners.
    Media audiences teach media theories, methodologies, approaches, emerging and decolonised approaches, representation, and reception.
    The influence of interactive communication technologies, cable, satellite, electronic media, and worldwide computer networks on social behaviour and communication is taught in communication in the new age at the University of Makarere.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications offer communication studies in which theories and types of communication and communication behaviour are addressed.
  • Both qualifications have communication modules that cover a broader spectrum of the discipline to equip students with a variety of skills and to prepare students for general employment in various occupations, jobs, and positions within the communication-related industry, and/or to fulfil various roles in society.
  • The University of Makarere teaches communication and law which enables learners to understand the major areas of law, solve legal problems in media communication, and become aware of developing problems in fields of the media industry and emerging technologies, this is also applicable in the SA qualification.

    Differences:
    Admission requirements for the Uganda qualification:
  • The Uganda Certificate of Education with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Advanced Level obtained at the same sitting, or
  • A Second Class or Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma from a recognised institution, relevant to the programmes applied for, or
  • Be a graduate of a recognised university.
    Entry requirements for the SA qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in the related field, NQF Level 5.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Otago
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
    Credits: 360
    Duration of study: Three Years

    Entry requirements: A university entrance qualification (normally based on National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) credits, bursaries results, ad eundem statum admission, special admission, provisional entrance, or discretionary entrance) and must have fulfilled language requirements to be admitted as a learner (new and recommencing learners enrolling for most undergraduate qualifications will be selected via preferential entry or competitive entry).

    Communication Studies focuses on the social, technological, political, and cultural implications of current and changing communicative practices and networks. With an emphasis on social and media-based communication, courses initiate a critical and creative understanding of digital, broadcast, print and mobile communication, and develop written and screens-based skills. These are central to comprehending the role of media and communication industries and practices in the wider context of society and culture.

    At the University of Otago learners engage with theories of representation, subjectivity, and power; analyse media texts including advertisements, television programmes and social media; and develop skills enabling semiotic and discourse analysis of a range of media texts in terms of the following frameworks: Marxism, feminism, and critical race theory.
    The focus of communication for social change is on theory related to health, development, and intercultural communication for social change. Scholarly literature and case studies will be used to examine contexts, media, methods, and practices.

    Qualification structure:
    The UO qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Understanding Contemporary Media, 18 Credit points.
  • Introduction to Communication Studies, 18 Credit points.
  • Theory of Communication Studies, 18 Credit points.
  • Two further papers from 200-level MFCO papers, GEND 205 Gender and the Media, 36 Credit points.
  • Critical Problems in Communication Studies, 18 Credit points.
  • Three further papers from 300-level MFCO papers, GEND 305 Gender and the Media, 54 Credit points.
  • 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above (Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts), 198 Credit points
    Total: 360 Credit points

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications offer communication studies in which theories and types of communication and communication behaviour are addressed.
  • Both qualifications are offered in three years with a weighting of 360.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Queensland
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Communication
    NQF Level: AQF Level 7
    Duration of study: Three Years

    Entry requirements:
  • Year 12 or an equivalent qualification; achieve the minimum entry score; satisfy any subject prerequisites; meet the English language requirements.

    At the University of Queensland (UQ) media design introduces learners to producing multimedia artefacts for specific audiences. The module on media content aims to teach an understanding of media content and an analysis of media content. The module will equip students with theories and methods related to textual analyses, semiotics, social semiotics, discourse analysis, visual rhetoric, representation, content analysis, ethnography, and fandom influence on media.

    The University of Queensland offers:
  • Communication law and ethics which studies the impact of laws, regulations and ethical issues on journalists and communication practitioners.
  • Media and society in which critical attention is given to the meaning-making, participatory and data-processing capacities of media to illustrate how media exerts power and shapes our world.
  • Media strategies which examine a range of media and their role in campaign design and delivery.

    Political communication presented at the University of Queensland examines the role of mass communication in public opinion. Media and identity analyses how various forms of media represent the interaction between individuals (race, gender, disability, class), and social and cultural identity.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 48 units comprising:
  • 16 units for all B Communication Core Courses, and
  • 16 units for one Major from B Communication Majors, and
  • 16 units from B Communication Elective Courses
  • Selected courses must include at most 24 units at level 1.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Queensland addresses digital disruption in a module (connectivity and culture) and the SA qualification has a module dealing with disruption and communication.
  • The University of Queensland offers communication for social change (participatory communication) which correlates with SA qualification content. Their module on Cross-cultural dynamics in communication examines the relationship between communication and cultural contexts and explores communication and social identity, race, ethnicity, and gender, as well as the dynamics of social and cultural change.
  • Both qualifications are offered in three years.
  • Both qualifications offer the communication law and ethics modules.
  • Both qualifications are registered at NQF/AQF Level 7.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold the Year 12 qualifications.

    Differences:
    The South African qualification carries a weighting of 360 credits whereas the University of Queensland is weighted 48 credits. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.