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 Social Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
12127  Bachelor of Social Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0328/24  2024-11-21  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields of Human and Social Studies, Culture and Arts, Business, Commerce, and Management Studies, Education, Training and Development and Health Sciences and Social Services that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. The qualification represents planned learning outcomes, namely that the learner will be qualified to render holistic, integrated and intersectoral services, reflecting diversity, accessibility and equal distribution of resources for all South Africans. These outcomes are designed to promote lifelong learning.

The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in a number of social sciences in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of social analysts, researchers, facilitators, developers, managers, service providers, and experts in the field of social sciences who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of social sciences prior to acquiring specific postgraduate qualifications.
In addition to the above, each package in this programme has its own further purpose 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation certificate
Other:
In order to register for the programme Baccalaureus Societatis Scientiae (B Soc Sc), a candidate should, apart from the required matriculation certificate with matriculation exemption, comply with the particular requirements prescribed in the admission procedures and faculty regulations for the Faculty of Humanities and the respective departments, for admission to a particular package of study.

Those who intend to register at the University for the first time, or who wish to resume their studies after a period of interruption, should apply or reapply for admission. Application for admission to all packages in the programme B Soc Sc closes on 30 September. All candidates will be expected to write an admission test as well as language proficiency and computer skills tests.

A candidate who
  • have not obtained matriculation exemption but who are in possession of at least a three-year tertiary qualification, will be considered on the basis of merit, with a view to admission to a degree programme
  • is in possession of another certificate which is accepted by the University as equivalent to the required matriculation certificate with matriculation exemption
  • is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution, may also be considered for admission
  • passes an admission test as prescribed by the University.

    A conditional exemption certificate does not qualify a candidate for admission to bachelor's degree study. A certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of mature age is, however, accepted for degree study by certain faculties. Candidates are advised to contact the faculty administration in question in this regard.

    Senate may place a limit on the number of students who may be admitted to register for a programme, in which case the Dean concerned may decide who to admit from those who qualify. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    B Soc Sc

    Learning outcomes:
    The learner will have good language proficiency required for the practice of science, a sound knowledge of Social Sciences, and the ability to apply skills effectively in their chosen field of expertise. The learner will have basic computer skills and will have mastered basic critical and creative thinking skills. Knowledge and skills are supplemented with in-depth guidance in approaches and methods for analysis, theories and models for application, management and development, growth, ethics, strategy, and achievement which equip the candidate with skills which can be immediately implemented and supplemented by lifelong learning.
    Where required (e.g. B Soc Sc (SW)), professional practice with regard to work with individuals, groups and communities is part of the learning programme.

    Critical cross-field outcomes:
    Critical cross-field outcomes for the programme in social sciences include but are not limited to various competencies and applied competencies such as:
  • identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made concerning solutions for problems related to individuals, groups, families, communities and people with special needs;
  • work intersectorally with other disciplines as a member of a team, group, organisation, community in both the public and private sectors;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological approach by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context;
  • develop holistic, integrated strategies and programmes for social services founded on the collection, analyses, organising, implementation and critical evaluation of theory, information and processes;
  • demonstrate effective utilisation of social science technology for strategies aimed at a service delivery framework
  • organise and manage their work load responsibly and effectively by means of a scheduled programme allowing for a learning environment such as reading scientific journals in the field as well as becoming a member of professional bodies, attending seminars and conferences, doing research and rendering voluntary services to facilitate professional growth and development
  • communicate effectively with people of all target groups, including literate, illiterate, children and the youth, using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion
  • contribute to the full personal development of each learner regarding strategies for learning, such as furthering of studies for career enhancement, involvement in community life, developing a non-discriminating attitude across a range of social contexts based on the value of social justice and a sensitivity for cultural diversity; also to explore and develop career opportunities such as entrepreneurial initiatives to promote social and economical independence and opportunities for personal development. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The associated assessment criteria are derived directly form the learning outcomes and provide the criteria against which learner performance demonstrating the attainment of learning outcomes can be judged. The assessment criteria involve, at minimum
  • that both norm-based and criteria-based modalities are used
  • reliability is ensured via internal and external moderation
  • the standards and levels of achievement required for "pegging" the qualification at NQF Level 6 are met.

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios
    Simulations
    Work-place assessments through practical application
    Written examinations
    Oral examinations
    Other:
    The modalities for integrated assessment permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence and use a wide range of formative and summative methods set according to specific guidelines for developing particular assessment tasks, and allowing assessors to develop formative and summative methods related to credentialing purposes appropriate to contextual and situational readings of candidates presenting themselves for the recognition of learning achievements.
    In addition to the above, modalities such as group discussions, presentations, peer group evaluations, observation/experiential learning, and live application of competency in practical settings are also used. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    BA Hons
    B Psych
    M Soc Sc
    MA

    BA Hons serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    M Soc Sc serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    MA serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    B Soc Sc specialising in Psychology and Sport Psychology will serve as entry after acquiring at least 285 credits.

    B Soc Sc specialising in Psychology and Sport Psychology provides credits for B Psych related qualification (on level 5)

    Other articulation possibilities, either generic or specific arrangements:
    The programme leading to a Baccalaureus in Social Sciences (B Soc Sc) and its subsidiary packages qualify the candidate for any post graduate programmes offered by the School of Social Sciences, as well as related postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Economics and Business Management (e.g. M BA), and the Faculty of Natural, Agricultural and Information Sciences. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Measures to ensure that assessment is fair, reliable and valid are in place according to a set of guidelines for the use of memoranda, internal second examiners and at all exit levels the use of external examiners, examination panels, and/or other experts. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Assessors for the programme leading to a Baccalaureus in Social Sciences (B Soc Sc) have to comply with the requirements set by the University for persons qualified to train learners in the field of Higher Education and Training. In general all assessors have acquired qualifications at least one degree higher than that for which the candidates are enrolled, namely Honours, Masters and Doctorate level.
    (All persons currently employed in the above departments comply with the set criteria.)

    Career experience required:
    Career experience include experience in social work and psychology related fields of expertise, university experience, and general experience as a practitioner in a specific field as required by the outcomes of the package. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.