SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Arts Honours

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122109	Bachelor of Arts Honours
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 0922/24	2024-03-07	2027-03-07
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07		2031-03-07

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 is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen learner's knowledge in a field of specialisation and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that field. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement around specialisation and intellectual independence.
Learners will be prepared to continue into further research-based postgraduate studies or to seek employment.

Upon completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to:

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the area of specialisation.

Communicate confidently and effectively orally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, suitable audio-visual tools, and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in general and as they apply to the area of specialisation, and apply this in their work, decisions, and actions.

Undertake independent and original research in a field of specialization starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.

Rationale:
The need for this qualification is to promote and support the intellectualization of scholarly work in, the Humanities and Social Sciences. The qualification will produce an essential set of analytical skills and bodies of knowledge which our society and the wider world would be impossible to understand. "It is the humanities that nurture the lifeblood of a democratic project through powers of informed analysis, judgement, and creative critique." (ASSAF, 2011).

The Institution has acknowledged the central importance of the Humanities in its Bachelor of Arts Honours, and the proposed qualification will provide an opportunity for progression into Master's level studies.

The proposed Honours degree will contribute to the production of learners in the Humanities with higher-level skills, knowledge and research abilities who will be independent and critical thinkers with wide-ranging disciplinary knowledge and awareness and the ability to approach problems creatively and analytically.
Learners with this qualification will be able to work and contribute to many varied facets of the job market, depending on their area of specialisation including but not limited to all areas dealing with people, and in all areas demanding higher levels of language usage, interpretation, rhetoric, communication and meaning production. Learners will work for National and Provincial Governments and in the private sector and will be able to work for themselves or others as consultants.

This qualification is a bridge between undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and learners are prepared for further research-based postgraduate studies. Given that it is research that will identify the solutions to the many and diverse problems that we face, the rationale for the Honours degree is clear. In addition, the minimum entrance requirement for a career in academia is a master's degree, and the Honours degree can be seen as a crucial stepping stone for individuals wishing to become academics.

Learners will benefit through the development of advanced knowledge and skills and improved employment opportunities. The learner will possess the Institution's values including being socially aware agents of change which should bring benefits to society. We return to the views expressed in the Consensus Study on the State of the Humanities in South Africa, Prospects and Strategies (ASSAF, 2011) that the "Humanities are indispensable, producing an essential set of analytical skills and bodies of knowledge without which our society and the wider world would be impossible to understand."

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 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.

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, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Social Science, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, NQF Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7 in a cognate field.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 8, 135 Credits.

Research Methodology, 15 Credits.

Research Report, 30 Credits.

Morphology and Syntax, 15 Credits

Phonetics and Phonology, 15 Credits

Philosophical Theories and Practice of Culture and Heritage, 15 Credits

Modernity and the Modern World, 15 Credits

State Building in Africa: Democratisation and Crisis, 15 Credits

African Political Economy, 15 Credits

Elective Modules, Level 8, 45 Credits (Choose three electives)

Modern IsiNdebele Literature, 15 Credits.

Traditional IsiNdebele Literature, 15 Credits.

Semantics and Sociolinguistics, 15 Credits.

Language History, Planning and Policy, 15 Credits.

Translation, Interpretation and Lexicography, 15 Credits.

Current Discourses in Culture and Heritage in South Africa, 15 Credits.

Themes of Culture, History and Heritage in the Modern World, 15 Credits.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Contemporary Africa, 15 Credits.

Biocultural Diversity, Sacred Natural Sites and Cultural Landscapes, 15 Credits.

Policy, Power and Politics in Cultural Heritage and Representation, 15 Credits.

Decoloniality: African Thought, Discourse and Critique in Cultural Studies, 15 Credits.

African Feminism and Gender Studies, 15 Credits.

Selected Topic in Political Studies: Public Policy, 15 Credits.

Ethnicity, Conflict and Inequality in Global Perspective, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the area of specialization.
2. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to critically discuss and debate complex issues in specialization.
3. Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from the experience of the epistemologies of the social sciences and humanities, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
4. Use information from a diverse range of sources to address complex problems and issues.
5. Select and correctly implement an appropriate research paradigm, data collection methods and methods of analysis, including both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods.
6. Undertake independent and original research in a field of specialization starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analyzing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
7. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in general and as they apply to the area of specialization, and apply this in their work, decisions, and actions.
8. Communicate confidently and effectively verbally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, suitable audio-visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Critically review relevant theories, principles, procedures and practices, research methodologies, methods and techniques and used to support the development of convincing arguments and positions in assignments, the research report and examinations.

Critically discuss current issues in the field of specialization and apply advanced understanding by reference to current literature and case studies and draw on examples from the World with an emphasis on Africa.

Apply methods and techniques to support the development of convincing arguments and positions in assignments, research reports, and examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Illustrate reviews of recent research articles and apply a full understanding of the area of specialization.

Critically analyse and discuss case studies with reference to established theory and current literature.

Contribute to debate and discussion of current issues in the area of specialization.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Illustrate critical awareness of relevant philosophies and research paradigms.

Select and fully justify given familiar and unfamiliar research topics.

Critically analyse knowledge and the nature of knowing in the social sciences with reference to relevant theory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Critically evaluate information from a wide range of sources and include it in the research paper and all assignments.

Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of specialization.

Manage contradictory information, alternative viewpoints considered and balanced conclusion reached.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Evaluate research paradigms used in the humanities and their application critically.

Correctly apply routine and specialised methods.

Clearly understand and describe the inherent weaknesses of an applied or recommended method.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Present the project question and scope.

Identify appropriate methods including statistical methods, where a range of methods are considered, and the appropriate ones chosen.

Collect and analyse data successfully.

Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.

Formulate recommendations supported by the data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify ethical issues in specialization.

Obtain ethical approval prior to research commencement.

Make an informed ethical contribution to debates using theoretical knowledge, value systems, and principles of morality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

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.

Use a standard referencing style accurately and consistently in the research paper.

Communicate written arguments convincingly.

Clearly present statistical results in the research paper.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Australia
Institution: University of Queensland (UQ)
Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Duration: One year full-time
Australian Qualifications Framework: AQF Level 8

Purpose/rational
The BA (Honours) degree develops core skills and knowledge in theory and research in the humanities and social sciences. The program is based on a combination of coursework and a research project in the chosen field of study.
Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts from the University (or equivalent) in a relevant major, an extended major or the relevant Honours entry courses
And

Have gained a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale (or higher set by the Head of School for specific fields of study).

Qualification progression: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Qualification Structure
Modules

History Field of Study.

Anthropology Field of Study.

Classical Languages Field of Study, comperes with Language History, Planning and Policy.

Studies in Religion Field of Study, comperes with Current Discourses in Culture and Heritage in South Africa.

Political Science Field of Study, comperes with Selected Topic in Political Studies: Public Policy.

Philosophy Field of Study, comperes with Philosophical Theories and Practice of Culture and Heritage.

Archaeology Field of Study.

Art History Field of Study.

Similarities

University of Queensland (UQ), and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor's degree.

UQ and SA qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

UQ and SA qualifications are registered at AQF/NQF Level 8.

UQ and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Studies in Religion Field of Study, Philosophy Field of Study and Classical Languages Field of Study.

Both UQ and SA qualifications vertically articulate to a Master's degree.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: University of Auckland (UA)
Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Duration: One year full-time
Programme type: Postgraduate
Credits: 120

Purpose/rationale
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is an opportunity to extend your understanding of an academic area that you already find intellectually rewarding and personally meaningful. There's also the option of pursuing a subject that's different from your undergraduate major so long as you have the required background.

Entry requirements

You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts, including the prerequisites for your intended subject, with a GPA of 5 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in that subject.

You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission.
Or

You need to have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a similar discipline to your intended subject. You will require a GPE of 5.0.

Qualification structure

Philosophy compares with Philosophical Theories and Practice of Culture and Heritage.

Politics and International Relations, compares with Policy, Power and Politics in Cultural Heritage and Representation.

Psychology

Heritage, comperes with Current Discourses in Culture and Heritage in South Africa

History

Criminology.

Development Studies.

Drama Economics.

Qualification progression: Master's degree.

Similarities

University of Auckland (UA) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor's degree in the related field.

UA and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Heritage, Politics and International Relations and Philosophy.

UA and SA qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

Both UA and SA qualifications vertically articulate to a master's degree.

Both UA and SA qualifications are postgraduate qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Languages, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Languages and Culture Studies, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Language Studies, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Arts, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Historical Studies, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Philosophy, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Social Science, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Arts, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation

Diagonal articulation options are not available.

MODERATION OPTIONS

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