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 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123566  Bachelor of Arts 
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural 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 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2034-02-04  

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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Arts is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines and fields of study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic context.

This qualification will empower learners with theoretical and practical knowledge that is essential to succeed in academic and professional (public, private and civil societal) contexts. It provides learners with the opportunity to focus on subjects in the social sciences and cultural studies and enrol for Afrikaans and Dutch. The qualification starts from a broad basis of subjects in relevant fields to greater specialisation in the second and third years keeping the integrity of the qualification intact.

The qualification is thus intended to be a comprehensive study of some of the major disciplines in the social sciences and cultural studies. The qualification further aims to equip learners with knowledge and skills that pertain to the concepts and research methods necessary for employment in these fields or for further study at honours, master's or doctoral level in these subjects or related subject areas.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Engage with the different areas in the social sciences and cultural studies in a particular context and within the broader society.
  • Identify, interpret and solve complex questions and issues related to the social sciences and cultural studies within contemporary society considering past, present, and future.
  • Identify and address epistemological, ethical, political, aesthetical and religious issues in the fields of studies (social sciences and cultural studies) based on critical reflection within specific contexts.
  • Conduct research in various areas of the social sciences and cultural studies and communicate and apply insights to the benefit of society.

    Rationale:
    There is a need for a deeper grasp of the social sciences, cultural studies and a language that would assist learners in understanding the relationships between individuals and societies, human action and interaction against the background of history and with an eye on the future.

    Knowledge of the social sciences and cultural studies can help uncover useful insights into society in a variety of ways from understanding how minds work, to how societies as a whole function (and this all against the background of history and an eye on the future). The social sciences and cultural studies (and a knowledge of language where necessary) are thus vital for understanding important societal functions, such as economic growth and political legitimacy, as well as what makes people happy. In this qualification the following social sciences subjects are offered: History, Philosophy, Media Studies, Psychology, Politics, and Visual Culture. Psychology will be offered as an undergraduate subject that will not lead to a clinical postgraduate qualification, but to psychological research.

    Although a distinction is made between the social sciences and cultural studies (and a language), there is a certain reciprocity and interdependence between these subjects so that they all can be seen as subjects within the broad field of the humanities. All these subjects, and in their relatedness, provide learners with in-depth knowledge and the skills necessary to excel in (historically) understanding theory and practice in contemporary societies with an eye on the future.

    The qualification will equip learners towards careers in the social sciences and cultural studies. In this context, learners will be equipped with skills and competencies such as interpretative and problem-solving knowledge, critical thinking, and appropriate research capabilities that will enable them to work in a variety of public and private institutions including civil societal institutions.

    The qualification will provide learners with a well-rounded and broad education across several relevant disciplines. In this process, learners will be equipped with the necessary historical, analytical, critical, and interpretive skills in teaching, research and community service that will prepare them for further study and a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society and the public good. It is envisaged that the qualification will guide learners to understand the principles and application of critical citizenship especially in a complex and multicultural society and world. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's RPL Policy is aligned with the criteria set by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and SAQA. The institution recognises that potential learners may have previous training or experience for which they feel they can receive credit.

    RPL is the comparison of previous learning and experience of a learner, however, obtained against the learning outcomes required for a specific qualification and the acceptance of such learning for purposes of qualification of that which meets the requirements.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL for access will be applied to learners who do not meet the admission requirements of the qualification.
  • The applicant must provide evidence (e.g. portfolios, challenge examinations, etc.) that must be assessed as relevant, sufficient, authentic and current.
  • Learners will be assessed against the exit levels and learning outcomes of the qualification in accordance with the institution's RPL policy.
  • Admission based on RPL, is subject to the rules and regulations of the institution.
  • RPL allows access to further study by granting the status, but not the award, of the prerequisite qualification.

    RPL for credits:
  • RPL for credits is applied to learners studying towards other qualifications who wish to change qualification or institution or who are working in the industry, accumulated appropriate academic credits and/or work experience, and wish to study further.
  • The prior learning or experience for which learners wish to receive recognition and/or credit will be assessed in a formal and credible way.
  • The institution's RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Policy (CAT) will address this requirement of formal assessment.
  • Status will be awarded in line with credits as they pertain to the relevant outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 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, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate, NQF Level 5 in a cognate field of study
    or
  • Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6 in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits (Select six modules):
  • History 1, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 20 Credits.
  • Psychology 1, 20 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1, 20 Credits.
  • Politics I, 20 Credits.
  • Visual Culture 1, 20 Credits.
  • Afrikaans/Dutch 1, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits (Select four modules as per choice in year 1):
  • History 2, 30 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2, 30 Credits.
  • Psychology 2, 30 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2, 30 Credits.
  • Politics 2, 30 Credits.
  • Visual Culture 2, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits (Select three modules as per choice in year 2):
  • History 3, 40 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3, 40 Credits.
  • Psychology 3, 40 Credits.
  • Media Studies 3, 40 Credits.
  • Politics 3, 40 Credits.
  • Visual Culture 3, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a broad knowledge base and an understanding of the interrelatedness of the disciplines in the programme, namely the social sciences and cultural studies (and language where necessary).
    2. Develop generic skills in the social sciences and cultural studies (and languages where necessary) - including a broad general knowledge, of the most important theoretical and systematic approaches within the different but related fields
    3. Develop all the basic academic competencies and technical skills required to practice as a skilled graduate in the social sciences and cultural studies across genres and platforms.
    4. Analyse work in contemporary contexts (South African and African) regarding specific issues and/or problems.
    5. Interpret topical issues using perspectives in the fields of the social sciences and cultural studies by using contemporary contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the interrelatedness of social sciences and cultural studies (including language where necessary).
  • Describe concepts and principles in and across the relevant fields.
  • Interpret key questions and current issues in the field of study.
  • Participate effectively in activities related to the fields of study through scholarly discourse and discipline-specific conventions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and explain relevant theoretical approaches within the fields of the social sciences, cultural studies (and languages where necessary).
  • Appropriately apply terminology, concepts, theories and principles in the relevant fields.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain and describe possible solutions using theory-driven arguments and relevant modes of inquiry.
  • Write coherent professional interpretations using academic discourse.
  • Apply knowledge of various interpreting, reading and writing skills to contemporary circumstances.
  • Apply interpreting and writing skills to communicate ideas and arguments relevant to fields effectively, reliably, coherently and appropriately in academic and professional environments.
  • Analyse argumentative and language strategies in the public and private sectors (civil society) and respond appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse any given problem within the fields by applying relevant research methods.
  • Compile strategies and plans to address identified problems.
  • Apply theoretical approaches and perspectives as well as practical skills associated with the social sciences and cultural studies to communication problems in the South African context
  • Interpret traditional media and new social media in the South African and African contexts.
  • Critically analyse the role of traditional media and new social media use in professional and academic environments.
  • Synthesise theoretical knowledge and practical skills to create appropriate solutions and provide insightful feedback for social science and cultural studies-related issues in a South African context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain key issues pertaining to social and human complexity and diversity within the context of the relevant disciplines.
  • Provide appropriate critique in the relevant theoretical social sciences and cultural studies contexts.
  • Explain what civic responsibility means en entails in the professional study of social sciences and cultural studies as well as a private citizen.
  • Debate what moral awareness means regarding the role of social sciences and cultural studies in safeguarding democratic principles in an emerging democracy and a transitioning society.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Competence is demonstrated and assessed through a variety of assessment methods according to the institution's assessment framework.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment is designed to ensure that it:
  • Supports the teaching and learning process.
  • Provides constructive feedback to the learner on his/her progress.
  • Helps to make decisions on the readiness of learners to complete their summative assessment.
  • Is developmental in nature; and does not award credits/certification.

    Formative assessment methods include:
  • Two semester assessments (either an assignment of 30-50 marks or a class test of 30 marks). These account for 30% of the final formative assessment mark.
  • Three to six continuous assessments (10 marks each), which account for 20% of the final formative assessment mark.
  • One half-year semester test of 50 marks, which accounts for 50% of the final formative assessment mark.

    Formative assessment is useful in terms of assessment of critical cross-field outcomes, as these are often difficult to assess during summative assessments. Gaps in terms of knowledge and abilities can be identified with individuals at this stage and appropriate action planned. The overall formative assessment mark accounts for 40% of the final mark.

    Summative assessment:
  • Summative assessment occurs at the end of each study cycle of learning and is used to determine whether the learner is competent in the required knowledge and skills.
  • Summative assessment is making a judgement about achievement.
  • Learner-readiness determines whether the learner will qualify for the respective examinations.
  • It is required that the assignments are submitted to write an examination in each module.
  • Summative assessments will be conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience.
  • Summative assessments are moderated per module of learning, for all learners to be fairly assessed against the planned outcomes.

    Summative assessment includes:
  • An examination of 100 marks.
    The summative assessment mark accounts for 60% of the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered in the following countries in terms of the intended exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    Country: Australia University of Adelaide
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject.

    Purpose:
    The objective of this qualification is to produce graduates with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

    Successful graduates will be able to:
  • Engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
  • Convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
  • Engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
  • Demonstrate responsibility and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
  • Demonstrate respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
  • Well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
  • Accept and give constructive feedback; act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions, self-aware and reflective; flexible and resilient.

    Graduates of this qualification have gone on to roles such as Diplomat; Linguist; Manager/ Business Management; Conservation Scientist; Publishing; Member of Parliament; Parliamentary Adviser; Social Inclusion Officer; Historian and UN Human Rights Officer.

    Further Study Honours Degree of Bachelor of Arts
    Learners can specialise in at least one major and one minor from a large list of areas of study. Learners are also able to take elective courses in other areas of study from within Arts or from other areas within the University, such as Health Sciences or Business.
    The qualification offers the opportunity to learn one (or more) of eight languages, irrespective of a student's previous language study.

    Qualification structure:
    Elective Modules
    Learners can specialise by taking majors and minors in the following areas:
  • Anthropology
  • Art History and Visual Culture comparable to Visual Culture
  • Criminology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Digital Humanities
  • Film Studies comparable to Media Studies
  • History comparable to History.
  • History and Philosophy of Sciences (minor only) comparable to History
  • Indigenous Knowledge and Society
  • Media comparable to Media Studies
  • Philosophy comparable to Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations comparable to History
  • Psychology comparable to Psychology.
  • Sociology

    Similarities:
  • The University of Adelaide (UA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the year 12 qualification.
  • The UA and SA qualifications will equip learners with the necessary historical, analytical, critical, and interpretive skills that will prepare them for further study and a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society.
  • Both qualifications offer a wide choice in the fields of the social sciences, cultural studies and languages where necessary.
  • Both qualifications allow flexibility and freedom and support interests in the broad and vital study of history, society, culture and creativity.
  • The UA and SA qualifications articulate to an Honours degree

    Country: Netherlands
    Institution: University of Groningen
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
    Credits: 180 ECTS
    Duration: Three years, full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • GCE(A) level Learners: have obtained at least 3 GCE(A) level certificates from one of the recognized British examination boards.
  • EB learners: have a European Baccalaureate diploma from a European School or one of the Accredited European Schools and have (completed) English as the final exam subject. Only for L1 or L2 level.
  • IB learners: have an International Baccalaureate diploma, with English as the medium of instruction.
  • OIB learners: have the French Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) - section Britannique/Anglais.
  • South African National Senior Certificate: have obtained the NSC with IEB Advanced Programme certificate in English with 55% or more.
  • Singapore/Cambridge A-levels: Have obtained Singapore/Cambridge A-levels in at least 3 H2 and 1 H1 content* courses (of which at least 1 course in a contrasting discipline) together with either the course General Paper or Knowledge and Inquiry (5 courses in total).

    Purpose:
    Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, which will provide learners with an academic degree with a genuinely interdisciplinary outlook, freedom of choice and a collaborative and guided approach to learning. Learners could study a broad range of subjects whilst developing specialist knowledge in their major discipline: Humanities, Sciences or Social Sciences. The qualification empowers learners to forge their own path, develop their own identity, and find a position in our constantly changing world.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of three main parts: an Academic Core Programme (55 ECTS), a Major (95 ECTS) and a Minor (30 ECTS).

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Three Majors: Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities. Within each Major, learners can combine different academic disciplines or perspectives into a tailor-made programme that fits interests and prospective Master choices.
  • Academic Skills' and 'Introduction to Academic Research' and then select a discipline-specific research methods course of their choice.

    Learners explore the multidisciplinary fields of the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, starting in semester one with Challenges of Modern Society as well as two Core Electives. These electives introduce learners to interesting societal issues and at the same time give a broad introduction to the majors.

    Elective Modules (Select two modules):
  • Health and Life Sciences and Neuroscience.
  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
  • Law.
  • International Business.
  • Interdisciplinary AI.
  • Psychology comparable to Psychology.
  • Economics.
  • Politics comparable to Politics.
  • Philosophy comparable to Philosophy.
  • Culture and Literature comparable to Visual Culture.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Groningen (UG) and the South African (SA) qualifications take 3 years of full-time study.
  • The UG entry requirements are similar to the South African National Senior Certificate
  • This UG qualification is based on the American principle of Liberal Arts and Sciences, creating a higher education bachelor's degree that gives learners the opportunity to learn in an international and interdisciplinary environment similar to the SA qualification

    Differences:
  • The UG qualification has 180 ECTS whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.
  • The UG qualification articulates to a master's degree in the European system whereas the SA qualification articulates to an Honours degree in the cognate fields.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares well with the above international qualifications in terms of the level, purpose of the qualification and content where modules in the social sciences, cultural studies, and languages dominate. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Media Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Language, Literacy and Cultural Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Language and Culture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Media, Communication and Culture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Culture and Media Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Politics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in History, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans and Dutch, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Akademia NPC 


    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.