SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
15408	Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

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.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The diploma is intended for students who wish to obtain an introductory knowledge on International Relations and aspects related to it, namely African diplomacy and peacekeeping.

As such, the intention is twofold, to:
1. Enable first degree holders who may not have a background in Political or International Studies to enter the field of International Relations and (subject to minimum requirements) allow for eventual entry to the Masters of International Studies programme.
2. Produce graduates able to present a basic understanding of concepts related to International Relations and their applicability to African Diplomacy and Peacekeeping as well as have a basic understanding of one foreign language, preferably French, at the end of the one year of study.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners should have completed a Bachelor 's degree or the equivalent except that learners with just one subject outstanding for a Bachelor 's degree, other than a major subject, may be admitted.

Learners should have the ability to communicate in English.

Recognition for prior learning:

Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Specific Outcomes

1. The PDIS graduate is competent to apply knowledge in the fields of International Relations to explain and answer questions related to international relations with
specific regard to African issues of peace and conflict, African political economy and international law as well as the use of one foreign language.

Knowledge Outcomes

a. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the framework, concepts and principles used in describing the contemporary scope of International Relations.
b. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the framework, concepts and principles used in describing the contemporary scope of International Law.
c. Demonstrate the ability to independently pursue further self-study in one foreign language.

Skills outcomes
a. Demonstrate competence in the use of the major analytical frameworks used in describing the conduct of state and non-state actors.
b. Demonstrate competence in the principles and procedures underlying the practical application of international law.
c. Demonstrate the ability to converse, write and read in a foreign language.

Value &Attitude Outcomes
a. Apply an informed understanding to the broad issues of peace and conflict confronting Africa.
b. Apply an informed understanding related to the principles of international law.
c. Obtain access to a foreign language, its culture and values.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the basic principles, theories and facts that are central to the prescribed set of subjects that form the core of the qualification. Learners will have a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in a limited range of areas.

2. Learners should be able to use available resources to gain access to information

3. Learners should be able to interpret and summarise information from variety of sources in the form of logically structured and well-written reports.

4. Simply write and simply read practically converse, have the basic ability to write simple sentences and read uncomplicated fiction in a foreign language.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

1. Assessment procedures adhere to Rhodes University Assessment Policy.

2. Assessment entails three elements:

Continual formal assessment both formative and summative;

Continual informal assessment (formative);

Formal end of course assessment (summative).

The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups, and may consist of combinations of tests, essays, practical reports and seminars.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Learners, who have a Bachelor 's degree, or just one subject outstanding for such a degree, may be admitted to the programme.

The programme leads to further postgraduate study in International Studies, for example, to the Master's degree in International Studies at either Rhodes or another university.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal and external moderators and examiners are used.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Academic staff of Rhodes University will be used as assessors. They will preferably have a PhD, but staff with a Master' s degree and appropriate experience are acceptable. In exceptional cases an Honours degree will be acceptable.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

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.	Rhodes University