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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: Journalism 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
4105  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Journalism 
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  160  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
73743  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop the intermediate applied competence of qualifying learners in Journalism. Intermediate applied competence implies the advanced ability to acquire, analyse, interpret and apply complex communication principles and theories related to the context of Journalism within relevant sectors of the print and electronic media and the broadcasting industry. Furthermore, learners will develop the highly sophisticated ability to internalise, reflect and communicate complex strategic decisions and applications effectively through the progressive and suitable use of scientific language and technical terminology associated with Journalism. This qualification will facilitate effective critical learning through exposure to and application of specialised learning styles, thereby enabling the learner to navigate and holistically manage the multifaceted, dynamic context of Journalism. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
To enrol for this qualification, potential learners need to demonstrate the following competencies:
  • The ability to synthesise different texts into a logical argument;
  • The ability to write essays;
  • The ability to develop an argument that is supported by evidence;
  • The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of their peers in a constructive manner;
  • The ability to reflect on their own learning experiences and to use this to improve the quality of their own work;
  • The ability to design, plan and execute a basic research task based on a theoretical framework in a group context, to reflect on their own research and to report on research findings;
  • The ability to search for, access, organise and interpret information;
  • The ability to discuss, problematise and investigate Journalism, particularly in the South African industry and communication context;
  • Know the meaning of, and be able to provide, definitions for terminology and theoretical constructs used in communication science, and specifically Journalism, and be able to use these correctly;
  • The ability to critically and creatively describe and apply different communication models and constructs to specific Journalism problems in the South African broadcasting context.

    Potential learners should be in possession of a Bachelor's degree with Communication as a major subject and learning in the relevant specialisation field with an average of 65% at NQF level 6, with a minimum of 360 total credits. Potential learners who are not in possession of such a degree, but of a qualification that could be regarded as equivalent to such a qualification, must apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for accreditation

    Recognition of prior learning:
    All potential learners who are not in possession of a Bachelor's Degree with Communication as a major subject and learning in the relevant specialisation field need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those learners who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that should give them access to the programme, need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of communication for recognition of prior learning.
    A potential learner who wants to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module(s), needs to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules he/she wants to be credited for as well as the basis on which he/she believes the accreditation should be granted
    The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access, however, be offset by the provision that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are reasonable.
    The Committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for
    a) access to,
    b) advanced placement in, or
    c) recognition of status for this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learners should be able to:

    1. Identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced Journalism and communication problems using critical and creative thinking.

    2. Manage and work effectively with others as a member of a Journalism team or group to identify, solve and critically evaluate advanced communication and Journalism problems.

    3. Organize and manage personal activities related to the Journalism learning process in a accountable manner.

    4. Collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to Journalism.

    5. Communicate complex Journalism information effectively using appropriate communication skills and media, and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication.

    6. Use Journalism science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address sophisticated issues pertaining to Journalism.

    7. Demonstrate heightened understanding of the related systems of Journalism and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context.

    8. Acquire and reflect on advanced learning skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Journalism.

    9. Acquire heightened understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to journalism in local, national and global communities.

    10. Demonstrate understanding of, and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to the process of Journalism.

    11. Develop advanced employment seeking skills within the Journalism employment context.

    12. Identify and develop multiple Journalism entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Did the learner identify, evaluate and solve advanced Journalism problems by using critical and creative thinking?

    2. Did the learner work effectively with others as a member of a journalism team or a group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex communication and Journalism problems?

    3. Did the learner organize and manage personal activities related to the Journalism learning process in an accountable manner?

    4. Did the learner collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate and apply complex information pertaining to Journalism?

    5. Did the learner communicate specialized Journalism information effectively, using appropriate communication skills and media and facilitate effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication?

    6. Did the learner use Journalism science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address sophisticated issues pertaining to Journalism?

    7. Did the learner demonstrate a heightened understanding of the related systems of Journalism and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and with the broader context?

    8. Did the learner acquire and reflect on advanced learning skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and Journalism?

    9. Did the learner acquire heightened understanding of the principles of responsible citizenship with regard to Journalism in local, national and global communities?

    10. Did the learner demonstrate an understanding of, and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to the process of Journalism?

    11. Did the learner develop advanced employment-seeking skills within the Journalism employment context?

    12. Did the learner identify and develop multiple Journalism entrepreneurial opportunities?

    Integrated assessment:
    Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, inter alia, short essays, presentations in small groups and practical activities, field visits, publications and productions. Self-assessment activities are included in study guides. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of written assignments, formal module tests and the execution and presentation of a research project as well as end-of-semester final examinations. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Access to qualification on a lower level:
    Potential learners should be in possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Communication or other relevant qualifications at NQF level 6. The achievement of this qualification should give learners access to certificates and diplomas in this field at level 6.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:
    The achievement of this qualification should give learners access to certificates and diplomas in this field at level 7. Learners who are (or have been) registered for this (or a related) qualification at another higher education institution or at RAU, may, with the permission with the Dean of Arts, enter the Honours programme in Communication or Journalism mid-stream, given that the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will therefore be credited for prior learning.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study in higher education programme exist:
  • a Master's Certificate in Communication or Journalism.
  • a Master's programme in any relevant field of Communication 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • External examination processes to be implemented:
    An assessor within the Department as well as an external moderator administer the final assessment. A departmental committee appoints external assessors.
  • External examiners/moderators that will be appointed for this qualification and the type of institutions or professional bodies from which they will typically be drawn:
    One per module from the communication department of a tertiary institution, or a qualified assessor from a related industry or professional body. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Criteria regarding formal qualifications that an assessor should have:
    An assessor should have at least an Honours degree in Communication or a related field of study and be regarded by the academic community as competent to act as an assessor.
  • Criteria regarding job or learning area experience:
    An assessor should be proficient in the subject matter of the learning area that he/she is assessing and have good interpersonal skills.
  • Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:
    An assessor needs to have prior assessment experience and/or be trained in assessment practises at a higher education level:
    *As part of qualifying as an education and training practitioner, or
    *through a mentoring process, or
    *through on-job-training, or
    *through additional study of a unit standard or qualification on assessment. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This BA Honours with endorsement qualification is registered as a separate qualification only with SAQA. At the Department of Education it is not registered separately, but is included in the registration of the generic BA Honours. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.