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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Consumer Science Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58273  Bachelor of Consumer Science Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 11 - Services  Consumer Services 
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 
Purpose:
The qualifying students will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge and conduct research in various fields of Consumer Science such as Food and Nutrition, Hospitality Management and Clothing and Textiles.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth content knowledge and research skills.
  • Demonstrate a acquired skills will enable students to disseminate knowledge gained to the relevant stakeholders.

    Rationale:
    The purpose of the qualification is to support young scientists and professionals in strategic, basic and applied research with the intention to promote innovation in the field of study (foods, clothing and textiles, nutrition or hospitality services). The qualification aims to strengthen their curriculum vitae and subsequently improve their prospects of employment nationally as well as globally. Due to the high level of unemployment and poverty in South Africa there is a need for qualified scientists and professionals to work towards the upliftment and economic development of communities nationally as well as globally. Learners will be able to work as scientists and consumer advisors in a variety of situations within the specialised area of choice, using the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired, guiding others' decision making in the best use of resources according to scientific principles.

    The qualification is therefore important to empower families and communities to make informed nutrition-related decisions, through advocacy regarding household food security, multisector collaboration and effective nutrition education. Furthermore, the qualification will produce scientist and professionals that understand the science of food availability, food preparation and nutrition that are urgently needed to address these devastating situations in a scientific but applied manner.

    This qualification will benefit the hospitality sector to focus on getting the right people in the right jobs to reflect well on South Africa as a tourist destination. In addition, this qualification will support the clothing and textile industries by training highly skilled professionals is therefore important for future job creation in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be conducted according to University of South Africa (UNISA's) RPL policy. Prior learning acquired in the workplace or informal study, company/industry based-training, working with experts, or life experience will be evaluated. Learners will be accredited for specific module in the Bachelor Consumer Science Honours if their prior learning meets the prescribed learning outcome requirements, or can undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Consumer Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Group A: Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits:
  • Research Methodology (CSR4801), 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Consumer Science (CSR4802), 24 Credits.
  • Research Project (CSR4803), 36 Credits.

    Group B: Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits:
  • Contemporary Food Studies (CFS4801), 24 Credits.
  • Contemporary Hospitality Management (CHM4801), 24 Credits.
  • Apparel Theories (CLO4801), 24 Credits.
  • Clothing and Textiles Product Development (CTP4801), 24 Credits.
  • Strategic Management (MNG4801), 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Nutrition (NUT4801), 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialised knowledge in the area of specialisation.
    2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research methodologies, technologies and techniques, pertaining to the area of specialisation.
    3. Demonstrate mastery of the application of research methods technologies and techniques.
    4. Undertake a study of literature and current research in the area of specialisation.
    5. Effectively present and communicate research findings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Subject- specific concepts, theories, principles will be identified and correctly applied.
  • Advanced specific and contextualised understanding and knowledge of the chosen field will be demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Research methodologies, technologies and techniques of specific disciplines will be identified and critiqued.
  • An appropriate, practical and attainable research design will be developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Application of various research methodologies, technologies and techniques of specific disciplines will be identified and Critiqued.
  • Theory and practice in the chosen field of study will be integrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Literature and current research of various disciplines will be discussed and summarised.
  • Relevant research articles and reports of various disciplines will be interrogated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A well-formulated research problem will be constructed.
  • Research findings of various research projects will be presented and critiqued.
  • Planning, outlining and implementing of research programmes and projects will be discussed.
  • Valid and reliable findings to be presented in conferences and symposia.
  • Problem identification, problem solving and creative thinking.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, groups, organisation, and community.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Contributing to the full personal development of the learner and the economic development of the community.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Integrated Assessment will be done through applied competence involving theory and practical's in various disciplines. Reflective competence will be assessed in a variety of ways during the course of the programme, for example students will be asked to propose practical solutions to analytical problems and to evaluate their own solutions in their learning in the process, thus involving knowledge, application of knowledge, as well as reflection content learned. In the various modules of the qualification, students will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, skills and values. A variety of either formative and summative or continuous assessment will be used during the course of the programme, including written assignments, practical activities, examinations and projects/portfolios. Furthermore, students are required to complete a research project for integrated assessment based on an approved topic in an area of specialisation. The research project will integrate a variety of knowledge and skills acquired of the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Consumer Science discipline have different facets which are most often addressed separately in teaching and learning qualifications. These facets include various major combination (or Majors) related to consumer behaviour with respect to food and nutrition, food and hospitality services and clothing and textiles. Additionally, several qualifications are offered as a four-year Bachelors' Degree, after which students may progress directly to a Masters qualification. This is then similar to the Bachelor of Consumer Science Honours Degree offered in the Department of Life and Consumer Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

    Similar qualifications compared Nationally with the Bachelor Consumer Science Honours are:
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science (Clothing Management) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa - https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2019/programmes/view/02130110.
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science (Hospitality Management) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa - https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2019/programmes/view/02130109.
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science (Food Retail Management) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa -https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2019/programmes/view/02130108.
  • Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours at the North-West University, South Africa -http://studies.nwu.ac.za/sites/studies.nwu.ac.za/files/files/yearbooks/2019/HSC-PG.pdf.
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science at the University of the Free State, South Africa -https://www.ufs.ac.za/prospective/courses/faculty-of-natural-agricultural-sciences/bachelor-in-consumer-sciences-(bconscc)-and-bsc-in-consumer-science-(4-years).

    Similar qualifications compared internationally in Africa: (towards Africanisation) with the Bachelor Consumer Science Honours are:
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science at the University of Ghana http://www.ug.edu.gh/fcs/academics/course_schedule.
  • Bachelor of Science (Food Nutrition and Dietetics) at Kenyatta University -http://humansciences.ku.ac.ke/index.php/academic-programs/undergraduate/91-programmes/undergraduate-programmes/207-bachelor-of-science-food-nutrition-and-dietetics.
  • Bachelor of Science (Fashion Design and Marketing) at Kenyatta University -http://humansciences.ku.ac.ke/index.php/academic-programs/undergraduate/91-programmes/undergraduate-programmes/204-bachelor-of-science-fashion-design-and-marketing.
  • Bachelor of Science Hospitality and Tourism Management (Hospitality) at Kenyatta University - http://hospitality.ku.ac.ke/index.php/academic-programs/undergraduate/94-programmes/undergraduate/156-bachelor-of-science-hospitality-and-tourism-management.

    Similar qualifications compared internationally (other than Africa) with the Bachelor Consumer Science Honours are:
  • BSc Nutrition with Food Consumer Sciences at the University of Reading, United Kingdom -https://www.reading.ac.uk/food/ug/foodbio-ugbscnutritionwithfcs.aspx.
  • BSc (Hons) in Food and Consumer Science at the Abertay University, United Kingdom -https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/food-and-consumer-science.
  • Bachelor of ScienceFashion merchandising at the Indiana state University, USA -https://www.indstate.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/tam.
  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies, with Focus area: Textiles or Apparel, Design and Merchandising at Iowa State University, USA -https://www.aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/find-majors/apparel-merchandising-design/(4-year Degree) -https://www.aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/find-majors/hospitality-management.
  • Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Studies at Delaware State University, USA -https://cast.desu.edu/sites/cast/files/document/11/textiles-apparel-studies-bs.pdf(4-year Degree).
  • BA (Hons) Fashion - Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom -https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/ba-fashion.

    The Bachelor Consumer Science Honours is significantly comparable to national and international programmes offered in various institutions. The scope that will be covered will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills as they pursue various career opportunities. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertical and horizontal to:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A cognate qualification in the consumer Science at NQF Level 8.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • A Master's Degree at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.