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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
62889  Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  People/Human-Centred Development 
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 aim of the UFS's Gender Studies Programme as a whole is to equip individuals with the knowledge and analytical skills to engage constructively and creatively with the changing paradigm in gender relations, thereby both creating career prospects for learners and building human capacity within governance, education and the economy (inter alia) whereby the ongoing transformation of the country may be further advanced.

It already operates at the level of an MA in Gender Studies (for which the postgraduate diploma was originally only an exit option). The initiation of the postgraduate diploma in addition to the existing MA will make these skills and this knowledge accessible to a much wider range of citizens/employees as learners, thereby having a greater impact upon society at large for equity and empowerment. It also fills a specific need among candidates who, for reasons ranging from finance through family responsibilities to academic ability, are in a position to attain a one-year qualification but not the existing two-year MA.

Specifically, the postgraduate diploma aims to create diplomates who are competent to critically position themselves regarding the major ideological perspectives and theoretical traditions in the study of gender, and in the multidisciplinary analysis and description of the major issues pertaining to gender. They will be able to utilise this competence in the service of gender equity in the workplace and beyond, thereby contributing meaningfully to the social and economic advancement of South African society at large.

During their studies they will have demonstrated their ability to conduct small-scale gender research and design projects relating to their field of employment, where most of them are likely to occupy (or hope to occupy after qualifying) gender focal desks or similar positions.

Rationale:

The Gender Studies Programme and its qualifications contribute to an integrated set of qualifications that complies with the requirements and essential values of the NQF, both in terms of the field of study and the specified objectives.

One of the many concepts captured by the label "post-modern" is the spread of diversity. Gender - together with race and disability - is a crucial diversity issue, and gender issues are currently receiving much attention, both locally and internationally. Gender equality is a cultural ideal whose time has finally come, especially for South Africa. However, it involves many unresolved issues, extending across the boundaries of various disciplines. To fully grasp the complexities and the range of possible solutions to gender issues, a multidisciplinary approach such as in the UFS's Gender Studies Programme is thus called for.

Traditional scholarship was flawed to the extent that it excluded and/or marginalised women and their concerns. The Gender Studies Programme and its qualifications assist in correcting many of the omissions and distortions of the past, e.g. by emphasising the intersectionality of gender with race and class. The Programme is already generating new knowledge, much of which has important implications for social policy. Students stand to acquire personal, social, national and human values from their participation in it.

The application of knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines in a focus on gender will also provide learners with access to various career opportunities. Because of the importance gender has been accorded since the advent of democracy in South Africa, in particular by way of labour legislation which identifies it as one of the designated groups, both the public and the private sectors are either establishing gender desks or appointing gender "focal personnel". Successful learners will therefore be much in demand in both the public and the private contexts. Such people will be empowered and skilled to analyse and strategise in relation to the issue of gender, as well as to develop and manage policy, particularly in relation to gender mainstreaming. This qualification will therefore impact significantly on the learners' marketability and employability, while at the same time empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of society by addressing traditional gender ideologies, mainstreaming gender, and eradicating inequalities.

The Postgraduate Diploma, in particular, will open up access to a wider range of learners than was the case with only the M.A. They are likely to come mainly from the designated group of women. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Any recognised three-year bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification equal to 360 credits on NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

At this postgraduate level, the standard of work required is such as to render a formal bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) a prerequisite, as stipulated above under "Access" and "Learning assumed to be in place". However, a wide range of major subjects in the Humanities (and even adjacent, related areas such as Economics) will be deemed acceptable. Furthermore, in exceptional cases, potential students may apply to the Programme Directorate for exemption from the prerequisite on the grounds of prior learning or experience. Each such case will be judged on its merits.

Access to the Qualification:

Any recognised three-year bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification equal to 360 credits on NQF Level 6. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • NQF Level: 7.
  • Credits: 120.
  • Duration: 1 year (1200 notional hours).

    Mode: Four contact sessions of two to three days each, with ongoing support via mail, email, fax and telephone.

    Learning components:
  • 1 core, compulsory course (30 credits): GTN 608 - Feminist theory.

    Elective courses (3 x 30 credits) selected from:
  • GAW 608 - Gender and work.
  • GIT 608 - Gender and institutional transformation.
  • GLA 608 - Gender and language.
  • GTA 608 - Gender and tradition.
  • CGM 680 - Gender, education and management. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Successful learners will be capable of:
  • Developing and applying a multidisciplinary perspective on gender issues at the local level.
  • Identifying and debating some of the central issues in respect of gender and equality, i.e. Gender and work; gender and language/communication; gender and (education) management; gender and tradition.
  • Determining and formulating strategies for intervention, e.g. Gender mainstreaming.
  • Utilising research methodology in projects within their work environments or similar contexts.

    In terms of Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, they will have acquired skills/values in:
  • Problem-centered argumentation.
  • Professionalism.
  • Integrity in both their research and their practice of their vocation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In more specific terms relating to assessment, they will be able to:
  • Analyse and critically reflect on current gender equity initiatives in South (and even Southern) Africa.
  • Deal with issues of gender and human rights in the workplace.
  • Research, strategise for, design, implement and manage gender-sensitive policies and programmes within organisations.
  • Advise on the modification of the discourse of both women and men so as to facilitate smooth interaction in the workplace.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment, as appropriate to the various courses, will be by means of:
  • Independent written assignments (essays, research reports, case studies, etc.).
  • Independent written/visual projects.
  • Syndicate assignments.
  • Seminars (oral presentation of papers, PowerPoint, discussion, etc.).
  • Formal examinations.
  • In all the above formats, learners will demonstrate their understanding of gender issues as well as their ability to apply this knowledge and the appropriate skills by devising appropriate strategies to effectively address specific gender issues within specific contexts, such as the workplace.

    (See also Quality Assurance under "Moderation"). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The UFS's Programme for Gender Studies, and therefore this particular qualification, offers a unique combination of disciplines. The knowledge offered will be focused mainly on the South African and Southern African contexts, and students' individual projects will be situated mainly in their own local (workplace) contexts, but the understanding they will gain and the skills they will master are universally applicable. The Programme's offerings are therefore similar to and comparable with those of other such programmes internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation:
  • Learners who do not complete all the learning modules will be supplied with a letter of credit.
  • Learners who complete all the learning modules and attain the postgraduate diploma may apply for admission to the M.A. in Gender Studies (whereafter a Ph.D is a further possibility).

    Horizontal articulation to certain related postgraduate diplomas or Honours-level courses (such as Communication Studies or African Studies) may also be arranged on an ad hoc basis. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Quality assurance will be performed continually in various ways, including the maintenance (by staff) and scrutiny (by the Programme Director and/or a subject expert) of module portfolios and teaching portfolios.

    The Programme and its qualifications will be subject to external peer assessment on an ongoing basis within the University's schedule for peer review.

    Staff: The staff teaching the various disciplines involved in the programme are volunteers from various departments; all have at least a master's degree, while most have doctorates, numerous publications and both national and international conference appearances, as well as management experience. Some, including the Programme Director, have NRF research ratings. All are actively encouraged to publish within the field of Gender.
  • Assignments will be subject to internal moderation.
  • Examinations will be subject to external moderation. 
    		•

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

    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 the Free State 


    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.