SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Bachelor of Arts Honours

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71829	Bachelor of Arts Honours
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		General Social Science
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	124	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	2009-07-01	2012-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30		2016-06-30

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
90937	Bachelor of Social Science Honours	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is designed to build on and enhance the skills during an undergraduate degree, providing learners with opportunities for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences. It provides learners with an educational approach which combine traditional disciplinary studies with interdisciplinary and vocational programmes.

Learners are encouraged to apply diverse disciplinary and interdisciplinary understandings to contemporary social, cultural, political, environmental and economic issues and to engage as active participants in critical reflection and debate. Equally relevant to the world of work and the world of knowledge, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) aims to provide learners with the skills needed to engage in higher degree studies and to contribute to and provide leadership within the social, economic and cultural fabric of the community.

This prestigious programme is offered through one year of coursework and research. The learner chooses a topic and undertakes research as he/she works towards the completion of a full Thesis and course work/taught units under individual guidance and one-on-one academic counselling.

The BA (Honours) prepares learners for further postgraduate studies (Masters or Phd). It consolidates the learner's communication and research skills, hones project-management and problem-solving abilities and helps make the graduate stand out from the crowd. As an Honours graduate, the learner will have the makings of the manager or leader of tomorrow. Graduates of the BA (Honours) will have developed independent and lifelong learning skills in written and oral communication; enquiry and research; critical thought and analysis; problem-solving; teamwork; numeracy; information literacy and the effective use of technology.

Rationale:

This programme contributes to the advancement and attainment of regional and national goals in a number of ways. Through carefully curriculum design and specifically targeted research projects, learners across the disciplines are enabled to reflect upon and encouraged to engage with a range of pressing local and national issues as identified in, amongst others, the Government's Black Economic Empowerment Strategy, the espoused aims of NEPAD as the relate to issues of health and cultural empowerment, and the outcomes of the World Congress on Sustainable Development. These issues and challenges include sustainable development, soil degradation, the psychological challenges of transition, HIV/AIDS and mental health, representational diversity and changing patterns of ownership in the South African media. Additionally, new advances in the Communication and Media Studies are researched in terms of the South African context. For example, the impact of New Media CMC applications such as Facebook and MySpace, and best practices in Corporate and Integrated communication, are exploited in terms of various aspects in the South African context. Through its Advisory Committee, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) ensures that it is producing graduates whose skills are academically rigorous, relevant to the needs of the community and sensitive to the changing needs of the society we serve.

This generic qualification standard proposes a minimum standard for the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree consisting of 124 credits within the "general track" of the NQF.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that a student entering this qualification is competent in:

A subject within his/her chosen discipline(s) at NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

A learner may receive recognition of prior work experience where this was obtained in the relevant field/discipline.

The learner is required to submit details of such experience to the institution, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis where the application will be evaluated against the background of the programme requirements. RPL will be conducted inline with the international policy and requirements of Monash.

Access to the Qualification:

The qualification is open to any learner possessing a bachelor's degree equivalent to NQF Level 6, bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place detailed below.

The entry requirements for a BA (Honours) in Psychology are a major in Psychology in an undergraduate degree accepted by the Australian Psychological Society (a Monash degree is one of the degrees accepted) and a minimum of a 75% aggregate in the third year level Psychology subjects.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a 124 credit qualification at NQF Level 7.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of one or more disciplines/fields with depth, specialization and up-to-date expertise in specific areas.

2. Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the theory and research methodology of one or more disciplines/fields and an understanding of the key research issues in these areas.

3. Demonstrate the capacity to relate theory to practice and vice versa and a capacity to think epistemologically.

4. Demonstrate an ability to select and apply research methods effectively and to undertake a research in an area of specialisation.

5. Demonstrate an ability to deal with complex problems using the intellectual research and technological resources and tools relevant to a particular discipline or field.

6. Show mastery of effective information retrieval and processing skills.

7. Critically engage with current research and scholarship in a discipline, field or area of specialisation.

8. Present and communicate academic/professional work effectively, using the appropriate discourse.

Critical Cross Field Outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems within the context of the study discipline/field environment in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others in terms of the accounting profession.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation realising the impact of accounting in the world as a set of systems.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
> Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
> Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
> Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:

Knowledge of the discipline, fundamental concepts, their use and application is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the specific discipline/field by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made, is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the specific discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues is demonstrated.

Theories regarding the field of study are evaluated and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:

Insight into the key research issues in the field of study is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the discipline/ field is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the appropriate discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken, is demonstrated.

Knowledge of techniques and skills involved in the research process is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:

An understanding of the grounds, theory, science, and methods of knowledge is demonstrated.

The capacity to relate theory to practice and vice versa is demonstrated.

The relation between theory and practice and vice versa is critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:

An appropriate research programme for the dissertation is selected.

A relevant research topic and survey of the relevant literature is proposed.

The ability to select and apply research methods within the compilation of the dissertation, is reflected.

The research project address the issues identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:

An understanding of various research approaches and paradigms and methods of data collection and analysis is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues related to the discipline/field is demonstrated.

The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively when dealing with complex problems is demonstrated.

Appropriate solutions to specified problems are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:

The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively when retrieving and processing information is demonstrated.

The ability to use the tools and techniques as required to develop appropriate solutions to specified problems, are reflected.

A sound understanding of effective information retrieval and processing skills are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:

Current research and scholarship in a discipline is analysed and critiqued.

An ability to interrogate current research efficiently is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues regarding the discipline/field is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:

Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively orally communicated.

Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively verbally communicated.

Debates and themes regarding the field of study is coherently presented and discussed.

Integrated Assessment:

Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners are provided feedback on their progress towards the achievement of outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement should include 'integrated assessments' which assess the students' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are presented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment must be such as to achieve:

An integration of the achievement of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualifications as a whole has been achieved, either in total or in the component parts of the programme of study.

Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence.

Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners and that can be applied in the recognition of prior learning.

It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Although mainly developed for the South African environment this qualification is comparable to similar qualifications around the world with the regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to the notional learning time. Similar programmes are for example presented by Universities in North America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Similar qualifications are offered by the University of Toronto, Canada.

The Universities of Queensland and Adelaide in Australia also offered similar programmes with the emphasising that the BA (honours) degree develops core skills and knowledge in theory and research in the humanities and social sciences. The program is based on a combination of coursework and a research project in the chosen field of study. Its objective is to produce graduates who will be able to think clearly, flexibly and critically, and be able to weigh up evidence and arguments and make rational choices. Graduates should be able to express themselves effectively, both orally and in writing; be able to work cooperatively in a team; and be able to demonstrate a depth of understanding in one or more fields of knowledge. The Honours Program also prepares students for further study at the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level.

Monash South Africa is a subsidiary of the international Monash University based in Australia with several campuses in Australia as well as subsidiaries in Malaysia and then in South Africa. This qualification standard was constructed using the qualification descriptors for the postgraduate degrees in Arts offered by Monash Australia.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Monash has committed itself to fostering lifelong learning opportunities and developing more flexible programme award structures and articulation options.

Vertical Articulation:

The Monash 3-year undergraduate degree leads to the one year Honours programme. This in turn articulates into Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral programmes.

Monash Honours degree programmes are recognised worldwide and provide eligibility for entry into a range of other graduate programmes at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral level, which are all offered by Monash University and at universities across the world.

Horizontal Articulation:

Horizontally, the Honours Degree in Arts articulates with the postgraduate degree at other South African higher institutions and qualifications such as the Master of Arts, where a deeper knowledge of arts is required.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessors and Moderators have qualifications and/or experience recognised by Monash as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor normally holds a doctoral or master's qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing, or at least one level higher than the qualification assessed and moderated.

The purpose of the internal moderation process are:

Monitoring the consistency of assessment records, record keeping and administration.

Provision of appropriate and necessary support and guidance to assessors.

Checking of the appropriateness of assessments.

Monitoring the fairness, reliability and validity of assessment methods.

Checking the results and decisions of assessors for consistency.

Ensuring that assessors support and guide learners.

Ensuring that the language and assumptions used in preparing the assessment are accessible to all learners.

The internal moderation policy requires that:

Summative as well as formative assessments be internally moderated.

A fair sample of all the assessments as well a any assessment in which learners achieved more than 80% or lower than 50% be internally moderated.

The responsibilities of the external examiners involve the following:

Ensuring that the assessment processes are adequate to ensure consistency, fairness, validity and reliability.

Determining the credibility of assessment methods and instruments.

Monitoring the internal moderation systems.

Ensuring that special provision is made for learners with special needs.

The external moderation policy requires that:

Summative assessments be moderated.

A fair sample of all assessments as well as all the assessments in which learners achieved more than 80% and lower than 50% be evaluated by moderators.

All Honours level units will be subject to external moderation.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The criteria as regulated by the international policy of Monash University and Monash South Africa. Assessors have qualifications and/or experience recognised by Monash as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor normally holds a doctoral or master's qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing, or at least one level higher than the qualification assessed and moderated.

NOTES

This Qualification has been replaced by Qualification 90937, which is "Bachelor of Social Science Honours", NQF Level 08, 120 Credits.

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.

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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.

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