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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73748  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  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 primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with:
  • Research skills
  • Theoretical and intellectual knowledge
  • Problem solving
  • Critical reasoning
  • Analysis
  • Interpretation
  • Evaluation
  • Communication, both written and oral
  • Understanding the normative dimensions of national and international politics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Potential learners need to demonstrate the following competences:
  • The ability to write academin texts;
  • The ability to write a research proposal report;
  • The ability to orally present and defend an argument that is supported by evidence;
  • The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of his/her peers in a constructive manner.

    A potential learner should be in possession of a BA degree with a major in Political Science/ International Relations/ African Politics. In addition, a potential learner must meet the outcomes set for RAU's BA in Politics.

    Recognition of prior learning:
    Current competence in the field of politics that has been acquired by prior learning through applicable and relevant qualifications and experience will be assessed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Arts. Such competence may provide access to an Honours programme in Politics. Status recognition on the basis of relevant prior learning will not entitle the learner to receive a formal qualification without following the required programme in Politics Honours at RAU. Access, advanced placement or recognition of status will be given on condition that the learner continues his/her studies at this institution. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner should be able to:

    a) To evaluate and, where relevant, apply advance theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations.

    b) To demonstrate an advance ability at problem identification and problem-solving by using and applying relevant theories in the field of local, national and/or international politics.

    c) To analyse the various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply advanced theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and other case studies and policy contexts.

    d) To identify relevant means of action in the field of politics.

    e) To plan and execute advanced research in the political field

    f) To use information technology effectively.

    g) To collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework.

    h) To reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are possible

    i) To communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players.

    j) To demonstrate an advanced analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within the communities.

    k) To assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political environment

    l) To apply different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    a) Can the learner evaluate and, where relevant apply advanced theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations?

    b) Does the learner demonstrate a advanced ability at problem identification and problem-solving in the field of local, national and/or international politics? Can theories be applied at the relevant level?

    c) Is the learner able to analyse various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply specialized the theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and other case studies and policy contexts?

    d) Is the learner able to identify relevant means of action in the field of politics?

    e) Can the learner do advanced research in the political field?

    f) Can the learner use information technology effectively?

    g) Is the learner able to collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework?

    h) Can the learner reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are responsible?

    i) Can the learner communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players?

    j) Does the learner demonstrate an advanced analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and acultural differences within these communities?

    k) Is the learner able to assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political environment?

    l) Is the learner capable of applying different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context?

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Learners are continuously assessed via class assignments and may also be required to do practical work (independent and in groups) that is evaluated by assessors.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Learners are subjected to a 3-hour written examination towards the end of each semester in each taught paper. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Articulation with other qualifications on a lower level:
    The qualifications may be advanced diplomas in the same field of study as the present qualification.
  • Articulation with other BA qualifications on the same level:
    Learners registered for this (or a related) qualification of another higher education institution will be allowed, with the permission of the Dean of Arts, to enter mid-stream, provided the rules of access have been complies with. Such learners will retan credit for relevant modules that have been passed at the previous institution, as recognised by the Dean of Arts at this institution.
  • Articulation with other qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained a BA Honours in Politics, a learner may seek admission to an MA programme in Politics/ International Relations at any university. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • What external examination processes to be implemented?
    Appropriate external examiners are nominated by the Department and confirmed by the Arts Faculty and thereafter formally appointed.
  • How many external examiners/moderators will be appointed for this qualification and from which the type of institutions or professional bodies fro which they will typically be?

    One examiner for each Honours course, chosen from other tertiary institutions. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    a) Criteria regarding formal qualifications that assessors should have:
    Academic qualifications in the discipline of Politics: An MA or equivalent in Politics or a related field; relevant teaching experience in the discipline of Politics or a related discipline.

    b) Job or learning area experience:
    As for a) and c)

    c) Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:
    Experience of the relevant post-graduate assessment practice at universities. 

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

    NOTES 
    Formerly registered as BA. Honours in Political Studies. This BA Honours (in Politics) 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 (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Johannesburg 


    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.