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

Higher Certificate: Human and Social Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
84106  Higher Certificate: Human and Social Development 
ORIGINATOR
St Joseph's Theological Institute NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the Higher Certificate: Human and Social Development is to provide learners with basic introductory knowledge in the specific field of development studies. As an entry level higher education qualification, the higher certificate provides learners with the necessary cognitive and conceptual tools to enable them to proceed with advanced studies or to use the acquired knowledge and skills in a chosen field. The qualification will also provide opportunities for practical application of theories learnt.

Candidates who successfully complete the Higher Certificate: Human and Social Development will find the qualification useful for:
  • Religious accompaniment and formation.
  • Work in Non-Governmental Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations, Care Centres dealing with HIV/AIDS, orphans and elderly persons.
  • Work in hospices and other caring facilities.
  • Work in local government and community development projects.
  • Chaplaincy work.

    Rationale:

    Contemporary society needs leaders who serve in a professional manner and with a high degree of integrity. The Higher Certificate: Human and Social Development is designed to train leaders for society and for the Church who serve in a professional and ethical manner. It provides more specific training for people with the basic knowledge in the area of human and social development. The three areas of focus for the qualification are as follows:
  • Formation, both personal and training in the accompaniment of others in formation programmes.
  • Leadership training.
  • Social advocacy.

    The qualification is directed at people who need specific training in working with others in the areas of human and social development (formation programmes), leadership skills training and social advocacy ministry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    St Joseph's Theological Institute subscribes to the basic principle that learning occurs in various situations, both formal and informal. The Institute thus acknowledges that human development, lifelong learning and experience, though not always academically quantifiable, constitute invaluable learning to be considered as already in place in assessing students for admission to modules, and qualifications.

    Recognition of Prior Learning is the acknowledgment of skills and knowledge already acquired by a person from previous study, work and/or life experience.

    Prior learning may include:
  • Courses/modules done at recognised private or public educational institutions, professional bodies or associations.
  • Work or other forms of practical experience.
  • Life experience.

    The purpose of the Institute's Recognition of Prior Learning policy is to provide a framework within which applications for Recognition of Prior Learning are made, assessed and implemented.

    Recognition of Prior Learning at the Institute is available to students who have appropriate learning and/or skills in relation to the qualification for which the Institute is accredited, regardless of where or how the learning was obtained.

    The primary decision in determining whether or not Recognition of Prior Learning is granted rests, for each Department, with the Exemptions Committees on a case by case basis.

    Recognition of Prior Learning can also be used to grant learners credit towards the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    National Senior Certificate (NSC) or its equivalent and proficiency in the language of learning and teaching of the provider at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules in this qualification are at NQF Level 5.

    Students enrolled into the qualification are required to obtain at least 84 credits from the foundational modules and at least 56 credits from the core modules, to achieve the minimum total of 140 credits.

    Foundational Modules:

    Module Name; NQF Level; Credits:
  • Development Theory and Practice I; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
  • Psychology I; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Psychology II; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Sociology I; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Ethics I (General and Applied Ethics); NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
  • Ethics II (African Ethics); NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
  • Anthropology; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Administration; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • African History; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Biblical Studies; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Spiritual Direction; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Christian Spirituality; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Religion: Theory and Practice; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Challenges to Development; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.

    Core Modules:

    Module Name; NQF Level; Credits:
  • Project Management; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Social Development; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Demographics and Population Studies; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Statistics; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Poverty Studies; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • HIV/AIDS and Development; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • African Religious Heritage; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Faith and Development; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Counselling; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
  • Youth Ministry; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Upon the successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate understanding of the main concepts and theories of human and social development.

    2. Demonstrate understanding of how societies develop and function.

    3. Analyse features of the development context.

    4. Analyse and understand people's meaning-giving context within social functioning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define and explain key terms and concepts used in the field of human and social development.
  • List and explain the main theories of human and social development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of history, especially that of development in Africa.
  • Explain the dependency theory, the modernisation theory and the people-centred development theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe the research process, research methods and appropriate skills.
  • Conduct a research interview effectively.
  • Create opportunities for participation of people in the process.
  • Identify and analyse social problems and needs and show understanding of these.
  • Use community data to explain identified economic, environmental and social problems.
  • Collect, assess and process data from different sources.
  • Draw up and present research findings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Think holistically and explain social problems, relationships and interactions.
  • Discuss people's perceptions, feelings and emotions of their daily lives.
  • Stimulate participants of social development projects to reflect on their feelings and actions.
  • Re-evaluate and restore local knowledge in social development.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Successful completion of the Qualification indicates that the student has achieved the minimum competence in the field, at NQF Level 5, as assessed against the specific outcomes. Integrated Assessment practices are achieved through the design and development of assessment activities that make use of a variety of assessment methods and tools that measure not only the learner's knowledge and ability to perform certain practical tasks and activities within a familiar context, but also challenge the learners to demonstrate their ability to integrate knowledge acquired through problem-solving.

    Different assessment types are used both for formative and summative assessments. These include, inter alia, exams, both written and oral, reaction papers, summaries, critical analyses. Summative assessment consists of knowledge tests combined with various assignments, inter alia, reflection papers, short summaries. Every module taken for a qualification must be completed by passing the Institute's examination or other test of the Institute in respect of that module.

    All exit level assignment topics and examination questions at the Higher Certificate level shall be moderated by the Head of Department who, in consultation with the Academic Dean, may determine the necessity for internal independent assessment in respect of individual or all students' academic work in the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Research carried out by the Institute's Quality Assurance and Accreditation Committee (QUAAC) indicates that the Higher Certificate in Human and Social Development offered by SJTI compares favourably with similar qualifications offered at other institutions worldwide, both on the African Continent and beyond. This is confirmed both by similarities in module content and aims of the qualifications:
  • The Kimmage Development Studies Centre in Ireland offers a similar study programme. However, at Kimmage modules are offered only at BA Degree level, Level 7 in the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. This centre also has an African branch situated in Tanzania. The modules offered at the centre are similar to those in the Higher Certificate. The main difference is the exit level outcomes and the NQF Level. The Higher Certificate offered at SJTI is an entry level qualification into higher education, while those offered at the centre are graduate level qualifications.
  • The Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA), Nairobi, Kenya, offers both undergraduate qualifications and short courses in development studies. The main focus of the modules in the qualifications offered is social justice and ethics. Thus, in comparison to the modules in the Higher Certificate offered by SJTI, the modules at CUEA are more focused and specialised and are designed for people with introductory knowledge in the area of development studies. The modules offered by SJTI are designed as introductory modules.
  • Tangaza College, also in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a one-year Certificate similar to the Higher Certificate offered by SJTI. The one-year certificate at Tangaza comprises programmes of 40 credits each. They offer a chance for development workers and pastoral agents to develop and/or sharpen their ministerial and professional skills according to their specific needs. The programmes are as follows:
  • Social Ministry:
    > Aimed at development workers to enrich their work with a ministerial vision and skills.
  • Sciences of Human Development:
    > To enable pastoral workers to sharpen their ministry and acquire professional skills in human development.
  • Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation:
    > To prepare both pastoral and development workers to contribute to the transformation of society through ministries focusing on justice and peace.

    Tangaza College also offers a 2 year Diploma in Sciences of Human Development which aims at training practitioners to be able to participate in projects for integral human development, inspire and accompany groups and communities, run awareness-raising activities, integrate social ministry in their own profession and utilise components of the Pastoral Cycle.

    Tangaza College also offers a 3 year Bachelor of Arts in Social Mission which is aimed at educating fully-fledged agents of social transformation:
  • Murdoch University in Australia offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Community Development which has similar content to the Higher Certificate offered by SJTI. The Postgraduate Certificate builds upon students' knowledge of community development theory and practice. In addition, the course provides students with an understanding of the broad range of settings where community development is carried out as well as the social policy forces that impact on its application. It is designed for community work practitioners as well as graduates with an interest in moving into emerging fields that embrace community development.

    The modules offered in this qualification include Community Development Theory and Practice, which has similar content to the Development Theory and Practice offered by SJTI, Community Work across Sites, Settings and Peoples and Community and Social Policy. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • National Certificate: Community Development, NQF Level 5.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Advanced Certificate: Human and Social Development, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Social Development, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The primary locus of moderation of assessment is at Departmental level. It is the responsibility of the Head of Department to ensure that assessments are conducted in line with the stated policies of the Institute, and that assessments are fair, reliable and valid.

    External examination is mandatory at exit level. The nature, form and substance of external examinations are determined by the relevant Departments in consultation with the Academic Dean. It is the responsibility of each Head of Department to ensure that, in all instances, academics of quality are appointed as external examiners.

    In order to safeguard the high quality and international status of the Institute, all persons appointed as external examiners must hold an academic qualification not lower than a Master's Degree in their area of specialisation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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.
     
    1. St Joseph's Theological Institute NPC 


    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.