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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Second-Language Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86026  Postgraduate Diploma in Second-Language Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  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 Postgraduate Diploma: Second Language Studies aims to produce learners who understand and can apply the relevant theoretical knowledge, skills, methods and techniques necessary to be effective researchers on issues involved in a second language. It will give the learners the critical, creative and analytical problem solving skills relating to a second language and enable them to integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgements. The qualification will provide the learners with the necessary competence and learning skills to progress to further Postgraduate studies in the field of applied linguistics and give them an appreciation of the richness of other languages and cultures.

The programme is intended to make a significant contribution by providing learners with:
  • A sound knowledge of current linguistic insights into various aspects of second languages.
  • The skills to gain a thorough understanding of the phenomenon of second languages, including the ability to read technical texts critically and to appraise solutions to substantive problems.
  • A good understanding of the research methodologies which are used to examine problems concerning second languages.

    Rationale:

    The programme is highly relevant to the developmental needs of Southern Africa. It adopts an inter-disciplinary perspective and is designed to meet real professional and intellectual needs of people whose careers revolve around the phenomenon of second languages, including language teachers, lecturers and other educators, speech-language therapists, translators, interpreters, language advisors, publishers and other media specialists.

    Learning a second language, especially the English language, has become more and more important in many countries in recent years, as people from different countries wish to communicate with each other. The demand for learning a second language and therefore, the number of teachers and schools who teach a second language, has risen steadily.

    The qualification is highly relevant to the developmental needs of Southern Africa, and is designed to meet real professional and intellectual needs of people pursuing a wide range of careers to which the phenomenon of second languages is central. The ultimate objective of the programme is to enable learners to practice their professions with greater expertise and satisfaction. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Linguistics or Logopaedics at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Recognition of Prior Learning for the Postgraduate Diploma: Second Language Studies, NQF Level 8, may be used to:
  • Grant admission to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning applications will be considered by a departmental committee within the guidelines of the Faculty and the University.

    Access to the Qualification:

    To gain access to this qualification learners require:
  • A Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7 with a language at second-year level (NQF Level 6); or with Linguistics, a language-related subject; or Speech Therapy (Logopaedics) as a major or an equivalent tertiary qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The following three Modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits, are compulsory:
  • General linguistic perspective on second languages, 48 Credits.
  • Psycholinguistic perspective on second language acquisition, 48 Credits.
  • Advanced study of linguistic aspects of second languages, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain current insights into general linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of second languages.

    2. Explain the theoretical approaches and research methods used to examine general linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of second languages.

    3. Identify and convey an understanding of problematic issues relating to general linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of second languages.

    4. Explain how insights and methods are used in investigating problematic issues in relevant professional domains related to second languages.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A sound knowledge of current general linguistic insights is displayed into the phenomenon of second languages.
  • A sound knowledge of the nature of and the cognitive systems and processes involved in the acquisition of second languages, is demonstrated.
  • An explanation of the factors which influence the working of cognitive systems and processes in the use of second languages, is given.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An explanation is given of the theoretical approaches and research methods used to examine psycholinguistic aspects of second languages.
  • A good understanding of how the theoretical approaches and methods are used is explained in terms of investigating psycholinguistic aspects of second languages.
  • An explanation is given of the theoretical approaches and research methods used to examine general linguistic aspects of second languages.
  • A good understanding of how the theoretical approaches and methods are used is explained in terms of investigating general linguistic aspects of second languages.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Technical general linguistic texts of second languages are read with precision.
  • Other people's views, arguments and theories for general linguistics are represented with a high degree of precision.
  • General linguistic problems are identified, formulated and analysed.
  • Technical psycholinguistic texts are read with precision.
  • Other people's views, arguments and theories for psycholinguistics are represented with a high degree of precision.
  • Psycholinguistic problems are identified, formulated and analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Different general linguistic perspectives of second languages are integrated in a non-eclectic way into a coherent whole.
  • Different psycholinguistic perspectives of second languages are integrated in a non-eclectic way into a coherent whole.
  • A technically well-finished academic general linguistic text on second languages is produced.
  • A technically well-finished academic psycholinguistic text on second languages is produced. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purpose of this international comparability study is to facilitate the development of a meaningful learning path and its associated curriculum, incorporating both theoretical and practical vocational skills, which will ensure compatibility, comparability and compliance with existing international qualifications.

    This Postgraduate Diploma in Second Language Studies was compared with equivalent qualifications in New Zealand, Brazil and Australia.

    New Zealand:

    Massey University.
    Course Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching - 120 credits:

    Modules (30 credits each):
  • Language Awareness and Language Issues.
  • The Second Language Learning Process.
  • The Methodology of Second Language Teaching.
  • Curriculum and Materials Design.

    The Massey University Postgraduate Diploma is very similar, yet some of the Modules contained therein are more directed towards the 'teaching' of a second language. It is obvious that the New Zealand qualification is designed for the further professional development of teachers.

    Brazil:

    Funiber: Fundao Universitria Iberoamericana.
    Course Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English as Foreign Language.

    Subjects:
  • Second language learning and teaching.
  • Methodologies and materials in language learning and teaching.
  • Curriculum and course design.
  • Practicum.

    The Funiber qualification, as with the Massey University qualification, has some similarities; however its main objective is to develop the learners as teachers of English as a foreign language. It also includes a practical component at the end of the programme to relate the theory to practical issues.

    Australia:

    Monash University.
    Course Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics.

    Units - Core:
  • General Linguistics.
  • Language in Society.
  • Research Design in Applied Linguistics.

    Units - Elective (Choose 1):
  • Language and Learning.
  • Bilingualism.
  • Second Language Acquisition.
  • Literacy.
  • Child Language Acquisition.
  • English in South East Asia and the Pacific.
  • Discourse Analysis.

    The majority of the Units offered in the Monash University qualification articulate fairly well with the competencies contained in the University of Stellenbosch qualification. However, two of the compulsory Modules of this qualification are offered as Elective Units in the Monash Postgraduate Diploma. Both qualifications are also aimed at assisting the learners in gaining access to a Master's Degree. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8, at both public and private learning institutions.

    Vertical Articulation:

    The qualification articulates vertically with other specialist language oriented Master's Degrees at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Moderation acts as a valuable source of data into the continued relevance of the qualification and its content. The final examination and at least one assignment will be moderated by an external moderator. The programme will be continually evaluated by the lecturers, and also during the five-yearly external peer evaluation of the Department.
  • Assessment will be consistent with the University's policies for formative and summative assessment. The programme coordinator will ensure that appropriate assessment criteria and methods are used, that integrated assessment takes place, that the outcomes of the programme are achieved, that the lecturers are sufficiently qualified in terms of training and experience and that learner feedback is taken into account in further developing the programme. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Applicants who register as Assessors for this qualification should:
  • Hold at least a relevant Master's qualification, at NQF Level 9.
  • Be experienced in interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.
  • Be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment.
  • Have subject matter experience within the field of Linguistics or Psycholinguistics. 
    		•

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.