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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Ancient Cultures 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88503  Postgraduate Diploma in Ancient Cultures 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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 qualification provides insight into the development of human societies of the Mediterranean and the Near East, namely, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syro-Palestine, Persia, Greece and the Roman Empire, from the earliest periods of recorded history up to the advent of Islam (ca. 3000 BCE to 650 CE).

The study of Ancient Cultures enables students to take a critical distance look at their own context and develop historical awareness and thus make an informed contribution to the development of our changing society. This qualification will contribute to knowledge regarding the development of, and interaction between, ancient cultures. The qualification will enable participants to understand and advocate the role of values in society and to equip them to facilitate the processes of social change. This qualification will further develop the learner's knowledge of Ancient Cultures through research.

Rationale:
This qualification will provide the students with Postgraduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East. It will assist in widening the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity. The qualification should also make a contribution in terms of one of South Africa's biggest challenges, namely, its cultural diversity and the capacity of people of different cultures to live and work together. The qualification should contribute to the enhancement of cultural literacy and the establishment of cultural tolerance based on an in-depth knowledge of the way in which culture is created and developed. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Students should have fundamental knowledge of the geography of the world and basic knowledge of sociology.

Recognition of Prior Learning:
The policy of prior learning of the Faculty will be adhered to. Relevant forms of prior learning will be acknowledged in the admission of students without the necessary stated requirement of a Bachelor's Degree. Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered in terms of the evidence produced and the verification thereof. Verification may be according to a written test or other proof, such as testimonials or portfolios of evidence.

Access to the Qualification:
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, with an aggregate of 65%. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The programme consists of four compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, with a total of 120 Credits.

Modules:
  • Cultures of the Ancient Near East, 30 Credits.
  • Cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome, 30 Credits.
  • Theme in Ancient Cultures 1, 30 Credits.
  • Theme in Ancient Cultures 2, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Examine the cultures of the ancient world in relation to their interactions.
    2. Discuss the fundamental and formative influences of Ancient Cultures on contemporary cultures, values and institutions.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural-historical framework of the ancient world.
  • Find, assess and select appropriate primary sources on ancient cultures with the aid of conventional and electronic methods and tools.
  • Show the interdependence and interaction between cultures.
  • Plan and conduct research into ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain the role which culture plays in people's dealings with the world.
  • Distinguish ancient texts and artefacts from cultures of today's world.
  • Find, assess and select appropriate primary sources (ancient texts in translation) with the aid of conventional and electronic methods and tools.
  • Capture the views, theories and arguments of others in relation to influences of the Ancient Cultures on the values and institutions of contemporary cultures.
  • Analyse and interpret ancient texts in translation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment principles to be followed will formally comply with the policy of the University.
    The assessment will include:
  • Modules 1 and 2: written assignments and examination.
  • Modules 3 and 4: written assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Australia:
    Monash University - Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research).
    Students complete 48 points including a 12-point research unit, two core units and one 12-point elective chosen from the list below. This course studies Egyptology, especially Egyptian archaeology from the Predynastic to the early Christian Periods. It also offers supervision in aspects of the classical world, the Near East and regions extending to the Indian sub-continent.

    Research unit:
  • Research project in archaeology and ancient history.

    Core units:
  • Students complete a minimum of two core units chosen from the following:
    > Predynastic and early dynastic Egypt.
    > Reading the ancient past.
    > Research methods in classical antiquity.

    New Zealand: University of Auckland - Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts).
    Graduate study in Ancient History (open to majors both in Classical Studies and in Ancient History) involves advanced work in two of the three streams of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Courses reflect research strengths in Greek and Roman history and historiography, Egyptian history, late antiquity, archaeology and art history, and the intellectual world of Greece and Rome.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research) from Monash and the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts from the University of Auckland as they both study ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East. It aligns more closely with the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research) because both have a research component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All tests and assignments will be internally moderated. The final written assignment will be externally moderated. 

    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 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.