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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94119  Bachelor of Arts 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  366  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to promote access into higher education and to enable qualified learners to function effectively in communication-related jobs in a range of environments. Learners will be prepared to apply their competencies in Media, Communication, English language skills which are relevant in a number of industries. Learners will be able to contribute positively and responsibly to the economic well-being of their organisation. This 3-year degree is structured in accordance with the new HEQSF guidelines and will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and applied competencies which have been identified by the industry as critical for employees to have when entering the world of work. Learners will be well-prepared with insight and skills to make them employable. Learners will also be prepared to further their studies which support the principles of life-long learning.

Through a focus on interdisciplinary areas, the essential skills of creative problem solving, critical thinking, working effectively in teams, and the ability to take and adapt to criticism in changing environments will be practised and imbued. Significantly, the ability to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills will be thoroughly addressed throughout the degree by focusing on media writing, communication and literature. This indispensable proficiency will provide Learners with an advantage in the workplace, and promote access into a variety of entry-level positions from which they may promote themselves.

Rationale:
Bachelor's Degrees have the primary purpose of providing a well-rounded, broad education to equip Learners with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines, and fields of study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. The general Bachelor's Degree emphasises general principles and theory as preparation for entry into general employment or into a postgraduate qualification. (HEQSF, 2013).

This qualification has been designed to address specific skills shortages identified within the industry. This proposed industry-relevant curriculum will address scarce and critical skills in areas such as in electronic media and film, and business sectors which require a high level of communication-related skills, knowledge and competences. Thus the degree is designed to respond effectively to industry-demands whilst maintaining the core nature of a general Bachelor of Arts qualification, and to prepare learners to further their studies at NQF Level 8.

This Degree will enable qualified people to be competent to work in various sectors. The aims of the qualification is to produce competent and professional communicators who will be able to understand and apply the theory of communication science and practices, English language skills and knowledge of media studies in order to meet the communication-related needs and demands of an organisation.

Learners will have access into various NQF Level 8 qualifications at other tertiary institutions such as Honours Degrees in English, Communication Science or Journalism because all three of these disciplines are completed by learners up to the third year of study.

The outcomes of the Bachelor of Arts are structured in a manner that will prepare learners for a variety of positions in an assortment of work environments and in support of good employability prospects as this degree addresses the necessity for excellent written and verbal communication skills, flexibility in approach, and the ability to think and act ethically, creatively and critically. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners can achieve this qualification in part through the recognition of prior learning. The institution's RPL Policy and the Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy will guide this process.

RPL for formal learning: (Credit recognition):
Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for modules already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for informal and non-formal learning:
Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

The institution's RPL Policy and the Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy will guide the process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning will be assessed. All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

Entry Requirements:
Learners will need either one of the following to enrol for the Bachelor of Arts:
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement or exemption for admission to Degree studies.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.
    Or
  • A Higher Certificate or a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a cognate discipline. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 366 credits.

    NQF Level 5:
    9 Modules totalling 91 credits:
  • English 1A: Introduction to English Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1A: Introduction to Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Journalism 1, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Publishing, 6 Credits.
  • Psychology 1B: Introduction to Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1, 5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sociology, 12 Credits.

    NQF Level 6:
    11 Modules totalling 145 credits:
  • English 1B: Introduction to English Studies, 12 Credits.
  • English 2A: Stories for the South African, 15 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2A, 18 Credits.
  • Psychology 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Journalism 2, 15 Credits.
  • Media Law and Ethics, 8 Credits.
  • English 2B: Through the post-colonial lens, 15 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 18 Credits.
  • Psychology 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2, 10 Credits.
  • New Communication Technology, 10 Credits.

    NQF Level 7:
    8 Modules totalling 130 credits:
  • English 3A: Modern Literature, 20 Credits.
  • Communication Science 3A, 20 Credits.
  • Journalism 3, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • English 3B: Modern Literature, 20 Credits.
  • Communication Science 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Research Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Media Studies 3, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply and evaluate key theories within the disciplines of English, Communication, Sociology, Psychology and Journalism.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse, and solve local and international problems of a communication and societal nature in an ethical, responsible, and creative manner.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to employ communication, writing and English skills in order to communicate effectively, reliably, coherently and appropriately in professional and academic environments.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate one's own ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments using academic and professional language.
    5. Design a research project incorporating a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within communication, literary, or media contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A critical understanding of the philosophical foundations and theories of selected social and communication sciences is demonstrated.
  • An ability to analyse and adapt key theories of social and communication sciences to various professional and academic environments is shown.
  • The ability to critically evaluate and synthesise communication, writing and journalism theories for use in academic and professional environments is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The ability to identify and plan constructive, ethical practices and strategies for a variety of workplace communication contexts is demonstrated.
  • Through exposure to interdisciplinary areas, the essential skills of creative problem solving and critical thinking are employed to deal with identified local and international social and communication problems.
  • The ability to work effectively and productively in a team-based context in order to resolve social and communication issues is demonstrated.
  • An adaptable yet rigorous approach to problem-solving that will be of benefit in a variety of professional and academic environments is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Writing strategies that keep writing focused, coherent, and readable for professional and academic environments are employed.
  • The ability to use and apply knowledge of various writing and media communication skills to contemporary technology platforms is demonstrated.
  • An ability to think conceptually within various workplace contexts through considered, well-targeted communication/media-related projects is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The ability to develop constructive, logically sound arguments through various media writing, communication and literary techniques is demonstrated.
  • Effective oral, written and non-verbal skills are demonstrated within the context of persuasive communication in both professional and academic environments.
  • The ability to engage in critical thinking, creative problem solving and in giving and receiving constructive criticism are effectively demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The ability to conceptualise and thoroughly analyse critical issues is demonstrated through the formulation of a sound problem statement within the social sciences, media or English disciplines.
  • The ability to employ creative problem-solving strategies to the fields of social and communication sciences is demonstrated through appropriate application of a selected research topic, method and sample.
  • The core focus on applied critical thinking through social theory, communication, critical thinking and English language development is demonstrated through the written presentation of a research proposal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessments are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed.

    Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of exit level outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
  • The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Countries that operate on the basis of an NQF include the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and benchmarking for this qualification was thus done by comparison with qualifications and outcomes for Communication Studies and Media in higher education institutions in these countries.

    A direct comparison of the title, Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria was undertaken with each. The qualification was compared with qualifications in Communication Studies and Media in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

    A fair Degree of similarity to qualifications in Australia and the United Kingdom was found, especially Brookes University in England and the University of Melbourne in Australia, with it being more loosely mapped to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies at Otago University in New Zealand.

    The qualification compares favourably with the three-year full time qualification offered at Brookes University entitled Bachelor of Arts Communication, Media and Culture. It concentrates on four central themes in communication, media and culture; namely interpersonal and institutional, production and practical, language and linguistic and cultural and critical. This is comparable with The Bachelor of Arts which focuses on communication science, media studies, sociology and various writing forms.

    The qualification offered at Otago University in New Zealand focuses on communication and media, but includes television studies and film.

    The qualification also compared favourably to the qualification at Victoria University in terms of modules as it covers a similar range of disciplines, specialising in communication studies, media and society.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares well with the other qualifications cited in terms of the level, purpose of the qualification and content (modules). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Institution is committed to the principles of lifelong learning and opening access to higher education. A student who transfers from one qualification to another within the institution, will be given credit at the discretion of the Senate for relevant modules successfully completed.

    The development of further qualifications in various other specialisations related to communications will improve articulation opportunities stemming from this degree. In terms of the HEQSF, this qualification should articulate with an appropriate Postgraduate Degree at public or private South African universities or with any other accredited qualifications.

    The qualification may articulate vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Comparative African Languages and Literatures.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Language Technology.

    While horizontal articulation is plausible with:
  • Any cognate Bachelor of Arts offered by other institutions in cases of relocation and other circumstances. The articulation will be subjected to meeting the requirement of the prospective institution. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 
    Qualification design:
    The qualification design supports the logical progression in learning throughout the qualification by introducing learners to the basic concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge in the first year to position them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and applying the concepts, principles and theories in the second and third year modules. The qualification structure promotes development of creative problem solving and critical thinking.

    The qualification will develop knowledge of and competencies in English language use, communication science and media studies, and with a strong emphasis on the application of journalism and writing skills. This combination provides the structure against which the outcomes and objectives of the qualification can be effectively achieved.

    In the first year, the combination of Communication Science, Journalism, Media Studies and English will provide the foundation and background to enable mastery of the more demanding curriculum in second and third year. Sociology, Introduction to Publishing and Psychology are included in support of the main disciplines.

    In the second year, learners continue with the core foci, supported by Psychology, New Communication Technology and Media Law and Ethics.

    In the final year core modules are structured to facilitate achievement of the exit level outcomes and in addition, the modules of Research Methodology and Practice will instil understanding of the methods of enquiry and research in the communication discipline. The two research modules will require learners to combine and apply the knowledge gained from all the different elements of their learning, to achieve the outcomes of the qualification. 

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.