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: 

Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94624  Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  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   2034-06-30  

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:
This qualification focuses on solving the social and health problems in rural and urban communities in Southern Africa through its diversified qualification, using problem-based learning, community projects and project-driven curricula.

Academic Purpose of Qualification:
  • To train competent professionals as recreation and leisure specialists.
  • To prepare professionals to meet the expectations of recreation and leisure needs of individuals and communities.
  • To train competent professionals in the use of recreation and leisure towards solving social problems.
    The relevance of the qualification to Regional and National needs is to meet the recreation and leisure needs of citizens in the province and country. The qualification is also relevant towards solving social and health problems of the province and country.

    Rationale:
    Generally, there is keen interest on how to achieve a good quality of life, life satisfaction and happiness. Governments are now shifting their focus from the treatment of illness to prevention of illness and the promotion of wellness, not only for economic benefits but also for health benefits.

    With an increased prevalence of hypokinetic problems and sedentariness/low level mobility in today's population/societies, participation in recreation and leisure activities has been suggested as an effective tool in both primary and secondary prevention programmes. It has been indicated that pursuit of leisure time recreation activities with moderate intensity on a daily basis might be adequate to significantly lower the incidence of hypokinetic risk problems.

    In order to achieve a quality life in contemporary societies, the wise use of leisure time would be required. Governments, NGOs and professionals have the responsibility to ensure that leisure is a right to each and every individual and health, wellness and quality of life can be attained by all citizens. These objectives can be realised when trained and qualified personnel are available to drive and implement a recreation and leisure agenda in all our provinces, districts, municipalities and wards.

    Thus the qualification is designed in such a way that it blends the mechanistic and quantitative western approach to planning recreation and leisure programmes with Eastern and Indigenous approaches which are more qualitative in orientation. The products of the programme will be equipped with a well-balanced and harmonious approach to recreation and leisure services to attain the wellness goals and quality of life.

    The qualification takes a departure from similar qualifications offered elsewhere in the country as the modules have been specifically designed for the wellness and recreation development for specific target groups of people-children, individuals with disabilities, the elderly citizens women/pregnant women. The qualification also helps prevent child and adult obesity and provides treatment programmes.

    Finally the qualification focuses on health promotion in terms of personal, social economic, political and environmental and the attainment of a better well-being. Adequate skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes are needed to be able to use leisure time wisely, as well as obtain a balanced lifestyle. The organisation of this programme into yearly themes (fundamentals of human movement and human movement behaviour, recreation and leisure services management, recreation and leisure service management, recreation and leisure service programming, and recreation and leisure practices and community outreach programmes) is based on the School of Health Sciences Problem Based Learning (PBL) methodology which will enable it to achieve the desired objectives of health promotion, wellness and quality life. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners will be admitted into the qualification, with credit given to prior learning which will be assessed as per the University policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a Senior Certificate, with endorsement for degree entry. In addition, applicants must have a minimum point score of 26. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 6 modules at NQF Level 5; 7 modules at NQF Level 6; 7 modules at NQF Level 7 and 5 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 480 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Orientation to PBL and Recreation and Leisure Studies Program, 20 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 20 Credits.
  • Foundations of Human Movement Science and Human Behaviour, 20 Credits.
  • Sports Skills Fundamental and Physical Performance, 20 Credits.
  • Physical Conditioning for Sports, Exercise Games, 20 Credits.
  • Nutrition for Leisure, Sport and Recreation, 20 Credits.
    Total Credits: 120.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
  • Outdoor Education and Recreation, 20 Credits.
  • Recreation and Leisure for Diverse (Special) Groups, 10 Credits.
  • Budget and Resources for Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
  • Managing Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
  • Sports First Aid and Management of Injuries, 10 Credits.
  • Adventure Leadership and Programme Planning, 20 Credits.
    Total Credits: 120.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Ethics and Legal aspects of Recreation of Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
  • Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Wellness Education, 10 Credits.
  • Facility Design and Management for Recreation and Leisure Activity, 20 Credits.
  • Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management, 20 Credits.
  • Recreation Delivery and Leisure Programs, 20 Credits.
  • Consultancy in Recreation and Leisure Services, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methods in Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
    Total Credits: 120.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Exercise and Sport Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Seminar in Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
  • Organisation and Administration of Major Events, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project and Mini Dissertation, 30 Credits.
  • Practicum in Recreation and Leisure Services, 40 Credits.
    Total Credits: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Independently design, evaluate and manage recreational programmes.
    2. Independently design a community recreation project with the industry.
    3. Provide an instructional and advisory service on community recreation leadership training.
    4. Scientific research in the field of Community Recreation/Commercial Recreation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Recreational programmes are independently evaluated, appropriate scientific methods and techniques are utilised.
  • Recreational programmes are effectively managed.
  • A community project of own choice is designed managed, planned, advised and executed.
  • Problems, in which responses are identified, solved and displayed and responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community is displayed.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Recreational leadership training programmes to specific target groups are compiled and conducted.
  • An understanding of the world as a set of related systems is demonstrated by realising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Contributing to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large is demonstrated, by making an individual aware of the importance of the underlying intention of any programme of learning.
  • Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities is demonstrated.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Scientific research in the field of Community Recreation/Commercial Recreation that includes entrepreneurial skills potential is conducted.
  • Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated.
  • Science and technology is effectively and critically used, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Education and career opportunities are explored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A variety of strategies to learn more effectively are reflected upon and explored.
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities are developed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted by using integrated theoretical examinations at the end of the learning of each module, consisting of an evaluation on theory and/or case studies. Throughout the duration of the learning, practical and theoretical assignments (group and/or individual), as well as theoretical tests, will be used to assess the learners and to make up a predicate mark.

    All students are required to submit a dissertation which will be evaluated and integrated into the final marks for the level. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis was conducted between the qualifications offered internationally and the qualification offered at the University of Venda. The following aspects were compared: the purpose, the modules and the duration of the study.

    Brock University in Canada offers the Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies which is a 4-year qualification.

    The purpose of the qualification is to:
  • Prepare learners with the knowledge, competencies, and philosophical grounding to take a leadership role in the community sector.
  • Prepare learners for effective practice in public and non-profit settings with courses in organisational development, finance, marketing, programming, planning, and research.
  • Respond to community development and diversity, particularly of youth and groups that are marginalised.
  • Undertake fieldwork opportunities and community engagement.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Recreation and Leisure.
  • The Social Psychology of Leisure and Recreation.
  • Leadership in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services.
  • Sociological Aspects of Leisure and Diversity.
  • Cultural Politics of Leisure.

    The University of Mount Olive in North Carolina situated in North America offers either a four year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies. The purpose of the qualification is to prepare students in general Recreation/Leisure Studies, Leisure Service Management, Recreational Therapy, Sport Management, Exercise Science, and Physical Education.

    Modules of the qualification:
  • Leisure Service Management.
  • Recreational Therapy.
  • Sport Management.
  • Exercise Science.
  • Physical Education.
  • Health and Physical Education (licensure).

    Conclusion:
    From the above research it has been found that the qualifications offered internationally compare favourably with the qualification offered at The University of Venda with regard to the purpose, the duration and the course modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification presents potential progress horizontally or vertically into related qualifications depending on the admission policies for these qualifications.

    Vertical articulation will be possible with:
  • Master of Arts in Recreation and Sport Management, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Movement and Sport Science, at NQF Level 9.

    Horizontal articulation will be possible with:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Human Movement Science in Sport Science, at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sport and Recreation Management, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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 
    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. University of Venda 


    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.