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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94858  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy 
ORIGINATOR
St. Augustine College of South Africa 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
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
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:
This qualification is intended for learners who have obtained an undergraduate Bachelor's Degree in Humanities or Social Sciences subjects at NQF Level 7, who wish to further their qualifications at Postgraduate level, and access further Postgraduate study at Master's level, i.e., NQF Level 9. The qualification runs over 1 year's full-time or 2 years' part-time study.

The qualification is for learners who require in-depth philosophical training, particularly, those who have studied Philosophy at undergraduate level and wish to gain expert, specialist knowledge at the forefront of their field. However, the qualification also provides valuable transferable skills for learners from other Humanities or Social Science disciplines (e.g. Psychology, History, Political Science, Theology or Literary Studies). The progressive, incremental course structure thus accommodates a diverse range of baccalaureates. Learners are expected to have become acquainted with philosophical methods of rational critical reflection through training, at NQF Level 7, in the logical, theoretical and conceptual foundations of their respective disciplines.

Rationale:
Different historical periods in the evolution of mankind were marked by the emergence of great scholars, philosophers and thinkers who helped shape the thinking and the societal discourse of that specific period. In a modern day South Africa where the country is making huge strides towards transforming the society in to a more equal, caring, humane and democratic society, the need for visionary leaders, intellectuals and scholars to support the process is even greater. This qualification is designed to build a type of citizenry that contributes in a positive way in psychological and spiritual wellbeing of society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the field and subfield relevant to this qualification and is assessed by the Faculty Board in conjunction with the rules of access quoted in 4 above. The relevance is assessed by the Senate which decides whether it suffices to allow admission to the qualification. Structured means for the assessment of individual learning against entrance requirements and against exit outcomes are devised on a case-by-case basis. These procedures may be assessed by independent moderators as described in the Assessment and Moderation Policy A2004/72 S2010/050 and the Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning A2005/42B.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • A three year Bachelor's Degree qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 5 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
    Modules:
  • Leading Contemporary Figure, 20 Credits.
  • Influential Historical Period, 20 Credits.
  • Path-breaking Text, 20 Credits.
  • Predominant, Perennial Theme, 20 Credits.
  • Research Paper, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically analyse the key aspects of a traditional philosophical theme, figure, period and text, from a range of analytical, European and Thomist perspectives.
    2. Draw on a range of problem-solving methodologies in self-critical, ethically integrative manner.
    3. Develop capacities to manage selectively dense, complex arguments, delivered in a diverse range of traditional modes and styles and writing.
    4. Understand the significance of the contributions of major philosophical Theme, Figure, Period and Text and learn to elaborate and take reflective responsibility of their own original contributions to contemporary philosophical discussions and debates.
    5. Reflect logically and critically about complex ethical, epistemological, political and existential issues in various theoretical paradigms.
    6. Develop sensitivity to the different value systems within a multi-cultural society while being cognisant of their intellectual, socio-economic and political contexts.
    7. Communicate with clear rational consistency and persuasive power within a diverse range of knowledge-intensive professional fields. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A clear coherent account of the key problems and core philosophical presuppositions informing the tradition in which the respective figures work is given.
  • The main contributing themes, debates and texts that influence the position taken by the thinker are critically evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The relative impact of multiple contributing themes, debates and texts which contribute to dominant problems driving current research on the theme are weighed up.
  • A sensibly mediated critical evaluation of an outstanding theme in the thinker's work, with an aim of reconciling a widely recognised tension or contradiction in group work is put forward.

    Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A unique position on a controversial standpoint raised by the work of the chosen figure in a presentation and written assessment is developed and elaborated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A range of interpretive techniques (analytical, dialectical, pragmatist) to explain the relevance of the respective thinker's contributions to the field is applied.
  • The key aspects of a traditional philosophical theme, figure, period and texts from a range of analytical, European and Thomasist perspective is critically analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A contextually and intellectually integrated account of a few major historical issues, practices, ideas, and or core concepts that influenced the theoretical unity of the respective philosophical period is given.
  • An insight into the historical intellectual and contextual influences on the philosophical work representative of the period concerned is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The ethical significance of dominant points of convergence and divergence between the different philosophical camps belonging with the period in question is understood.
  • The normative significance of ethical problems raised by the various philosophical positions advanced in the text through issues discussed in the secondary literature and in the critical reception of the text is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • An ability to integrate rationally, in to an overall plan, the diverse components of arguments advanced in a text, so as to develop, in a written work, a clearly articulated argument responding to a core problem identified in a text is demonstrated.
  • The main research question is clearly articulated and why it needs to be asked is explained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The steps for handling formative and summative assessments are described in the Staff Guide. Also set out is a range of topics pertaining to assessments and examinations. These range from late formative assessments to supplementary or deferred summative assessments.

    External moderators are appointed to moderate final summative assessment, as well as a sample of summative assessment scripts for every module in the qualification. Final marks are signed off by the coordinator of the qualification and the academic dean to declare that entries have been checked, and that all the marks tally. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In compiling the modules for this Degree, consultation with coordinators of related qualifications in local philosophy departments, and Postgraduate philosophy qualifications abroad, particularly in the USA and Britain, was entered into.

    Related qualifications offered by the Universities of Sussex, Warwick, and Cambridge, University College, London, the Humboldt University of Berlin, Columbia and the New School of New York, were also consulted at the international level. The quality, complexity, intensity and range of intellectual content of the set of courses proposed for this Honours Philosophy Degree compare favourably with that of similar courses offered by these highly esteemed institutions.

    Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy at the University of Sussex give learners a thorough grounding on key topics such as logic and reasoning skills, and knowledge of the history of philosophical thought. Modules covered include: Early Modern Philosophy; Ethics; Logic and Meaning; and Philosophy of Language.

    In Australia, the University of Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Philosophy Honours Degree. The qualification helps learners develop advanced research, project management and critical thinking skills. Modules covered include: History of Ethics; Philosophy of Law; Oral Philosophy; The Classical Mind; and Critical Thinking.

    Conclusion:
    The comparability studies carried out were done so with the purpose of ensuring that this qualification becomes internationally recognised and acceptable. The fact that it was compared with similar qualifications from some of the best universities in the world is a testimony of the academic demand and rigour embedded in this qualification. It compares very well with the above cited qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is designed to articulate within and across the sub-frameworks of the NQF.

    It articulates horizontally in to:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy in Theories and Research Methodology.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics in Philosophy and Economics.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Philosophy and Political Economy.

    It articulates vertically in to:
  • Master of Arts in Philosophy.
  • Master of Arts in Philosophy in Theories and Research.
  • Master of Education in Educational Philosophy. 
    		•

    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. St. Augustine College of South Africa 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.