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 Health Sciences Honours in Human Movement Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97026  Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Human Movement Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 the Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Human Movement Science is to produce learners who can address specific needs that exist in the various disciplines of sports science. It aims to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study and academic careers. It serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in the discipline, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline.

The qualification also aims to provide an interdisciplinary academic environment for the study of sports science and kinesiology in an African context. A fundamental part and focus is to provide capable researchers in the field of sport science. The learner will understand research methodologies for specific fields in sports science. This will include knowledge and understanding of various research techniques and methods in the specific disciplines of sports science. This knowledge provides thus a base on which the learner will draw on to solve research problems and address the needs of the industry.

Learners who obtain this qualification will address current and future challenges in the field of sports science and apply knowledge gained to address the objectives as outlined by SRSA and international organisations.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct research in high-performance centres and laboratories.
  • Teach specialised physical education to a specific age group of children, keeping in mind the maturity and growth of the child.
  • Correlate physical activity to specialised populations such as individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity thus improving quality of life through physical activity.
  • Apply scientifically formulated talent identification and developmental programs to optimise sporting potential.
  • Compile scientific-based assessment protocol to assess athletic and human performance in high-performance centres.

    Rationale:
    It is widely accepted that South Africa lacks sufficient well-trained scientists who can contribute to independent, high-quality research. There are policies and legislations that are in place to illustrate the importance of specialization in one of the various fields of sports science internationally and nationally such as the National Sport and Recreation Act (Act 110 of 1998) and the strategic objective of the National Department of Sport and Recreation.

    This qualification is developed in support of the international, national, and provincial objectives that emphasize the need for professional people to address issues in the sport, recreation, physical fitness, and wellness industry.
    A fundamental part of this qualification is to produce capable researchers in the field of sports science.

    This qualification comes as part of emphasizing the promotion of research as a core university activity and the building of research capacity. The research strategy recognizes the need for research to address local, regional, and national needs. It seeks ways to engage in a critical dialogue with partners to build research in areas which complement the University's historical niche as an African university, whilst ensuring internationally recognized excellence.
    In an effort to implement these strategic objectives and to evaluate their impact on South Africans, intensive research needs to take place to contribute to the knowledge base in the field of human movement science and kinesiology in South Africa. The qualification gives an opportunity for the development of specialised and advanced knowledge, applied skills, attitudes and values as researchers in Human Movement Sciences and Kinesiology, specialising in areas such as physical activity for health promotion, exercise physiology- and science, recreation, sport management, biomechanics, motor learning and - development.

    This qualification will be offered in an African context and will address such objectives as in the surrounding community, nationally and internationally. Contributions will be made to the surrounding community's social development through the contribution of physical activity to the health improvement of individuals and the community. Currently, learners are researching the value of physical activity among children through community engagement programme. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Movement Science in Sports Psychology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts: Sports Health and Recreation Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Sport, Exercise and Recreational Therapy, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Exercise physiology and sport science, 16 Credits.
  • Analyses of movement in sport and exercise science, 16 Credits.
  • Proposal writing and research methods, 16 Credits.
  • Motor control and human development, 16 Credits.
  • Sport Psychology, 16 Credits.
  • Sport Management, 16 Credits.
  • Research project, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct independent research in a specific field of interest within sports science.
    2. Collect, analyse, organise, and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources in various fields and specific disciplines.
    3. Apply specialised knowledge of sports psychology with individuals participating in sports in various fields and disciplines to solve problems.
    4. Correlate physical activity to specialised populations for example individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity thus improving quality of life through physical activity.
    5. Ethically apply scientifically formulated talent identification and developmental programs to optimise sporting potential.
    6. Present advanced organisational skills in terms of communication, administration, management of sports teams and management of sports events.
    7. Compile scientific-based assessment protocol to assess athletic and human performance in high-performance centres. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Synthesize and apply knowledge regarding research methods and techniques applicable to a specific field of interest within sports science in the planning, compilation, and execution of a research project.
  • Identify and solve a complex research problem or question concerning a specific field of interest within sports science through advanced information development and processing skills as well as the collection, capturing, analysing and interpretation of research data.
  • Present a dissertation which complies with the standards of scientific professional writing by means of advanced information technology and communicate it to a national specialist examination panel through professional academic reasoning.
  • Apply knowledge and act in an ethical and responsible way within the required parameters of the research project during the execution of projects and the compilation and finalization of the dissertation, by way of achieving ethical clearance for the research project at the appropriate Institution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically evaluate and integrate information from different sources to address problems in the relevant fields.
  • Critically connect theories to the problems in the relevant fields.
  • Apply relevant knowledge to authentic and simulated scenarios and see theories from one or more fields to address problems within another field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, analyse, and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience as well as theoretical knowledge in the field of sports science.
  • Apply knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions for solving problems at a community, national, international, and global level.
  • Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
  • Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to own views.
  • Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base), to support their stated views.
  • Analyse the global, national, and local community, as applicable, in terms of problems, needs, and opportunities related to sports science.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop and plan physical activity programmes for individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
  • Advise individuals with non-communicable diseases and give an in-depth and applied discussion on nutrition for well-being.
  • Plan and develop conditioning programmes for various sports activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Select the appropriate technology to take measurements of the individuals or groups involved as well as to identify talent and developmental programs to optimise sporting potential.
  • Illustrate a consideration of the ethics involved in sports science via supervision.
  • Show respect and openness towards the psychological health and physical environment of others via supervision.
  • Discuss sport as an educational tool critically and explain how it contributes to social empowerment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Plan and develop a management plan for individual athletes and sports teams.
  • Show imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, and thoughtful and interpersonal sensitivity through supervision.
  • Illustrate work ethics that show responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the individual athletes or community under supervision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Assess athletes in various sports and contexts and demonstrate the ability to conceptualize assessment protocols.
  • Discuss and understand various theoretical models in sports psychology applicable to sport.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

    Assessment entails continual formal and informal assessment for both formative and summative assessments.
    Formative assessment serves to support the student in the learning process towards achievement of outcomes and to inform curriculum development.

    Formative Assessments:
    The scheme of work includes:
  • Assignments
  • Class tests
  • Worksheet

    Summative Assessment:
  • Examinations
  • Research report
  • Tests

    A minimum of two summative assessments per semester are required, with the summative assessment counting not more than 50% of the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Edith Cowan University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Exercise and Sports Science
    Duration: 3 Years Full-time or 6 Years Part-time

    Entry requirement:
  • AQF Cert IV
    Or
  • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
    Or
    Undergraduate Certificate

    Purpose

    This qualification will prepare learners for a variety of professional roles - they could work with elite sportspeople, promote health in the community, work in corporate health or a wide range of other exciting environments The qualification will give you the skills to design, implement and evaluate programs targeted at improving general health and well-being, helping to prevent or reduce the impact of chronic disease and enhancing athletic performance.

    Qualification Structure:

    Compulsory Module
    Year 1
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1
  • Lifespan Growth and Development
  • Human Nutrition
  • Biomechanics
  • Foundations of Fitness and Training
    > Functional Anatomy
    > Anatomy and Physiology 2
  • Statistical Research Methods compares with the research project.

    Year 2
  • Principles and Practices of Resistance Training
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Delivery
  • Motor Learning and Control
  • Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Health, compares with Sport Psychology

    Year 3
  • Advanced Resistance Training
  • Exercise and Sports Science Practicum compares with Analyses of movement in sport and exercise science.
  • Physical Activity and Health

    Similarities:
  • The Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are similar in several ways; learners are expected to apply a range of research methodologies to investigate specific research questions applicable to an area of study in Sports Science.
  • The ECU qualification accepts learners who have successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
  • The SA qualification also admits into their study learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the related field.
  • Both ECU and SA qualifications share similar modules such as psychology of sport, exercise, and health as well as analyses of movement in sport and exercise science.
  • The SA qualification correlates physical activity to the specialised population such as individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity thus improving quality of life through physical activity, similarly the ECU qualification will give learners the skills to design, implement and evaluate programs targeted at improving general health and well-being, helping to prevent or reduce the impact of chronic disease and enhancing athletic performance.

    Differences:
    The ECU qualification is offered over three years full-time and four years part-time and the SA qualification is offered over one year.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Chester
    Qualification: Post Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences
    Duration: 12 months full time

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree with 60% or above
    Or
    Advanced Diploma (Level 7) with good grades

    Purpose:
    The Sport and Exercise Sciences is an innovative opportunity enabling learners to engage in a substantive individual research project with personal supervision and targeted research training. The aim is to give learners a supportive environment in which to develop and utilise their research skills in specific areas of interest.
    Learners will gain extensive research training in their area(s) of interest, including proposal development, application for research ethics and completion of an empirical research project. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop practical and theoretical knowledge to inform best practice and their employability.

    Qualification structure:
    Elective Modules (Select one)
  • Dissertation in Sports Biomechanical
  • Dissertation in Sports Medicine
  • Dissertation in Sports Performance Analysis
  • Dissertation in Sports Performance Science
  • Experiential Learning in Applied Sporting Performance
  • MRes Research Dissertation (Sport and Exercise Sciences)
  • Research Methods in Sports Sciences
  • Research Methods in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise

    Similarities:
  • University of Chester (UC) and the South African (SA) qualification are offered over 12 months and accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree or an advanced diploma in the related field.
  • Both qualifications have a strong focus on research the UC qualification aims at enabling learners to gain extensive research training in their area(s) of interest, including proposal development, application for research ethics and completion of an empirical research project similarly the,
  • SA qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in the discipline, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline.

    Differences:
    The UC qualification does not have coursework as its focus is on research whereas the SA qualification has focused modules in addition to the research project that has a bigger credit weight. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Human Movement Science Honours in Coaching Science, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Human Movement Science, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Chiropractic, NQF Level 8

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Health Sciences in Recreation Science, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Health Sciences in Hand Rehabilitation, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Philosophy in Health Innovation, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Health Sciences in Health Science Education, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy, NQF Level 9

    Diagonal Articulation:
    The are no diagonal articulation options available. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Fort Hare 


    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.