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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98032  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication 
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
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication 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 purpose of this qualification is to build on learners' existing knowledge of key areas in the field of Communication in order to develop accountable and skilled communication professionals and leaders able to contribute meaningfully both to academic practice and to the communication planning, implementation and management activities of organisations. It emphasises the strategic role of communication in realising organisational strategic initiatives. To this end, learners will broaden and deepen their understanding of fundamental communication theories and research methodology, and will be required to interrogate and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge in key areas of business-related communication. Graduates will thus cultivate the skills required for further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. Through the development of crucial communication-related skills and competencies, highly attractive to prospective employers, graduates will be equipped to take up communication-related positions in a variety of businesses and communication-related sectors where they will be able to add value to the organisation in which they are employed.

The qualification design and selection of modules and outcomes aim to guide and support the development of an honours graduate with the insight and competency to conduct rigorous academic research; critique theory using appropriate criteria; analyse the reciprocal relationship between strategic communication practices and organisational leadership; survey market conditions to forecast emerging opportunities for communication innovation; develop innovative and implementable communication strategies and apply a broad spectrum of communication skills to communication-related activities in organisations. This Honours qualification further aims to develop informed citizens that will engage critically, ethically and imaginatively with the world around them

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication forms part of a learning pathway for learners in Communication Studies. In line with industry demand, this qualification will equip learners with deeper insight into and proficiency in some of the core fields in the communication discipline and guide them in applying such knowledge in a particular context.

Due to the fact that communication encompasses such a broad spectrum of themes in inter-disciplinary areas, and since it plays a major role in many sectors such as government departments, businesses, healthcare, media institutions, information technology, non-governmental organisations and in private practice, it is essential to provide a qualification that enables candidates to acquire advanced skills, competencies and knowledge in communication practice.

Communication is fundamental on so many levels that it is vital to develop graduates who have mastered the mechanisms of communication, which will enable graduates to become communication professionals who are equipped to deal with evolving challenges in global cultural, political and business environments. Since communication is the driving force for innovation and progress, dynamic and professionally sound leadership skills need to be incorporated into the development of communication professionals who will apply these skills to the successful execution of corporate strategies.

Communication studies also provides graduates with important personal insights into the world that can broaden their horizons, and enhance skills development valuable to all employers and employees such as team work, critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as strong writing and presentation skills. This communication qualification is also designed to enable learners to pursue further personal and professional development, and to promote life-long learning.

The qualification thus builds on a broad knowledge base of communication that learners acquired at undergraduate level, whilst consolidating and deepening learners' insight and expertise in some of the core fields of the communication discipline; thereby, extending their knowledge of communication theory, strategic communication and leadership, contemporary communication practices, critical studies and research methodology, as applied to business contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication will therefore produce qualified, competent communication professionals and leaders who are able to think critically, strategically and creatively and who are able to solve communication-related problems in business contexts in innovative ways.

Through the development of key communication-related skills and competencies, graduates will be prepared to take up positions in a variety of business and communication-related sectors. This qualification will further prepare graduates to continue their Communication studies at NQF Level 9 as a result of the strong emphasis placed on the development of advanced research skills. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Students can achieve this qualification in part through recognition of prior learning. The IIE RPL Policy (IIE010) and the IIE Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE004) guide this process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed. All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

RPL for formal learning (Credit recognition):
Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects 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.

RPL may also be used to grant admission to students who do not meet the entry requirements. This is done in accordance with the IIE RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entrance requirements for this qualification are:
  • Bachelors' Degree in Communication, at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • General Bachelors' Degree, at NQF Level 7 plus a 120 Credit Teacher Qualification at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • An Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7, provided that a Diploma at NQF Level 6 in a cognate field, has been completed. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Communication Theory, 21 Credits.
  • Strategic Organisational Communication and Leadership, 21 Credits.
  • Research, 36 Credits.
  • Critical Studies, 21 Credits.
  • Contemporary Communication Practices, 21 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically analyse communication theories and approaches.
    2. Evaluate leadership and strategic communication practices in organisations within national and international contexts.
    3. Apply contemporary communication techniques to inform the achievement of strategic organisational objectives.
    4. Conduct primary research using an appropriate research design.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and propose innovative solutions to communication problems in varied contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse the key perspectives of communication theory.
  • Critically examine the relevance of communication theories to varied contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the reciprocal relationship between strategic communication practices and organisational leadership.
  • Critically examine issues in strategic communication practices and organisational leadership common to both a South African and an international context.
  • Incorporate key ethical considerations relating to sustainability and corporate citizenship into communication practice.
  • Apply suitable theoretical frameworks and approaches to strategic communication and organisational leadership practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Survey market conditions to forecast emerging opportunities for communication innovation.
  • Evaluate and select suitable approaches that will support innovative communication strategies in organisations.
  • Apply innovative communication strategies to contemporary organisational scenarios.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement an appropriate research design to investigate an identified research problem.
  • Report on secondary research by means of a literature study that argues the research problem.
  • Analyse primary research data to produce research findings and interpret these findings with insight.
  • Write a research report that reflects the research conducted and that provides meaningful recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply innovative problem-solving techniques to various contexts.
  • Evaluate a range of solutions to communication problems in a specific context.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment Methods and Instruments:
    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that students are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, a reflective internship journal and an integrated qualification portfolio based on the learning material and students 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 student'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 student'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 students and which can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Whilst the proposed Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication was fully benchmarked against similar qualifications at other South African higher education institutions, international comparability was also conducted although the offering of free standing Honours Degrees is not common practice internationally.

    The qualifications at the following institutions compare well to this Honours Degree:
    Monash University - Malaysia: Honours Degree of Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies:
    The Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Degree focuses on developing the students' understanding of the role of communication in modern society through the following areas of study:
  • The application of mass communications theory to the corporate sector.
  • The role of culture and social structures in social change.
  • Global trends and their local impact and contemporary writing practices.

    Modules such as Communications, International Studies and Writing are compulsory and students may select additional modules from a range of elective units from the Faculty of Arts or other faculties.

    The course takes three years of full-time study to complete.

    University of Queensland - Australia:
    Bachelor of Communication (Honours):
    The Honours programmme consists of a combination of coursework and a research thesis in the area of Communication. This Degree develops advanced skills and knowledge in Communication theory, research, policy and practice. It is an interdisciplinary programme that enables students to study within and across schools that specialise in various areas of Communication.

    University of Newcastle - Australia: Bachelor of Communication (Honours):
    Program Requirements:
    The program aims to produce graduates who will have a well-developed capacity to think critically and creatively about society and culture and their inter-relationship It focuses on research into professional communication practices to produce graduates with a well-developed capacity to creatively and critically produce and research professional communication.

    The Honours program is normally undertaken over one year of full-time study or 2 years part-time.
    and consist of 80 units.

    Program Structure::
  • CMNS4100,: Research Methods,), 10 units.
  • CMNS4120, Directed Readings,), 10 units.
  • CMNS4130, Research Project, 60 units

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Acquire discipline knowledge of communication theories for media industries.
  • Demonstrate written and/or oral skills appropriate for academic and professional practice.
  • Expand understandings of professional communication and media industry terminology, processes and practices.
  • Critically apply discipline knowledge: developing skills using communication processes and technologies to create professional media products/outputs.
  • Engage with ethical and interdisciplinary issues: develop an objective attitude to community dilemmas and sensitivity towards complex social issues.
  • Critique communication environments and processes to address multi-faceted communication issues.
  • Critically reflect on professional judgement: applying creative problem-solving techniques including understandings of effective collaboration and teamwork.

    Conclusion:
    The key focus of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication is on the development of communication professionals and leaders who are able to think critically, strategically and creatively and who are able to solve communication-related problems in business contexts in innovative ways. The International comparison revealed that the degree is similar in its approach to the listed international qualifications in terms of its strong focus on research, strategic communication and critical studies. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The only Masters Degree offered by the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is one in Marketing. They also only offer Postgraduate Diplomas at Level 8 in Marketing and Education which means that this qualification does not articulate with any qualification offered by the IIE. This qualification, however, allows for systemic vertical and horizontal articulation with qualifications offered by other institutions provided students meet the admission requirements. The possibilities are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor Honours Degrees in related cognate fields, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diplomas in related cognate fields, at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters of Arts in Communication at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. 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.