Qualification

SAQA ID 87234

NQF Level 07

Registered

Bachelor of Arts

Purpose:

Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.

Start accreditation readiness View official SAQA source

Qualification type

National First Degree

Credits

360

Sub-framework

HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework

Providers listed

Qualification snapshot

Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.

Originator

Nelson Mandela University

Quality assurance functionary

CHE - Council on Higher Education

Field

Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language

Subfield

Communication Studies

Qual class

Regular-Provider-ELOAC

Recognise previous learning

Important dates

These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.

Registration start

2024-06-30

Registration end

2027-06-30

Last date for enrolment

2027-06-30

Last date for achievement

2029-06-30

Purpose and entry context

Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.

Purpose and rationale

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts is to expose learners to a diverse range of academic fields and skills, to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with a broad knowledge base and skills that are transferable across multiple contexts, and which enables specialization. The qualification draws self-directed, curious, and creative thinkers who seek an adaptable and flexible approach to higher education. Interest in social dynamics and the socio-political/economic world.

This is an academic pathway that will prepare learners for lifelong learning, provide a well-rounded and broad education across several disciplines, and thus prepare them for a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society.

A qualified learner demonstrates the ability to synthesize insights from diverse academic disciplines by developing a comprehensive understanding across multiple knowledge domains. The learner applies specialized expertise within their field of study while critically connecting their area of specialization with broader academic and professional contexts. Through sophisticated intellectual integration, the graduate recognizes and explores interdisciplinary relationships between different fields of knowledge, translating specialized learning into versatile practical applications across various professional and academic environments.

Bachelor of Arts graduates can approach complex challenges with advanced problem-solving capabilities, systematically analysing intricate scenarios from multiple perspectives and developing innovative, nuanced solutions. These intellectual and practical competencies are underpinned by an awareness of ethical standards and norms, enabling the learner to navigate diverse professional landscapes with integrity, criticality, and a deep understanding of the social and ethical implications of their work.

Rationale

The flexibility of a qualification such as the Bachelor of Arts enables diverse approaches and empowers learners to develop their own pathways and grow into their chosen fields of specialization, making them responsive to a changing, dynamic environment. Institutionally, this qualification offers an opportunity to learners to pursue a more flexible and adaptable offering, where other qualifications can be more limited in their choices.

Bachelor of Arts graduates are important for the working world and society in general due to their creative and critical thinking and effective communication in writing and speech. They provide hindsight and foresight and context, thinking deeply and widely about a problem, a solution, or an issue through the skills they have gained in their degrees, and as such are able to access social mobility and drive social justice.

Bachelor of Arts learners are more than readers of theory and tellers of stories of the past, but social scientists and humanities practitioners, able to use their skills attained for the (practical) world. Amongst many things, they are adaptable and can complete diverse tasks, including but not limited to brainstorming solutions with organisations, providing advice (political, social, and economic), assessing an environment's culture, conducting cultural and heritage impact assessments, and teaching. Graduates can provide sound thought, leadership, advice, and strategy in various spaces, especially in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), political, corporate, social media, Artificial Intelligence, and other environments.

Learners can articulate into Bachelor of Arts Honours qualifications cognate with their specialization, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or postgraduate diplomas for career-focused specializations.

Entry requirements and RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which is 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 may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits towards the qualification.

RPL for access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is a 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, should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

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 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

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Higher Certificate, NQF Level 5 in a cognate field of study.

Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6 in a cognate field of study.

Replacement note

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

Structure and assessment

Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.

Qualification rules

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

Select one of the following Computer modules

Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.

End-User Computing (when one major is from the Business Faculty, e.g., Business Management, Economics, or Industrial Psychology), 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

Social Consciousness and Sustainable Futures, 6 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

A minimum of 24 credits of a first-year language or a combination of different languages (selected from A-F and/or elective modules below), NQF level 5.

Group A Modules (Select two or more major groups from the modules listed from A to Q below. Both majors can be selected from group A modules or one from group A and another from group B, but not both from group B modules):

A: Afrikaans Modules

Language and Text, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Afrikaans Literary and Visual Studies, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Language and Context, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Afrikaans Poetry and Prose, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

B: English Modules

Introduction to Poetry, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to Drama, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to Narrative Fiction, NQF Level 5, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to African Literature, NQF Level 5, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

C: English Language Studies Modules

English Language Studies A, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
English Language Studies B, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

D: French Modules

Foundations of French A, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits
Foundations of French B, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits

E: isiXhosa: non-Mother Tongue Speakers

Introduction to Practical isiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
Introduction to isiXhosa and Culture, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

F: siXhosa: First Language

Introduction to aspects of isiXhosa Language, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
IsiXhosa Prose Narratives, Oral Literature and Creative Writing, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

G: Anthropology

Introduction to Anthropology A, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
Introduction to Anthropology B, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

H: History

Introduction to World History A, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to World History B, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to the History of SA, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
Introduction to the History of SA, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

I: Philosophy

Philosophical Skills, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits
Introduction to Philosophy, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits

J: Political Science

Political Issues, Theories and Concepts, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits
Contemporary SA Politics and Policy, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits
Introduction to Conflict Management, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits
Introduction to International Relations, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits

K: Public Administration

Introduction to Public Administration for Development, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
Provincial and Local Government in Constitutional Democracies, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits

L: Sociology

Sociology: An Introduction, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits
Introduction to Sociology 2, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits

GROUP B: MAJOR MODULES (FROM M-Q)

M: Business Management

Introduction to Business Management and Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 5,12 Credits
Introduction to the Business Functions, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits

Group N: Economics

Introduction to Micro-economics, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Introduction to Macro-economics, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits

O: Geography

Introduction to Economic and Settlement Geography, NQF Level 7, 7 Credits
Introduction to Meteorology and Climatology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits

Introduction to Geomorphology, NQF Level 7, 7 Credits

Introduction to Geo-information Science and Cartography, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits

P: Industrial Psychology

Introduction to Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits

Q: Psychology

Introductory Psychology, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits
Ethics and practice, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits
Lifespan development, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits
Psychological Coping, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits

R: Elective Modules NQF Levels 5-7, to a total of 120 Credits

Professional English, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
Afrikaans for beginners, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
Practical English, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
Practical English, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
Practical English, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits
Practical English, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits
Kommunikasie in Afrikaans, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits
Teksanalise, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Accounting 1A, 10 Credits
General Accounting 1B, 14 Credits
Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits
Introduction to Earth, 7 Credits
Mineralogy and Petrology, 8 Credits
Physical Geology, 7 Credits
Structural and Economic Geology, 8 Credits
Commercial Law, 12 Credits
Introduction to Labour Law, 12 Credits
Principles of Interpretation of Statutes, 12 Credits
Principles of Administrative Law, 12 Credits
Company Law, 12 Credits
Cross-cultural perspectives in Psychology, 10 Credits
Introduction to Social Work Practice and Skills, 10 Credits
Statistical Methods in Behavioural Science, 7 Credits
Business Statistics, 12 Credits

Second Year

Select two majors relative to the major groups taken in the previous year

GROUP A MAJOR MODULES (FROM A - L)

A: Afrikaans

Syntax and Morphology, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Afrikaans Drama and Film, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Phonology and Semantics, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Afrikaans Poetry, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.

B: English

The English Renaissance and Literature, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
Popular Literature and Subversion, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
Romanticism and After, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
Literature of Africa and its Diaspora, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.

C: English Language Studies

English Language Studies A, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.
English Language Studies B, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.

D: French

Intermediate French A, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.
Intermediate French B, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.

E: IsiXhosa: non-Mother Tongue Speakers

Introduction to Practical isiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
Introduction to isiXhosa and Culture, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

F: IsiXhosa: First Language

Introduction to aspects of isiXhosa Language, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
IsiXhosa Prose Narratives, Oral Literature and Creative Writing, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

G: Anthropology

Environment and Society, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits
Medical Anthropology, NQF Level 6, 20

H: History

Political History of South Africa in the 20th Century A, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
History of African Migration, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Political History of South Africa in the 20th Century B, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Modern Africa: History and Philosophy, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits

I Philosophy

Philosophical Practice: Ideology Critique, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Philosophical Practice: Interpretation and Art, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Philosophical Practice: Philosophy through Film, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Philosophical Practice: Creating Concepts, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits

J: Political Studies (select a minimum of 4 modules)

Foreign Policy, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
South African Political Economy, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Introduction to Negotiation, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Democratisation and State Transformation, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Political Studies, NQF Level 6, 19 Credits

K: Public Administration

Public Policy and Financing Processes and Procedures, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits
Organising and Staffing for Public Institutions, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits

L: Sociology

Sociology of Health and Illness, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits
Contemporary Labour Studies, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
Women in Africa, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits

GROUP B MAJOR MODULES (FROM M-Q)

M: Business Management

Marketing Management, NQF Level 6, 14 Credits
Marketing Communication, NQF Level 6, 14 Credits

N: Economics

Macro-Economics, NQF Level 7, 14 Credits
Micro-Economics, NQF Level 7, 14 Credits

O: Geography

Pedo-Geomorphological Studies, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Economic and Development Geography, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Introduction to Cartography and GIS, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Society and Environment, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits

P: Industrial Psychology (select four modules)

Human Resource Management: Procurement, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Labour Relations, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Organisational Behaviour: Special, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Human Resource Management: Development, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Human Resource Management: Reward Systems, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Workplace Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Finance for Human Resource Practitioners, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits

Q: Psychology

Social Psychology, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits
Health Psychology, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits
Introduction to Psychological Assessment, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Personality Psychology, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits

R: Elective modules, NQF Levels 6-7, to a total of 120 Credits

Customer Relationship Management, 12 Credits
Business Ethics, 10 Credits
Marketing Communication Management, 14 Credits
Palaeontology,10 Credits
Structural Geology, 10 Credits
Mineralogy, 10 Credits
Sedimentary Petrology, 10 Credits
Advanced Company Law, 12 Credits
Commercial Law II, 12 Credits
Introduction to Labour Law, 12 Credits
Psychology in Gender, 12 Credits
Traumatology, 12 Credits
Creative Writing: Drama, Radio and TV, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Creative Writing: Prose, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits

Credits Second Year 120

Third Year

Select two majors relative to the major groups taken in the previous year

GROUP A MAJOR MODULES (FROM A-L)

A: Afrikaans

Afrikaans for the Professions, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Modern Afrikaans Poetry, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Sociolinguistics, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Modern Afrikaans Prose, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

B: English

Modernism and Literature, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Postmodernism and Literature, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
SA Literature, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
World Literature Today, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

C: English Language Studies

English Language Studies A, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits
English Language Studies B, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits

D: French

Advanced French A, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits
Advanced French B, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits

E: IsiXhosa: non-Mother Tongue

IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

F: IsiXhosa: First Language

Advanced isiXhosa Language, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits

E: IsiXhosa: non-Mother Tongue

IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
IsiXhosa for Beginners, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

F: IsiXhosa: First Language

Advanced isiXhosa Language, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits
IsiXhosa Literary Studies and Creative Writing, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits.
IsiXhosa Literary Studies and Creative Writing, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits.

G: Anthropology

Advanced Social and Market Research, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Applying Cultural Knowledge, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Evaluation of Development Programmes, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Development of Anthropology, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

H: History

Post-Apartheid South Africa: Transformation, Heritage and Memory, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits
African Globalisation and Making of the Modern World Order, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits

I: Philosophy

Philosophy and The Ethos: Ethics, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Philosophy and The Ethos: Nature, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Philosophy and The Ethos: Self, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Philosophy and The Ethos: Society, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

J: Political Studies

Theories and Techniques of Conflict Management, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Introduction to Mediation, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
State, Society and Economy in Africa, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Theory of International Relations, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

K: Public Management

Comparative Government and Administration, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits
Techniques for Managing Public, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits
Project Management, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits

L: Sociology

Advanced Social and Market Research, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Human Rights, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Sociology of Development, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Transformation of Work, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Crime and Society, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Human Resource Information Systems, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

GROUP B MAJOR MODULES (FROM M-Q)

M: Business Management (All three modules to be selected)

Financial Management, NQF Level 7, 24 Credits
General and Strategic Management, NQF Level 7, 24 Credits
International Trade and Marketing Environment, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits

N: Economics (select four modules)

Micro- and Macro-Economic Theory and Policy, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits
Econometrics, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Economics of Development, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits

Electives (select one)

Economics of Financial Markets, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits
Labour Economics, NQF Level 7, 10
Resource, Environmental and Ecological Economics, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits

O: Geography (select four modules)

Geo-information Systems, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Urban Social Geography, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Geomorphology, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Environmental Resource Management, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

P: Industrial Psychology (Select four modules)

Consumer Behaviour, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Career Management, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Organisational Behaviour, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Emerging Human Resource Practices, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
Research Methodology and Psychometrics, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits

Q: Psychology 5 Credits

Research Methodology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Fundamentals of Neuropsychology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Psychopathology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Relationship Psychology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Career Psychology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits
Fundamentals of Therapeutic Psychology, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits.

Credits Third Year: 120.

Exit level outcomes

Demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills that enable sophisticated analysis of complex social, cultural, and historical phenomena.
Identify, analyse, and resolve complex challenges through evidence-based, theoretically grounded solutions that demonstrate sophisticated understanding of local and global contextual dynamics, integrating innovative problem-solving approaches.
Apply integrated knowledge of one or more disciplines to apply and evaluate principles and theories in that discipline or area of specialization and how that knowledge relates to other fields and disciplines.
Interact and collaborate effectively with others, operate in variable and unfamiliar contexts ethically and responsibly, becoming increasingly self-directed.

Associated assessment criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

Clearly articulate nuanced relationships between analytical elements.
Accurately identify relevant theoretical frameworks and their limitations where applicable.
Critically evaluate texts and situations for relevance and validity
Develop and synthesize complex arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

Effectively identify problems and underlying causes, as well as contributing factors at local and global levels.
Generate solutions that are evidence-based and indicative of an integration of theoretical frameworks.
Consider and approach personal and systemic biases with an openness to alternative perspectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

Discuss core principles and foundational concepts of primary disciplines
Identify and explore connections with adjacent or complementary disciplines.
Differentiate between current perspectives and scholarly debates about the discipline and appropriately apply them in different relevant contexts
Synthesize knowledge from multiple theoretical perspectives into unified arguments

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

Constructively contribute to group dynamics
Demonstrate flexibility in approach to complex and changing scenarios
Reflecting competence in higher-order cognitive domains and/or meta-cognition in written and spoken communication
Recognize and address ethical dilemmas and broader social and consider professional implications in decision making

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment should be integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. Such a judgement should include 'integrated assessments' which assess the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies, and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment must be such as to achieve

An integration of the achievement of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification has been achieved, either in toto or in the parts of the programme of study;
Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence; and
Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners and that can be applied in the recognition of prior learning.

It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods - and in the assessment of outcomes, due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.

Assessments are conducted both formatively and summatively

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment in the Bachelor of Arts (General) programme functions as an ongoing learning tool that shapes the development of learners' skills and understanding. In this context, formative assessment:

Provide regular feedback on learners' progress in developing transferable skills across different disciplinary contexts
Guide learners in making connections between diverse theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches
Help learners identify strengths and areas for improvement as they navigate unfamiliar disciplines

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment in the Bachelor of Arts (General) programme evaluates learners' achievement of program outcomes and mastery of content across multiple domains. In this context, summative assessment:

Include final projects, examinations, portfolios, and presentations that demonstrate integrated learning
Evaluate mastery of key concepts and theories from multiple fields in relation to program outcomes.

Progression and comparability

Articulation options

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation

Advanced Diploma in Media Studies, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Language, Literacy and Cultural Studies, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Language and Culture, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Media, Communication and Culture, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, NQF Level 7.
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Culture and Media Studies, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Politics, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in History, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Studies, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans, NQF Level 8.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans and Dutch, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal Articulation

There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

International comparability

Country: Australia

Institution: University of Melbourne

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts

Duration: 3 years full-time

secondary education recently (within the past two years)

Purpose

The Bachelor of Arts offers unique flexibility with the opportunity to focus on one or two majors or a major and a minor chosen from a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and languages.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and languages.
Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex, changing social contexts.
Demonstrate a general understanding of the concepts and principles of selected areas of study outside core disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, and languages.
Apply an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values.
Articulate the relationship between diverse forms of knowledge and the social, historical, and cultural contexts that produced them.
Communicate effectively and, in the case of those learners undertaking a language major, read, write, listen to, and speak another language with fluency and appreciate its cultural context.
Act as informed and critically discerning participants within the community of scholars, as citizens, and in the workforce.
Work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own.
Work with independence, self-reflection, and creativity to meet goals and challenges in the workplace and personal life.

Qualification structure

A major generally comprises eight subjects (100 points of study) but can comprise up to 10 subjects (125 points of study).

Anthropology
Creative Writing
Criminology
Economics (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics)
English and Theatre Studies
French Studies
Geography
Gender Studies
History
History and Philosophy of Science
Indigenous Studies
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Media and Communications
Politics and International Studies
Philosophy
Psychology
Screen and Cultural Studies
Sociology

Minor Modules, 50 credits (Select four modules similar to the major modules)

Anthropology minor
Criminology minor
Development Studies minor
Digital Studies minor
Economics minor
English Language Studies minor
English and Theatre Studies minor
French Studies minor
Gender Studies minor
Geography minor
History minor
Indigenous Studies minor

Similarities

South African (SA) and the University of Melbourne (UM) offer three-year Bachelor of Arts degrees with structural similarities. The SA and UM qualifications are designed to provide learners with a broad, interdisciplinary education that allows exploration of multiple academic disciplines, not limited to the Humanities and Social Sciences.

The SA and UM qualifications require applicants who have completed the National Senior Certificate.

Significantly, the qualifications also overlap in their outcomes, which emphasize

Critical thinking skills
Interdisciplinary knowledge
Transferable academic capabilities
Research and analytical competencies

Admission approaches are similarly structured, seeking learners with academic potential and intellectual curiosity. The qualifications prioritize developing adaptable graduates who can understand and navigate complex academic and professional environments.

The fundamental goal remains practical: provide a comprehensive educational experience that builds intellectual skills, encourages independent learning, and prepares learners for future challenges in a variety of contexts.

Country: Malta

Institution: L Universita ta' Malta

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Humanities

NQF Level: MQF Level 6

Duration: 3 Years Full-time

Credits: 180 ECTS

Entry requirements

National Senior Certificate / IEB National Senior Certificate

Purpose

The concept behind the Bachelor of Humanities degree is that students are free to build an undergraduate programme by registering for any study units (timetable permitting) from any area of study that is considered most suitable for academic interest, career plans, etc. This qualification makes it possible venture outside the confines of the Faculty of Arts' areas of study and, within limits, explore knowledge from other disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the qualification, graduates will be able to

Develop an interdisciplinary appreciation of the Humanities and locate the topics are being concentrated on, not only within a precise historical and cultural context, but also as part of a complex and highly fascinating web of interdisciplinary relationships.
Draw insights from related disciplines that will allow learners to discuss the evolution of cultural movements.
Perceive links between a rich variety of areas of study within the definition of the humanities; conversely, and become critically aware of conflicting voices, schools of thought, and methodological procedures which will enrich analysis of the arts.
Draw on improved skills of argument and analysis when critically engaging with challenging topics and significant debates from both the past and the present.
Delve into areas of study outside the strict boundaries of the humanities and seek personalized learning outcomes according to individual learning objectives.

Qualification structure

Learners reading for this degree are free to build their own undergraduate programme by registering for any study-units (timetable permitting) from any timetable within the Faculty of Arts and, with certain limitations, also beyond which they consider most suitable for their academic interest or career. During the course, Bachelor of Humanities learners may register for up to 72 ECTS credits (40% of ECTS credits) from one area of study. Additionally, learners may register for up to 45 ECTS credits (25% of ECTS credits) for units offered by other faculties and academic entities within the University.

Bachelor of Humanities graduates may proceed directly to several taught M.A.s, provided that their degree classification allows it. They may also follow M.A. preparatory qualifications in specific M.A. (by research) areas of study, provided that the relevant Department and Faculty Board approve their corpus of undergraduate courses in that area and in areas directly related to it, in terms of the by-laws.

Similarities

L Universita ta' Malta (LUM) and South African (SA) qualifications are 3-year full-time, open curriculum structures; both qualifications share a fundamental philosophy of providing learners with a comprehensive, flexible educational experience that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. They are designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad intellectual foundation rather than pursuing a highly specialized, narrow academic path.

In terms of admission requirements, these differ substantially as they are determined in relation to national educational frameworks (South African qualification requires learners to meet requirements associated with the National Senior Certificate, where UM structures its admission requirements around the Matriculation Certificate or comparable international qualifications like A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate), despite these system-specific differences, both institutions share a fundamental commitment to academic potential as the primary criterion for admission. They employ holistic evaluation approaches that consider academic achievement alongside other indicators of learner readiness. Additionally, both universities maintain alternative entry pathways for mature learners or those with non-traditional educational backgrounds, reflecting their shared commitment to educational accessibility and lifelong learning opportunities.

In respect of the structure of the respective curricula, SA and LUM qualifications both embrace a modular structure that allows learners significant latitude in crafting their academic journeys. This approach manifests as a carefully orchestrated academic framework where learners are not merely recipients of knowledge but active architects of their educational experience. By permitting learners to select modules from diverse disciplines, these programmes create intellectual environments that encourage cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives.

Another fundamental similarity emerges in their learning outcomes. Both qualifications are fundamentally oriented towards developing graduates who are not just knowledgeable, but intellectually agile. The focus extends beyond accumulating information to cultivating sophisticated analytical skills, nuanced communication abilities, and the capacity to think critically and independently.

Differences

The LUM qualification is registered at MQF Level 6, whereas the SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 7.
The SA qualification consists of 180 ECTS, while the LUM qualification consists of 360 credits.
Graduates from the LUM qualification may proceed to a master's degree, whereas the SA graduates may proceed to an Honours Degree in the related fields.

Notes

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Recorded in 2015.

NOTES

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