Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours is to equip learners with the necessary integrated knowledge, competences, expertise and applicable practical skills to function as Consumer Scientists in all South African Societies and to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. This qualification delivers Consumer Scientists who have the ability to assess the impact of external influences such as economic, socio-cultural and technological changes in the environment on consumer behaviour and recommend appropriate actions to consumers, government and industry. It also aims to provide the country with learners who can guide consumers in an educational and advisory capacity to make informed and responsible decisions in order to improve the general quality of life with respect to the core areas of Consumer Sciences, namely interior, fashion, foods and consumer behaviour. This qualification lays the foundation for research to improve consumer well-being and serves as entry into a Master's qualification at NQF Level 9.

Rationale

This qualification is a postgraduate qualification focused on the preparation of leaners for research-based postgraduate study within the field of the Consumer Sciences. The qualification will enable learner Consumer Scientists to become entrepreneurs, leaders and researchers in the fashion/interior/food industry to improve the lives of SA consumers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme.

The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in a formal setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated in learning modules and qualifications. The difference is the route to the assessment. RPL assessment takes a holistic view of the process of assessment where the context of the learning as well as the context of the person who is being assessed is taken into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 88 Credits

• Adult Education and Training, 16 Credits.
• Research Project: 32 Credits.
• Consumer Behaviour, 16 Credits.
• Research Policy Writing, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, 56 Credits (Choose three)

• Food Product Development, 24 Credits.
• Consumer Resources Management, 24 Credits.
• Housing and Community Development, 24 Credits.
• Interior Design, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Fashion Industry, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Textiles, 24 Credits.
• Consumer Behaviour in Foods, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate: extensive and integrated knowledge and engagement in a selected discipline of Consumer Sciences (Interior, Fashion, Foods and Consumer behaviour) to evaluate and apply concepts, principles, theories and skills thereof while knowing how such knowledge links with other related disciplines.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation concerning complex consumer issues in order to develop logical and creative solutions to the South African consumer within the selected area of Consumer Sciences in a professional, ethical and responsible manner.
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate consumer-related issues, rigorous interpretation and solutions in an appropriate academically correct and professional manner using different types of media and technologies.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and in a team to identify, study and critically review discipline-related processes and systems in specialised contexts and develop scientific solutions for different consumer groups.
5. Systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
6. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
7. Critical reflect on and apply appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
8. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
9. Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
10. Function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment: Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practical's, class discussions, semester tests.

Summative assessment: Written exam papers and oral presentations.

The Bachelor of Consumer Sciences Honours employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout the one year of study, in the form of written as well as practical assignments, class tests and examinations in all the modules included in the programme. The students skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate IT, are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy.