Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies

Purpose

This qualification focuses on solving the social and health problems in rural and urban communities in Southern Africa through its diversified qualification, using problem-based learning, community projects and project-driven curricula.

Academic Purpose of Qualification

• To train competent professionals as recreation and leisure specialists.
• To prepare professionals to meet the expectations of recreation and leisure needs of individuals and communities.
• To train competent professionals in the use of recreation and leisure towards solving social problems.

The relevance of the qualification to Regional and National needs is to meet the recreation and leisure needs of citizens in the province and country. The qualification is also relevant towards solving social and health problems of the province and country.

Rationale

Generally, there is keen interest on how to achieve a good quality of life, life satisfaction and happiness. Governments are now shifting their focus from the treatment of illness to prevention of illness and the promotion of wellness, not only for economic benefits but also for health benefits.

With an increased prevalence of hypokinetic problems and sedentariness/low level mobility in today's population/societies, participation in recreation and leisure activities has been suggested as an effective tool in both primary and secondary prevention programmes. It has been indicated that pursuit of leisure time recreation activities with moderate intensity on a daily basis might be adequate to significantly lower the incidence of hypokinetic risk problems.

In order to achieve a quality life in contemporary societies, the wise use of leisure time would be required. Governments, NGOs and professionals have the responsibility to ensure that leisure is a right to each and every individual and health, wellness and quality of life can be attained by all citizens. These objectives can be realised when trained and qualified personnel are available to drive and implement a recreation and leisure agenda in all our provinces, districts, municipalities and wards.

Thus the qualification is designed in such a way that it blends the mechanistic and quantitative western approach to planning recreation and leisure programmes with Eastern and Indigenous approaches which are more qualitative in orientation. The products of the programme will be equipped with a well-balanced and harmonious approach to recreation and leisure services to attain the wellness goals and quality of life.

The qualification takes a departure from similar qualifications offered elsewhere in the country as the modules have been specifically designed for the wellness and recreation development for specific target groups of people-children, individuals with disabilities, the elderly citizens women/pregnant women. The qualification also helps prevent child and adult obesity and provides treatment programmes.

Finally the qualification focuses on health promotion in terms of personal, social economic, political and environmental and the attainment of a better well-being. Adequate skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes are needed to be able to use leisure time wisely, as well as obtain a balanced lifestyle. The organisation of this programme into yearly themes (fundamentals of human movement and human movement behaviour, recreation and leisure services management, recreation and leisure service management, recreation and leisure service programming, and recreation and leisure practices and community outreach programmes) is based on the School of Health Sciences Problem Based Learning (PBL) methodology which will enable it to achieve the desired objectives of health promotion, wellness and quality life.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners will be admitted into the qualification, with credit given to prior learning which will be assessed as per the University policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a Senior Certificate, with endorsement for degree entry. In addition, applicants must have a minimum point score of 26.

This qualification comprises 6 modules at NQF Level 5; 7 modules at NQF Level 6; 7 modules at NQF Level 7 and 5 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 480 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Orientation to PBL and Recreation and Leisure Studies Program, 20 Credits.
• English Communication Skills, 20 Credits.
• Foundations of Human Movement Science and Human Behaviour, 20 Credits.
• Sports Skills Fundamental and Physical Performance, 20 Credits.
• Physical Conditioning for Sports, Exercise Games, 20 Credits.
• Nutrition for Leisure, Sport and Recreation, 20 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
• Outdoor Education and Recreation, 20 Credits.
• Recreation and Leisure for Diverse (Special) Groups, 10 Credits.
• Budget and Resources for Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
• Managing Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
• Sports First Aid and Management of Injuries, 10 Credits.
• Adventure Leadership and Programme Planning, 20 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Ethics and Legal aspects of Recreation of Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
• Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Wellness Education, 10 Credits.
• Facility Design and Management for Recreation and Leisure Activity, 20 Credits.
• Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management, 20 Credits.
• Recreation Delivery and Leisure Programs, 20 Credits.
• Consultancy in Recreation and Leisure Services, 10 Credits.
• Research Methods in Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 8

• Exercise and Sport Psychology, 10 Credits.
• Seminar in Recreation and Leisure Services, 20 Credits.
• Organisation and Administration of Major Events, 20 Credits.
• Research Project and Mini Dissertation, 30 Credits.
• Practicum in Recreation and Leisure Services, 40 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

1. Independently design, evaluate and manage recreational programmes.
2. Independently design a community recreation project with the industry.
3. Provide an instructional and advisory service on community recreation leadership training.
4. Scientific research in the field of Community Recreation/Commercial Recreation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Recreational programmes are independently evaluated, appropriate scientific methods and techniques are utilised.
• Recreational programmes are effectively managed.
• A community project of own choice is designed managed, planned, advised and executed.
• Problems, in which responses are identified, solved and displayed and responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community is displayed.
• Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Recreational leadership training programmes to specific target groups are compiled and conducted.
• An understanding of the world as a set of related systems is demonstrated by realising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Contributing to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large is demonstrated, by making an individual aware of the importance of the underlying intention of any programme of learning.
• Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities is demonstrated.
• Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Scientific research in the field of Community Recreation/Commercial Recreation that includes entrepreneurial skills potential is conducted.
• Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated.
• Science and technology is effectively and critically used, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Education and career opportunities are explored.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A variety of strategies to learn more effectively are reflected upon and explored.
• Entrepreneurial opportunities are developed.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted by using integrated theoretical examinations at the end of the learning of each module, consisting of an evaluation on theory and/or case studies. Throughout the duration of the learning, practical and theoretical assignments (group and/or individual), as well as theoretical tests, will be used to assess the learners and to make up a predicate mark.

All students are required to submit a dissertation which will be evaluated and integrated into the final marks for the level.