Bachelor of Social Science

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Social Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The qualification in Human Sciences is both academic and broadly vocational. The qualifications offered in it share the purposes outlined below at qualification provides a broad education in issues and themes that are central to Human Sciences, and to Human Sciences disciplines, and at the qualification level leads to specialised in-depth knowledge in any two disciplines selected for extended study. The qualification prepares learners for the workplace by developing a broad range of cross-field skills transferable to a wide range of work situations. Learners gain in-depth knowledge on the one hand into the processes and structures of society and on the other into the crucial role of language in structuring and interpreting the work. They gain additional specialised knowledge specific to the disciplines they select for extended study. Skills include effective communication using a diversity of media, specially written and oral language skills and cultural sensitivity across a range of social contexts. Values include responsible citizenship in both a national and global context and those of life-long learning. The qualification also introduces learners to research techniques and prepares them for graduate study.

The knowledge, skills and values transmitted by the qualification remain crucial to our South African context as a vital complement to the increasing dominance of technology, and of technological values. At the same time they prepare learners for a wide range of jobs. On the one hand qualified learners are equipped for specific jobs ranging from the language professions through teaching, journalism, the media and the world of music and theatre to the social, developmental and political research industry. On the other hand, generic and workplace skills equip qualified learners for the success in the broad world of business, politics, social policy etc.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

1. Demonstrate responsible and effective organisation and management of themselves and their activities in the context of undergraduate studies.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a group.
3. Demonstrate in-depth skills in the use of computers and the internet in the context of their studies.
4. Use the institution's library effectively as a learning resource.
5. Demonstrate skills in accessing and processing information by collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating materials.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of the full range of issues and problems commonly deliberated on in human sciences and of specific issues and problems.
7. Demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills and some first steps in critical thinking.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of academic English.
9. Tolerate different views and ideas.
10. Demonstrate familiarity with and the start of critical engagement with the concepts and philosophies of selected disciplines.
11. Assess the possible applications to the workplace of such theorised approaches.
12. Carry out presentations orally or in written form on workplace-related topics.
13. Demonstrate sound numeracy skills and apply these appropriately.
14. Present arguments and perspectives, both orally and in written form.
15. Engagement, in depth, with the concepts, philosophies and concerns of the disciplines in which they have chosen to specialise.
16. Identify issues in these disciplines and develop appropriate research designs which could be used to study these issues.
17. Transfer these skills to the workplace.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Show knowledge of the general field of inquiry, and some detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the programme.
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.
• Analyse issues and factors in the context of current critical debates.
• Summarise, compare and evaluate bodies of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions and work towards solutions (including problem-solving).
• Contextualise the field of study socially and to a more limited extent, historically.
• Develop an understanding of the past, present and possible future of the disciplinary areas studied.
• Utilise information technology and libraries effectively for study purposes.
• Reflect on both the benefits and the constraints of diversity, and communicate effectively in a context characterised by diversity.
• Show capacity for individual study and efficient group work.
• Present findings in a range of genres, both and written, utilising academic English and the conceptual discourse of the field of study where appropriate.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

A combination of the following performance indicators will be used to assess these criteria, at the various levels. Assessment employs a range of methods drawn from the following:

• Projects and portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Problem-based assignments involving both individual and group work.
• Essays.
• Reports.
• Oral and written examinations.

Many of these methods require learners to integrate knowledge across modules and disciplines. Continuous assessment utilising a variety of assessment types throughout the semester is employed in many of the modules. Details are provided in the module templates.