Bachelor of Social Science in Communication

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the Social Sciences with core focus on human and applied communication and information management provide opportunities for life long learning and personal intellectual growth and equip learners with skills for a successful career in communication professions.

The (second) purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with highly qualified graduates who will become leading professionals in the ever-growing communication and management professions in the public and private sectors.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Communication Problem Solving

The Bachelor of Science (Communication) qualified learner is competent to

Identify, assess, understand, solve and resolve human communication problems creatively and innovatively.

Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge

The Bachelor of Science (Communication) qualified learner is competent to

1. To demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary in the selected areas of applied communication: advertising, public relations, journalism, development and organisational communication as well as explain the importance and impact of these on groups, business and society
2. Apply knowledge of the fundamental of social science, human and mediated communication and applied communication theories and skills to solve and resolve communication problems at various levels: Intra-personal, interpersonal, group, organisational, public and mass communication levels.

Professional and General Communication

Qualified learner is competent to.

1. Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally, non - verbal and writing, with or without communication and information technology, in interpersonal, group and mediated communication contexts.
2. Use the knowledge and skills acquired to improve and facilitate the flow of information in and within a group, an organisation and society at large and between them.

Impact of communication on people and general society

The Bachelor of Social Science (Communication) qualified learner is critically aware of

1. The import and impact of communication activity on: interpersonal relationship in various contexts; group and organisational management and society at large.
2. The import and impact of communication and information technology on: interpersonal relationship in various contexts; group and organisational management and society at large.

Team and multi-disciplinary working

The Bachelor of Social Science (Communication) qualified learner is competent to.

1. Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in complex multi-disciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical (especially communication) functions.

Lifelong Learning

The Bachelor of Social Science (Communication) qualified learner understands.

1. The requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date communication and research skills, technology and techniques;

and is competent to

1. Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills.

Professional ethics and Practice

The Bachelor of Social Science (Communication) qualified learner is critically aware of.

1. The need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence.

and is competent to

1. Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience.

1. Assignment essays and seminar papers for which students do individual and group library work shall be used to test comprehension of subject matter plus referencing, citation and academic writing skills
2. Minor (Class) tests shall be used to test the students after completion of a few learning modules. This continuous assessment instrument will ensure continuous study at all times
3. Major tests after learners have been given considerable time to study material covering subject matter contained in a lot more modules than in the minor tests.

These structured to be similar to final examination to acquaint learners with its style and scope

1. Tutorial and group work (presentation and discussion) assessed by Lectures and/or tutors and peers. These shall be used to test learner's competence
2. Formal university examinations shall be used and these will weight half of the final result in each module.

Integrated assessment criteria

Student write individual and group assignments to demonstrate and illustrate their understanding of the major communication concepts, theories, skills, and dynamics that have been learned.

During oral written presentations, students organize the importance of communication skills in self-development, management of conflict and fostering teamwork and harmony in interpersonal and group situations.

During group discussions and tutorial preparation and presentations, students develop creative thinking plus analytical and problem solving skills.

During practical assignments, students demonstrate ability to work creatively, both independently and in teams, with regard to communication technology application.

Students demonstrate a healthy curiosity and enthusiasm to communicate their acquired communication knowledge and skills to their peer in a variety of modes and are able to assess the performances of others in this regard.