Postgraduate Diploma in Ancient Cultures
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Postgraduate Diploma
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Stellenbosch University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 02 - Culture and Arts
Subfield
Cultural Studies
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The qualification provides insight into the development of human societies of the Mediterranean and the Near East, namely, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syro-Palestine, Persia, Greece and the Roman Empire, from the earliest periods of recorded history up to the advent of Islam (ca. 3000 BCE to 650 CE).
The study of Ancient Cultures enables students to take a critical distance look at their own context and develop historical awareness and thus make an informed contribution to the development of our changing society. This qualification will contribute to knowledge regarding the development of, and interaction between, ancient cultures. The qualification will enable participants to understand and advocate the role of values in society and to equip them to facilitate the processes of social change. This qualification will further develop the learner's knowledge of Ancient Cultures through research.
Rationale
This qualification will provide the students with Postgraduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East. It will assist in widening the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity. The qualification should also make a contribution in terms of one of South Africa's biggest challenges, namely, its cultural diversity and the capacity of people of different cultures to live and work together. The qualification should contribute to the enhancement of cultural literacy and the establishment of cultural tolerance based on an in-depth knowledge of the way in which culture is created and developed.
Entry requirements and RPL
Students should have fundamental knowledge of the geography of the world and basic knowledge of sociology.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The policy of prior learning of the Faculty will be adhered to. Relevant forms of prior learning will be acknowledged in the admission of students without the necessary stated requirement of a Bachelor's Degree. Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered in terms of the evidence produced and the verification thereof. Verification may be according to a written test or other proof, such as testimonials or portfolios of evidence.
Access to the Qualification
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, with an aggregate of 65%.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The programme consists of four compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, with a total of 120 Credits.
Modules
- Cultures of the Ancient Near East, 30 Credits.
- Cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome, 30 Credits.
- Theme in Ancient Cultures 1, 30 Credits.
- Theme in Ancient Cultures 2, 30 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Examine the cultures of the ancient world in relation to their interactions.
- Discuss the fundamental and formative influences of Ancient Cultures on contemporary cultures, values and institutions.
Critical Cross-Field Outcomes
All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural-historical framework of the ancient world.
- Find, assess and select appropriate primary sources on ancient cultures with the aid of conventional and electronic methods and tools.
- Show the interdependence and interaction between cultures.
- Plan and conduct research into ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Explain the role which culture plays in people's dealings with the world.
- Distinguish ancient texts and artefacts from cultures of today's world.
- Find, assess and select appropriate primary sources (ancient texts in translation) with the aid of conventional and electronic methods and tools.
- Capture the views, theories and arguments of others in relation to influences of the Ancient Cultures on the values and institutions of contemporary cultures.
- Analyse and interpret ancient texts in translation.
Integrated Assessment
The assessment principles to be followed will formally comply with the policy of the University.
The assessment will include
- Modules 1 and 2: written assignments and examination.
- Modules 3 and 4: written assignments.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
Horizontal Articulation
This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures at NQF Level 8.
Vertical Articulation
This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures at NQF Level 9.
International comparability
Australia
Monash University - Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research).
Students complete 48 points including a 12-point research unit, two core units and one 12-point elective chosen from the list below. This course studies Egyptology, especially Egyptian archaeology from the Predynastic to the early Christian Periods. It also offers supervision in aspects of the classical world, the Near East and regions extending to the Indian sub-continent.
Research unit
- Research project in archaeology and ancient history.
Core units
- Students complete a minimum of two core units chosen from the following
> Predynastic and early dynastic Egypt.
> Reading the ancient past.
> Research methods in classical antiquity.
New Zealand: University of Auckland - Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts).
Graduate study in Ancient History (open to majors both in Classical Studies and in Ancient History) involves advanced work in two of the three streams of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Courses reflect research strengths in Greek and Roman history and historiography, Egyptian history, late antiquity, archaeology and art history, and the intellectual world of Greece and Rome.
Conclusion
This qualification compares favourably with the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research) from Monash and the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts from the University of Auckland as they both study ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East. It aligns more closely with the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research) because both have a research component.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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