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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116400  Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-02-28  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
102357  Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The aim of the Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to follow a successful career in organisations the components of which are associated with the underlining economics, politics and philosophies of large endeavours. The qualification provides the theory and application of the principles of economics and associated disciplines to ensure that learners can develop and grow intellectually with an understanding of the bigger political and philosophical context thereof. The main purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the required knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in economics, an understanding of politics and its related disciplines that provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, gainful employment activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The qualification will thus enable learners to make a valuable contribution to the world of organisational, corporate and business practice and in the process, enable them to continue and further their discipline-based studies at a Postgraduate level.

There is a link between the Exit Level Outcomes and the purpose of the qualification since a qualifying learner will be able to understand Politics, Philosophy and Economics and apply appropriate principles within a specific philosophical context. The successful learner will be able to:
  • Analyse any political, philosophical, and economic situation through the techniques and knowledge that they have acquired.
  • Develop a broad understanding of the functioning of the economy and gain insight into the solving of the "economic problem".
  • Develop an understanding of the different types of economic systems that deal with the economic problem of scarcity.
  • Apply intermediate principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics to both the domestic and international economies.
  • Have a sufficient understanding of the theoretical, empirical and policy frameworks to analyse topical problems in the field of economics.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental institutions and relationships that affect the quality of life of those within society.
  • Analyse current debates in the field of and application of economic theory to problems of economic development and wellbeing.
  • Show a thorough understanding of how the field of economics was developed by understanding the impact economic philosophers had on both the field of economics and society as a whole.
  • Analyse the political structure as well as political situations both at home and abroad.
  • Show a broad understanding of political structures, ideologies, institutions, and groupings within a theoretical framework which applies to South Africa's political reality by developing a broad understanding of the political structures, institutions, and grouping within the country as well as abroad.
  • Understand how actors within the global sphere relate and communicate with one another.
  • Integrate a sense of how the International Political Economy works and politics and the global economy.
  • Develop a proper understanding of the methodology of comparative politics so that a learner can analyse political events beyond viewing it in isolation.
  • Understand the nature of International Organisations and have an appreciation for the origins and reasons as two why these organisations where formed. As well as expanding on what their various roles are within international politics.
  • Develop a sense why nations engage in within Foreign Policy and what their attempted goals are in acting in certain ways which include an understanding of both domestic and international forces that compel states to act as they do.
  • Understand and apply abstract philosophical concepts.
  • Show a broad understanding of the major philosophers from the classical to contemporary periods.
  • Develop an understanding of phenomenology and contemporary political philosophy.
  • Use logic, both formal and informal in the analysis of not just philosophy but in other disciplines.
  • Develop a sound ethical framework form which to engage in problems in the world.
  • Analyse problems through the use of statistical techniques acquired through economics as well as the elementary quantitative methods course.
  • Apply an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving that incorporates all of the major fields of study.
  • Develop a sound theoretical basis from which to view the world.
  • Apply critical reasoning skills in a wide range of problems.
  • Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.

    The qualification aims to equip learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to be confident and independent in an organisation, corporate and business environment, and to contribute responsibly in economic reconstruction, development and growth. The acquisition of the knowledge and skills mentioned above will also contribute to the development of educated and responsible consumers.
    In terms of content, the learner will develop an understanding of the three disciplines. The political branch in this qualification has both domestic and international modules which will ensure that the learner has a broad understanding of the subject. The philosophical branch will equip learners with a knowledge of the field of philosophy which ranges from the classical Greek philosophy to contemporary philosophy. Lastly, the economics branch is encompassing and will ensure that learners understand how the economy and human action works. Besides, the service modules within this degree will promote and develop skills and provide context to all three of the major disciplines.

    Rationale:
    The reasoning that led to identifying the need for the qualification is the levels of complexity within the modern world has grown exponentially in the last century. This increase in complexity has spread throughout society and has resulted in the monolithic responses to problems that do not suffice. The qualification will provide benefits to the learner, society and the economy since there is a growing need throughout the world to move away from the singular approaches to problem-solving and adapt more integrated and multidisciplinary approaches to problems.

    The qualification meets specific needs in the sector since a it seeks to equip learners with such an integrated approach that will produce results that are sufficient in dealing with the world around them. Learners will have a vast spectrum of modules with a large amount of interconnectivity between subjects. This qualification allows learners to tap into an array of tools and techniques as well as a deep pool of knowledge in each discipline. A learner will have to master an array of techniques, including understanding the logic and being able to reason. Furthermore, a learner will develop an understanding of abstract ideas and be able to communicate ideas in both verbal and written form. Finally, the qualification entails a fair amount of analysis in all three of the disciplines.

    The occupations, jobs or areas of activity in which the qualifying learners will operate are in politics, journalism, banking and finance, and public services, including local government. There are also still direct applications for learners to find work as economic and political analysts in both academic and corporate settings.

    On completion of this qualification, the learner will have a deep pool of knowledge which will allow them to engage in any one of the three disciplines in Postgraduate studies. Furthermore, due to the broad nature of a PPE, the application potential for learners after their studies are vast.

    The qualification will provide South Africa with significant numbers of learners in economics, politics and philosophy and related disciplines who meet the intellectual, technical and personal requirements for direct entry into local and international politics and economics related professional activities and for entry into Postgraduate academic qualifications required for further intellectual development and entry into discipline-related work.

    On completion of the qualification, learners will develop competencies that will serve themselves well for the rest of their lives, whether as a staff member manager or owner of a small, medium or large enterprise. The qualification has a dual purpose: firstly, to prepare learners for their role as analysts in the workplace. Secondly, to provide admission for learners to Postgraduate studies in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

    The most appropriate learning pathway within which the qualification resides is that the qualification also facilitates entry into an Honours qualification and if successful to Postgraduate academic research such as at a Master's and Doctoral level to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly and professional activity is widened. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. The learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will use an Integrated Assessment.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance.

    The institution's RPL policy is in line with the national RPL policy. Learners that apply to enter the qualification will undergo assessment against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.

    The principles are as follows:
  • RPL allows access to further study by granting the status, but not the award, of the prerequisite qualification.
  • The institution does not accept any form of RPL assessment undertaken by any other institution.
  • Recognition is given only for current competence, as determined by the relevant department.
  • RPL is given only for learning in line with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of qualification or module, and not primarily the content.
  • There is a formal RPL process that usually involves a lengthy process - it is not a single event.
  • The applicant must provide evidence (e.g. portfolios, challenge examinations, etc.) that is relevant, sufficient, authentic and current.
  • Quality assurance processes guarantee the integrity and credibility of all aspects of the RPL process.
  • If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of any stage of the RPL process, s/he can appeal to the Dean.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 380 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5,125 Credits:
  • Economics1, 20 Credits.
  • Ethics, 20 Credits.
  • Global Politics 1, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 20 Credits.
  • Politics1, 25 Credits.
  • Statistics 1, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6,120 Credits:
  • Economic Philosophy, 20 Credits.
  • Economics 2, 20 Credits.
  • Logic, 20 Credits.
  • Global Politics 2, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2, 20 Credits.
  • Politics 2, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 135 Credits:
  • Core Integration, 25 Credits.
  • Economics 3, 30 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3, 40 Credits.
  • Politics 3, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Outline the principal areas of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and associated disciplines, and the fundamental institutions and relationships that affect the quality of life of those within society.
    2. Discuss the concepts within all three fields.
    3. Clarify the interrelatedness of the different areas of politics and philosophy and how actions, ideas or developments impact on applications of economic theory and practice.
    4. Demonstrate a broad understanding of political structures, ideologies, institutions, and groupings within a theoretical framework that applies to South Africa's political reality by developing a broad understanding of the political structures, institutions, and grouping within the country as well as abroad.
    5. Develop a sense why nations engage in within Foreign Policy and what their attempted goals are in acting in certain ways and must include an understanding of both domestic and international forces that compel states to act as they do.
    6. Appraise the nature of International Organisations and have an appreciation for the origins and reasons as to why these organisations formed as well as expanding on what their various roles are within international politics through an analysis of their position and importance within their economies.
    7. Recognise the major philosophers from the classical to contemporary periods.
    8. Develop an understanding of phenomenology and contemporary political philosophy and should be able to use logic both formal and informal in the analysis of not just philosophy but in other disciplines within the degree.
    9. Develop a sound ethical framework from which to engage in problems in the world.
    10. Understand the key issues, concepts and tools of economics, with an emphasis on the institutional features of the South African economy.
    11. Participate in current debates in the field of and application of economic theory to problems of economic development and wellbeing.
    12. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how the field of economics was developed by understanding the impact economic philosophers had on both the field of economics and society.
    13. Understand intermediate principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics to both the domestic and international economies.
    14. Have a sufficient understanding of the theoretical, empirical and policy frameworks to analyse topical problems in the field of economics.
    15. Understand the fundamental institutions and relationships that affect the quality of life of those within society.
    16. Understand the field of and application of economic theory.
    17. Understand the impact economic philosophers had on both the field of economics and society as a whole. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Understand all of the concepts within all three fields and demonstrate the understanding through the ability to communicate such with the application of the particular skills such as reasoning and argumentation embedded in the different subjects.
  • Analyse any political, philosophical, and economic situation through the techniques and knowledge acquired.
  • Demonstrate the effective communication of information reliably and coherently in the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and associated disciplines, using appropriate and professional formats.
  • Apply the acquired competence as reflected in the communication through the participation in philosophy, economics and associated disciplines related activities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how actors within the global sphere of Politics, Philosophy and Economics relate and communicate with one another through text analysis.
  • Demonstrate a proper understanding of the methodology of comparative politics by being able to analyse political events beyond viewing it in isolation. Demonstrate the understanding by comparing political phenomena in textual and graphic formats.
  • Analyse the political structure as well as political situations both at home and abroad.
  • Demonstrate a sense of how the International Political Economy works and politics and the global economy and is integrated.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of both domestic and international forces that compel states to act as they do through an analysis of the respective Foreign Policies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social implications of political actions on the organisation, community and society at large by analysing existing societal structures.
  • Apply abstract concepts.
  • Apply critical reasoning skills.
  • Use logic, both formal and informal in the analysis of not just philosophy but in other disciplines within the Degree.
  • Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of the functioning of the economy and to gain insight into the analysis and the solving of the "economic problem".
  • Analyse and describe the distinct types of economic systems created to deal with the economic problem of scarcity.
  • Apply intermediate principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics to both the domestic and international economies, using appropriate methodologies.
  • Analyse topical problems in the field of economics.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental institutions and relationships that affect the quality of life of those within society through description and analysis of their characteristics.
  • Analyse current debates in the field of and application of economic theory to problems of economic development and wellbeing.
  • Show a thorough understanding of how the field of economics was developed by describing and analysing the impact economic philosophers had on both the field of economics and society.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learning, teaching and assessment are in line with each other.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that there is an assessment of the theoretical and practical components together. During Integrated Assessments, the assessor makes use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    A variety of methods are in the assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    In the assessment strategy, competence must be demonstrated and assessed through a variety of options.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment methods include:
    Class tests (60 minutes - 50 marks).
  • 3 Practical projects/assignments (subject dependent).

    The formative assessment ensures that:
  • It supports the teaching and learning process;
  • Provides constructive feedback to the learner on his/her progress;
  • It helps to make decisions on the readiness of learners to complete their summative assessment;
  • The assessment is developmental

    Formative assessment is useful in terms of assessing the Exit Level Outcomes, as these are often difficult to assess during summative assessments.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment includes an Examination (3 hours - 150 marks).

    Summative assessment is making a judgement about achievement. Learner-readiness determines whether the learner will qualify for the respective examinations.

    Summative assessment occurs:
  • At the end of each study cycle of learning; and
  • Is used to determine whether the learner is competent in the required knowledge and skills.

    Summative assessments are continuous throughout the learning experience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to other qualifications both nationally and internationally in the Politics, Philosophy and Economics domains with a specific focus on the interrelatedness thereof. This qualification is mainly passed through input during the compilation and assessment of the qualification during the development phase and subsequently through reviews driven by the Programme Advisory Committee, who are also au fait with international qualifications. The utilisation of academic material, including textbooks and subject literature, published nationally and internationally was also used to ensure international compatibility. The qualification is also comparable in terms of outcomes and assessment criteria, level of cognitive complexity and volume of learning expressed in credits and notional learning time. The qualification compares with or relates to similar qualifications or best practices or standards offered internationally devised from the NQF Level Descriptors for NQF Exit Level 7 since the Level Descriptors are international criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia. The comparison of qualification is against a selection of international qualifications to ensure possible articulation with and progression to qualifications with similar outcomes in mind. The following international qualifications are:
  • King's College London, London, UK - Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
  • University of Otago, New Zealand - Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
  • George Mason University - Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

    The comparability is evident in the multidisciplinary approach and the subject content, which is general philosophy, the theory, practice and analysis of politics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic principles and policy, and ethical issues offered over three years in all these programmes.

    At King's College London, London, UK - Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics comprises the following modules:
  • Principles of Economics.
  • Comparing Political Systems.
  • Political and Economic Philosophy.
  • Introduction to Philosophy I.
  • Introduction to Philosophy II.
  • Quantitative Methods.
  • Macroeconomics Microeconomics.
  • Econometrics.
  • The Economics of Politics.
  • Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts and Issues.
  • History of Political Thought.
  • Political Philosophy II: History of Political Philosophy.
  • Modern Philosophy II: Locke and Berkeley.
  • Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts and Issues.
  • Intermediate Logic.
  • Behavioural Political Economy Development Economics
  • Politics of Culture and Identity.
  • Advanced Issues in International Politics.
  • Philosophy of Psychology.
  • Philosophy of Science.

    At the University of Otago, New Zealand - Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics comprises the following modules:
  • Economic Principles and Policy Principles of Economics 2.
  • New Zealand Politics - Introduction.
  • Ethical Issues.
  • Microeconomics.
  • Macroeconomics.
  • Global Political Economy.
  • Political Economy 1: Method, Philosophy, Applications.
  • Philosophy of Science Early Modern Philosophy A: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz.
  • Introduction to Formal Logic.
  • Economics of Developing Countries.
  • International Relations: Concepts and Theories.
  • Politics and Human Nature.
  • Early Modern Philosophy A: Descartes.
  • Spinoza, Leibniz Why Be Moral?

    At George Mason University - Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics comprises the following modules:
  • Contemporary Microeconomic Principles.
  • Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles.
  • Classical Western Political Theory.
  • Contemporary Western Political Theory.
  • History of Western Philosophy: Modern Philosophy of the Social Sciences.
  • Theories of Ethics.
  • Intermediate Microeconomics.
  • Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought Nineteenth-Century Philosophy.
  • Current Issues in Economic Policy Logic and Critical Thinking.
  • Game Theory and Economics of Institutions.
  • Constitutional Interpretation.
  • Theories of Decision.
  • Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Philosophy, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Political Science, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Ethics, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Akademia NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.