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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120220  Bachelor of Arts 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
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 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2035-02-02  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts will equip learners to be public intellectuals and reflexive practitioners who work for change within an African and international context. The qualifying learner gains insight into the multifarious role of the humanities in society and skills for more respectful intercultural encounters. The qualification will lead to an informed historical consciousness, a solid knowledge of politics, philosophy and economics, and a critical awareness of the factors that shape the life of society.

The qualification also aims to offer personal and professional formation through the development of the learners' leadership skills.
Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate analytical skills to understand the African context and to interpret the context creatively.
  • Gain ethical leadership skills that equip them to lead and mobilize organizations and communities towards personal wholeness and societal transformation.
  • Locate and critically interpret different sources and use them in combatting abuse and injustice, to build safe and just communities.
  • Become self-motivated life-long learners in the service of humanity.

    The qualification is currently sought-after because it equips learners to communicate effectively, solve problems, adapt to new situations, understand what motivates people and process information.

    Rationale:
    The qualification will equip learners to be public intellectuals and constructive citizens in the African context by serving humanity as leaders in industry or public service. The aim of the qualification is to produce qualifying learners who are well-versed in politics and its application, and who can argue constructively and philosophically. The qualifying learners will be well-rounded citizens. Through a focus on interdisciplinary areas, the essential skills of creative problem solving, critical thinking, working effectively in teams, and the ability to take and adapt to criticism in changing environments will be practised and imbued. Significantly, the ability to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills will be thoroughly addressed throughout the degree by focusing on politics, writing, communication, and literature. This indispensable proficiency will provide learners with an advantage in the workplace and promote access to a variety of entry-level positions from which they may promote themselves.

    This qualification has been designed to address specific skills shortages identified within the industry. This proposed industry-relevant curriculum will address scarce and critical skills and business sectors which require a high level of communication-related skills, knowledge, and competencies. Thus, the qualification is designed to respond effectively to industry demands whilst maintaining the core nature of a general Bachelor of Arts qualification and to prepare learners to further their studies at NQF Level 8.

    This Degree will enable qualified people to be competent to work in various sectors. The qualification aims to produce competent and professional communicators who will be able to understand and apply the theory of communication science and practices, English language skills and knowledge of media studies to meet the communication-related needs and demands of an organisation. Learners will have access to various NQF Level 8 qualifications at other tertiary institutions such as Honours Degrees in English, Communication Science Political Science, Philosophy, or Journalism because all these disciplines are completed by learners up to the third year of study.

    The outcomes of the Bachelor of Arts are structured in a manner that will prepare learners for a variety of positions in an assortment of work environments and in support of good employability prospects as this degree addresses the necessity for excellent written and verbal communication skills, flexibility in approach, and the ability to think and act ethically, creatively, and critically. Learners can pursue careers in journalism, politics, management, intelligence, marketing, industrial organisation and elsewhere. Through innovative learning approaches, the qualification promotes an inclusive and transformative ethos of reconciliation, equality, justice, and peace. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Political Leadership, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in the related field, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits:
  • Philosophy 1, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 1, 20 Credits.
  • Academic writing, 20 Credits.
  • African studies, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 40 Credits (select two modules)
  • Understanding human behaviour, 20 Credits.
  • Leadership and Ethics, 20 Credits.
  • Global citizenship, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Philosophy 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Community project, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits: (select one module)
  • Innovation, 20 Credits.
  • Understanding and managing creativity, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Philosophy 3A, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3C, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 3A, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 3C, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking embedded in a humanistic paradigm.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others as members of a team, group, or organisation in communities and society at large.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to manage the conceptualisation and implementation of strategies, policies, and plans in a public sector environment with due regard to national and global contexts.
    4. Apply ethical decisions on complex institutional issues with sensitivity and awareness of consequences in an autonomous manner.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to manage activities responsibly and effectively to promote and strengthen tolerance and affirmation in problem-solving.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to collect, interpret, and process data and information to make informed decisions.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through engagement with literature from a wide variety of sources pertaining to politics, philosophy, and economics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and reflect on creativity and creative practice using suitable concepts.
  • Engage with current debates on the nature of creativity and its promotion/management.
  • Interrogate the relationship between creativity and wider economic and social contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Work within a team or group in a community and contribute to the improvement of society.
  • Contribute to community service in society.
  • Approach a charitable organisation in an informed manner.
  • Engage with the members and beneficiaries of a charitable organisation.
  • Contribute to a current charitable initiative.
  • Explore the causes of the disadvantaged in society.
  • Report on a contribution to a charitable cause.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply major theoretical perspectives for interpreting activities in the global political economy.
  • Apply detailed knowledge of the key events and processes through which this system evolved into its current form.
  • Evaluate the significance of the major historical conflicts of the 20th century that have shaped the current global political economy.
  • Apply the benefits of international cooperation within the system as it relates to human development.
  • Analyse the global significance of current events and policies of the major actors in shaping and reshaping the nature of the global political economy.
  • Interpret the impact of ideas and technology as shapers of the current global political economy

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply ethical knowledge to pressing contemporary ethical questions.
  • Evaluate ethical responses in the face of changing technologies and societies.
  • Engage with concrete ethical questions and issues surrounding them.
  • Debate sensitive and complex ethical questions in an open-minded and rigorous way.
  • Apply independent research in the field of philosophy.
  • Read and comprehend philosophical texts.
  • Construct coherent arguments for positions on case studies in applied ethics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply the theoretical perspectives in psychology.
  • Apply theories, models, and processes of human behaviour.
  • Analyse work-related examples and applications pertinent to the South African context.
  • Identify culture-specific issues where relevant.
  • Identify behavioural and personality concepts in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify the major theoretical paradigms in the field of political studies, with their corresponding truth claims.
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative empirical research methodologies.
  • Draft a basic quantitative or qualitative research design.
  • Execute basic research project.
  • Write up the findings of the research project into a research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Conduct independent research in the field of philosophy.
  • Read complex classical and contemporary philosophical texts.
  • Examine the major developments in the history of political philosophy.
  • Distinguish between and compare different political theories.
  • Criticise influential political theories.
  • Analyse the relationship between political theory and political practice.
  • Apply own views coherently and logically on the selected political theories.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment is mostly conducted through formative, submitted assignments or tests, presentations and/or projects (weighted 30% of the result for the module) and one summative examination written under examination conditions (weighted 70% of the result for the module). To ensure that the process results in a fair and valid assessment, the entire assessment process is subject to a layered checking and re-checking process that ensures the integrity of the overall assessment and its place in the qualification.
    Learners must complete two online tests, one written assignment and a venue-based invigilated exam. With the community project module, a formative written assignment is required, and a summative project must be submitted.

    Assessment includes both formative and summative assessment opportunities. The formative assessment tasks include self-assessment mock tests and written, invigilated tests and the summative assessment tasks include examinations. The final summative assessment is an invigilated, venue-based examination testing knowledge and competency towards all module outcomes and exit-level outcomes where applicable. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts
    Credits: 360
    Duration: Three years full time
    Entry requirements:
    For entry based on the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), learners must first meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.

    Purpose:
    BA study will help learners develop strong capabilities for many careers: communication skills; creative and critical thinking; the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information; problem-solving; adaptability; and an awareness of different perspectives. These enduring capabilities are increasingly valued by employers. Learners will be well-positioned to pursue new career opportunities as the world of work changes.

    Qualification structure:
    The BA takes three years to complete if a learner is studying full-time.
    The learner will take eight modules (120 points) in each major. This includes at least three modules (45 points) at Stage III in each major.
    If a learner would like to study communication, they can either choose it as one of two majors or complete our sixteen-course (240-point) specialisation in communication.
    At least half the courses (12 courses or 180 points) must be above Stage I level. The courses for majors are included in this total.
    As well as majors, a learner will take elective modules in other subjects.
    A module is a group of three courses (45 points) that focuses on a specific skill or area of knowledge to benefit or inform future careers.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Auckland (UA) and the South African (SA) qualifications take three years of full-time study.
  • The UA and SA qualifications have 360 credits and are registered at NZQF/NQF Level 7.
  • Both qualifications require candidates who completed the secondary school qualifications or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • The elective subject/module options correspond well with South African BA degrees. Some science modules are also included as electives. The requirements for majors (120 points) are almost the same as the South African requirement.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Oxford Brookes University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Art
    Duration: Three years
    Entry Requirements:
    Acceptable passes in 5 subjects (exceptionally 4 subjects) at GCSE or GCE including:
  • 12-unit vocational A-level,
    or
  • A-levels or two 6-unit vocational A-levels,
    or
  • A-level or 6-unit vocational A-level plus 2 AS-levels,
    or
  • 3-unit vocational A-levels (Where these are included, they need to be in subjects other than those held at A-level).
  • A National Certificate or Diploma of a good standard.
  • The International Baccalaureate Diploma (minimum of 24 points) or the European Baccalaureate Diploma (minimum of 60%).
  • 5 subjects in SCE with 2 at a Higher level or 1 at an Advanced Higher level.
  • 3 subjects in Scottish Highers or 2 at Advanced Higher level.
  • Any other qualifications considered by the Academic Board to be of equivalent standard.
  • A recognised access course.

    Qualification Structure:
    Learners take 120 credits per year composed of core and optional modules, which allows them to design their own intellectual journey while maintaining a strong grasp of the fundamentals of History. In the first year, learners take introductory modules only, moving on to intermediate-level modules in the second year, and then to advanced modules in their final year.

    In choosing modules, some learners choose to focus mainly on one region (Africa, Near and Middle East, South, Southeast or East Asia) or topic (e.g., Islam, violence and warfare, gender, modernity). Others choose to range more broadly, exploring various topics and regions.

    Year 1 - Choose four modules, including:
    Approaching History - the compulsory core introductory module (30 credits)
    And three further modules, either two modules from the other subject
    Or
    100-level introductory History module (30 credits)
    Or
    One module from the other subject and one approved open option.

    Year 2 - Choose four modules, including:
    Historical Research: Approaches, Methods, Design (30 credits) - core 30 credits from among the 200-level thematic and regional History modules, and two further modules, either two modules from the other subject,
    Or
    One module from the other subject and one approved open option.

    Year 3 - Choose four modules, including:
    One module is chosen from the 300-level modules - core and three further modules, chosen from among the 400-level 'Special Subject' dissertation linked to the 300-level module,
    Or
    A 500-level Independent Study Project,
    Or
    An intermediate (200-level) History module, modules from the other subject and an approved open option.

    Similarities:
  • The Oxford Brookes University (OBU) and the South African (SA) qualifications take three years of full-time study.
  • The OBU and the SA qualifications have 360 credits.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the high school qualifications or equivalent.
  • The OBU qualification is similar in structure and requirements to the South African equivalents. Elective and major subject options are similar.
  • Both qualifications include in the curriculum English Literature, Languages, History, Politics, and Philosophy. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Law, NQF Level 7
  • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Political Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Political Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Arts: History, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Stadio (Pty) Ltd 


    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.