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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120745  Bachelor of Arts 
ORIGINATOR
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (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 02 - Culture and Arts  Visual Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  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
62761  Bachelor of Arts  Level 6  NQF Level 07  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts is to increase learners' cultural understanding and awareness while also developing analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, and communication abilities. This is an undergraduate degree that offers elective streams in many areas of study within the Faculty of Humanities. The qualification provides a strong academic depth and a solid foundation for a variety of employment choices in the humanities and social sciences. It will assist learners in developing adaptability and knowledge, as well as the capacity to use multiple perspectives to explore numerous facets of culture and society.

In line with the Exit Level Outcomes, learners will acquire familiarity with the content, theories, and methodologies of several disciplines at basic and intermediate levels, while gaining systematic and well-rounded knowledge in specifically chosen fields of study. They will demonstrate the ability to critically question theoretical assumptions, analyse contemporary issues, and interpret topical debates from multiple perspectives. The qualification also fosters competence in discipline-specific modes of inquiry, culminating in the ability to design and present a focused research project or extended essay.

The qualification further emphasises the application of knowledge across multiple fields of the humanities and social sciences, enabling qualifying learners to engage critically with complex cultural and societal challenges and to adapt to evolving academic and professional environments. The qualifying learners will emerge as adaptable, reflective, and socially engaged individuals who can apply multiple perspectives to address complex problems. These attributes provide a strong foundation for careers in education, communication, public service, research, the creative and cultural industries, and other related sectors, as well as for postgraduate study.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Become familiar with the content and basic theories of several disciplines in the humanities and social sciences at the basic and intermediate level, to gain a deeper grasp of one or more of these disciplines, and place new knowledge in context and use appropriate methods for seeking resolution of problems.
  • Apply a variety of basic scholarly and intellectual competencies, including the ability to question the assumptions of a limited range of theories and authorities, and to develop an understanding of elementary research methods used within one or more disciplines.
  • Give an accurate account of scholarly positions and the competence to express their own opinions clearly and coherently, both in written and oral communication.
  • Develop a well-rounded and broad education across several disciplines, thus preparing for a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society.
  • Think laterally, critically, and creatively, preparing for life-long learning.
  • Apply the principles of critical citizenship.

    Rationale:
    There is a growing need in South Africa for qualifying learners who can think critically, communicate effectively, and engage constructively with the social, cultural, political, legal, and economic challenges that shape society. The qualification addresses this need by cultivating adaptable, ethically responsible qualifying learners who can contribute meaningfully to both the knowledge economy and the creative economy. The qualification provides a strong academic foundation while developing transferable skills that enhance employability across multiple sectors and disciplines.

    The qualification has a significant focus within both the creative and cultural industries in South Africa. The South African Arts industry has been exalted within these industries and deemed to contribute immensely to the socio-economic growth of the country. The qualification will enable the learner to continue with inter- and multidisciplinary studies at a Postgraduate level and to pursue other postgraduate qualifications.

    Learners benefit from a multi-disciplinary education that combines broad-based knowledge with specialised disciplinary depth. Across the available streams in the humanities and social sciences, learners develop graduate attributes such as analytical reasoning, cultural literacy, ethical citizenship, and problem-solving. Each stream equips learners with both transferable skills and discipline-specific expertise, while fostering the intellectual flexibility required for lifelong learning. The qualification thus prepares qualifying learners for meaningful participation in a wide range of professions. It also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study, enabling qualifying learners to pursue advanced qualifications across the humanities and social sciences.

    The typical qualifying learner pathways include education and training such as education assistance, training facilitation, and curriculum support, communication and media including journalism, editing, content development, and corporate communications, public service and community development roles in NGOs, policy support, cultural coordination, and community engagement, creative and cultural industries such as writing, media production, arts administration, and cultural project management, and research and knowledge work including research assistance, knowledge officer roles, and preparation for postgraduate study.

    The multi-disciplinary qualification will meet the needs of the South African creative industries as identified by the National Department of Arts and Culture. Furthermore, the focus on multi-disciplinarity strives to offer collective enquiry that builds on shared inherent and inherited knowledge and reflective practice and is result-driven towards utilising the evidence of learning to inform and improve practice through multiple skillsets and innovation. The qualification will offer learners an opportunity to advance their studies to strengthen the professional vocational learning community, whilst providing intensified insight into academia.

    For society, the qualification produces qualifying learners who can engage responsibly with issues of diversity, ethics, and social justice, strengthening democratic participation and cultural understanding. For the economy, it supplies adaptable qualifying learners with interdisciplinary and transferable skills who can contribute to knowledge-based industries, the public service, and the creative economy, thereby supporting national development, cultural industries, and socio-economic growth. The qualification therefore contributes to the development of qualifying learners who embody adaptability, ethical citizenship, global and local awareness, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning. 
    		•

    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 regards to 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 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 credits:
  • 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, NQF Level 5 in a cognate field.
    Or
  • Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6 in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules and stream-specific elective modules at the National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7, totalling a minimum of 360 credits.

    Available Streams: (Learners must select one of the eight defined streams).
  • Communication Science and English Literature Studies.
  • Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE).
  • Law Economics.
  • Law and Politics.
  • Media Studies.
  • Psychology and English.
  • Psychology and Human Resource Management.
  • Psychology and Political Science.

    Stream One: Communication Science and English Literature Studies, 362 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing 1, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.
  • History 1, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 102 Credits:
  • English Literature Studies 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing 2A, 12 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Coding for Humanities, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Linguistics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 93 Credits:
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Communication Science 3A, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Communication Science 3B, 11 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 27 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Linguistics 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Linguistics 3B, 14 Credits.
    Or
  • Political Science 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Political Science 3B, 14 Credits.

    Stream Two: Politics, Philosophy and Economics, 361 Credits:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Law 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Reasoning, 10 Credits.
  • History 1, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 121 Credits:
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2, 12 Credits.
  • History 2, 13 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Coding for Humanities, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 2B, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • Political Science 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Law for Psychology Learners, 9 Credits.
  • Political Science 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Economics 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.

    Stream Three: Law And Economics, 362 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Legal Research, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Law 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.
  • Law of Persons, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Reasoning, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Family Law, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Law for Tourism, 16 Credits.
  • Criminal Law, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 2A, 12 Credits.
  • African Customary Law, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Data Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Coding for Humanities, 10 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law, 14 Credits.
  • Economics 2B, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Philosophy 2, 12 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 122 Credits:
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • BA Law (WIL), 15 Credits.
  • Media Law, 8 Credits.
  • Public International Law, 16 Credits.
  • Law for Psychology Learners, 9 Credits.
  • Jurisprudence, 16 Credits.
  • International Human Rights Law, 16 Credits.
  • Economics 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Economics 3B, 14 Credits.

    Stream Four: Law And Politics, 362 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Legal Research, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Law 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 10 Credits.
  • Law of Persons, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Family Law, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Reasoning, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Criminal Law, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • African Customary Law, 14 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law, 14 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Communication Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Introduction to Data Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Coding for Humanities, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 122 Credits:
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • BA Law (WIL), 15 Credits.
  • Public International Law, 16 Credits.
  • Political Science 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Jurisprudence, 16 Credits.
  • Political Science 3B, 14 Credits.
  • International Human Rights Law, 16 Credits.
  • Law for Psychology Learners, 9 Credits.
  • Media Law, 8 Credits.

    Stream Five: Media Studies, 364 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 100 Credits:
  • Media Studies 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Broadcast Journalism 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Digital Journalism, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Broadcast Journalism 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.

    Electives Modules, Level 5, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Public Relations 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Public Relations 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Applied Ethics, 10 Credits.
  • Broadcast Journalism 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Photojournalism, 10 Credits.
  • Broadcast Journalism 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 2B, 10 Credits.

    Electives Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Public Relations 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Public Relations 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Communication Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 103 Credits:
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Media Law, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.
  • Journalism Writing 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 3A, 15 Credits.
  • Media Studies 3B, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 21 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Public Relations 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Public Relations 3B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Broadcast Journalism 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Broadcast Journalism 3B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Communication Science 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 3B, 11 Credits.

    Stream Six: Psychology And English, 360 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • English Literature Studies 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 8 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Developmental Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Developmental Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Industrial Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 15 Credits
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 105 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • English Literature Studies 3A, 13 Credits.
  • English Literature Studies 3B, 14 Credits.
    Or
  • Linguistics 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Linguistics 3B, 14 Credits.

    Learners must also choose one of the following groups:
  • Social Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Individual Therapy, 13 Credits.
  • Health and Community Psychology, 14 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Assessment and Evaluation 3, 12 Credits or Neuropsychology, 12 Credits.
    Or
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • Organisational Assessment and Evaluation, 12 Credits.
  • Group Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Statistical Research Methods in Social Science, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.
  • Counselling and Therapy Skills, 12 Credits.

    Stream Seven: Psychology And Human Resource Management, 366 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Labour Law, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Employment Relations 1, 10 Credits.
  • Business English, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Human Resource Management 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Employment Relations 2, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Risk Management, 12 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Developmental Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Developmental Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Industrial Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 48 Credits:
  • Advanced Employment Relations, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Talent Management, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3B, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 78 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Social Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Individual Therapy, 13 Credits.
  • Health and Community Psychology, 14 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Assessment and Evaluation 3, 12 Credits or Neuropsychology, 12 Credits.
    Or
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • Organisational Assessment and Evaluation, 12 Credits.
  • Group Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Statistical Research Methods in Social Science, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.
  • Counselling and Therapy Skills, 12 Credits.

    Stream Eight: Psychology And Political Science, 360 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Communication Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Science 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Linguistics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Political Science 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Political Science 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Positive Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 8 Credits.
  • Media Studies 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Personalities Theory 2B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Developmental Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Developmental Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Industrial Psychology 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 42 Credits:
  • Political Science 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Research Project, 15 Credits.
  • Political Science 3B, 14 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 78 Credits:
    Learners must choose one of the following groups:
  • Social Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3A, 13 Credits.
  • Individual Therapy, 13 Credits.
  • Health and Community Psychology, 14 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Assessment and Evaluation 3, 12 Credits or Neuropsychology, 12 Credits.
    Or
  • Work Integrated Learning (BA), 15 Credits.
  • Organisational Assessment and Evaluation, 12 Credits.
  • Group Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Statistical Research Methods in Social Science, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship in Humanities, 15 Credits.
  • Counselling and Therapy Skills, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate basic to immediate knowledge and understanding of the content, theories, and scholarly positions central to several disciplines.
    2. Demonstrate systematic, well-rounded knowledge of one or more disciplines and critically question the basic assumptions of key theories, scholarly positions, and basic methodologies.
    3. Apply basic modes of inquiry from at least one core discipline to specified, less complex concrete and abstract problems.
    4. Analyse contemporary contexts and situate work appropriately within them.
    5. Interpret topical issues from different disciplinary perspectives.
    6. Interpret, explain, and argue topical issues within relevant disciplines.
    7. Write an extended essay or design a minor research project that engages with a well-defined issue in a specific discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use terminology, concepts, principles, and theories in written and/or oral communication.
  • Analyse, evaluate and synthesise recent and relevant research findings in the disciplines included.
  • Propose solutions that apply to well-structured and practical problems based on theory-driven arguments.
  • Communicate clearly using scholarly discourse and discipline-specific conventions efficiently.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically appraise the relationship among concepts and principles of the disciplines included.
  • Effectively propose solutions to well-structured and practical problems, both concrete and abstract.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct basic and elementary modes of inquiry in a well-defined and coherent representation of identified problems.
  • Select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, tools, and procedures relevant to the discipline.
  • Propose possible solutions based on theory-driven arguments and using the relevant modes of inquiry consistently.
  • Apply scholarly and critical reasoning skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Recognise diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context that affects the work being undertaken.
  • Provide relevant information pertaining to the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the context for addressing specific problems.
  • Identify relevant role players and resources that will contribute to the resolution of specific problems.
  • Describe all relevant factors about the context and people's performance in these contexts and discuss how they affect the work being undertaken.
  • Identify critical factors impacting practical problems investigated from the perspective of the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Base results from analyses of relevant national contexts and research findings.
  • Describe and explain, making effective use of comparing diverse theories.
  • Evaluate and define the boundaries and limitations of theory and recognise the provisional nature of research findings.
  • Involve ethical and responsible solutions for practical problems.
  • Communicate using scholarly discourse and different modes of communication effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate reflecting competence in higher-order cognitive domains and/or meta-cognition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of discipline-specific conventions and scholarly discourse.
  • Give an accurate account of scholarly positions, viewpoints, and solutions.
  • Identify and differentiate between current perspectives and scholarly debates of the discipline and in different relevant contexts.
  • Reflect critical appraisal of recent and relevant literature, including both primary and secondary sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Base the findings on the analysis and evaluation of relevant literature.
  • State and contextualise an identified problem for research purposes.
  • Describe the essential modes of inquiry relevant to the discipline/s in which the essay or project is developed.
  • Describe all procedures and appropriate research strategies, such as data collecting, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, etc., coherently and appropriately for undertaking the minor research project writing of the essay.
  • Demonstrate awareness of ethical accountability and cultural sensitivity on all related aspects (people, context, etc.)

    Integrated Assessment
    Assessment in the Bachelor of Arts is designed to ensure that learners demonstrate the applied competence described in the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) and Associated Assessment Criteria (AACs). Assessment is both formative and summative and is integrated across modules to provide a coherent measure of learner achievement. The formative-to-summative assessment ratio will generally be 50-50% (with a maximum deviation of 10% on either side of the ratio).

    In the assessment strategy, knowledge and skills will be assessed through a variety of self-assessment options. Continuous Integrated Assessment conducted via self-assessment activities is available in Module Guides and on the Learning Management System (LMS). All learners are given the opportunity to complete formative activities included at the end of each theme in their Module Guides. The Module Guides include a facilitation session following each activity. In the facilitation session, learners are guided to acquire the necessary knowledge, practical implementation, and necessary attitudes to achieve the set outcomes of each theme. Formative assessment is a range of formal and informal assessment procedures employed by lecturers during the learning process to modify teaching and learning activities with the purpose of improving learner achievement.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment supports learning and provides ongoing feedback to learners. It includes activities such as essays, tutorial assignments, class tests, reflective journals, case studies, oral presentations, digital media tasks, and problem-based learning exercises. These tasks are used to develop knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, ethical awareness, and adaptability. Formative assessments are directly aligned to the AACs and provide learners with opportunities to practice and refine the skills needed for summative assessment. Assessment takes the form of quizzes, in-class activities, assignments, case studies, reflective essays, research essays, discussion forums, presentations, group projects, research proposals, and project milestones.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment provides a measure of competence at the exit point of a module or qualification. It includes written examinations, research essays, portfolios, oral examinations, applied projects, and an independent research project or mini-dissertation. Summative assessment requires learners to demonstrate integrated knowledge and skills across disciplines, apply critical inquiry and problem-solving to complex issues, and produce outputs that are coherent, academically rigorous, and ethically sound. Assessment takes the form of examinations, research essays, projects, portfolios of evidence, and research projects. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with similar qualifications from Australia and New Zealand.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Melbourne
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Credits: 300

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne offers a flexible programme in the humanities, social sciences and languages. It is intended to develop interdisciplinary knowledge, community leadership, cultural awareness, critical thinking and communication skills, while preparing qualifying learners for a rapidly changing global workplace.

    The qualification allows learners to build depth through one or two majors, while also developing breadth through subjects outside their main discipline. This supports adaptable graduate attributes such as independent inquiry, ethical reasoning, effective communication and the ability to analyse social, cultural and historical contexts.

    Qualification Structure:
    Modules:
  • A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 1 Arts discipline subjects, including Discovery and Foundation subjects.
  • A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 2 Arts discipline subjects, including Level 2 major subjects.
  • A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 3 Arts discipline subjects, including Level 3 major subjects and a capstone subject.
  • A minimum of 50 credit points of breadth subjects.
  • The remaining 25 credit points may consist of either Arts discipline or breadth subjects, subject to the course rules.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and Australian qualifications are both Bachelor of Arts qualifications designed to develop broad knowledge in the humanities and social sciences.
  • Both qualifications are offered over three years and provide opportunities for learners to specialise through selected disciplinary areas or majors.
  • Both qualifications emphasise critical thinking, communication, research-informed learning, cultural awareness and the ability to interpret social and cultural issues from more than one perspective.
  • Both qualifications support progression into further study and prepare learners for a range of careers in fields such as communication, public service, education, research, cultural industries and related sectors.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is registered on the South African NQF at Level 7 with a minimum of 360 credits, whereas the Australian qualification is structured according to the University of Melbourne credit point system and requires 300 credit points.
  • The SA qualification contains defined streams with prescribed compulsory and elective modules, while the Australian qualification is more flexible, allowing learners to complete one or two majors, breadth subjects and elective study within the course rules.
  • The SA qualification includes Work Integrated Learning in several streams, whereas the Australian qualification emphasises breadth, majors and a capstone structure, with practical and enrichment opportunities available through the wider programme experience.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: University of Auckland
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Credits: 360

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland enables learners to study society, people and culture while developing knowledge and skills for a changing future of work. It supports communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, research, analysis, problem-solving, adaptability and awareness of different perspectives.
    The qualification provides flexibility in the first year before learners confirm two majors, allowing them to deepen disciplinary knowledge while also exploring additional subjects through electives and General Education courses.

    Qualification Structure:
    Modules:
  • Eight courses in the first major, 120 points.
  • Eight courses in the second major, 120 points.
  • Two General Education courses, 30 points.
  • Six elective courses, 90 points, with up to 30 points permitted from outside the BA schedule.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and New Zealand qualifications are both Bachelor of Arts qualifications offered over three years and carrying 360 credits or points.
  • Both qualifications develop broad humanities and social sciences knowledge, while allowing learners to build disciplinary depth through streams or majors.
  • Both qualifications emphasise communication, critical thinking, research, analytical reasoning, cultural and social awareness, and the ability to engage with complex social issues.
  • Both qualifications support further study and a range of employment pathways in areas such as communication, education, public service, research, cultural work and related professional fields.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is structured through eight defined streams with prescribed modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, whereas the New Zealand qualification requires two majors, General Education courses and electives within a broader BA structure.
  • The SA qualification includes detailed stream-specific compulsory and elective modules, while the New Zealand qualification offers more flexibility for learners to explore subjects before confirming their two majors.
  • The SA qualification includes Work Integrated Learning in several streams, whereas the New Zealand qualification is organised mainly around majors, General Education and electives.

    Conclusion:
    Overall, the South African qualification compares favourably with both the Australian and New Zealand Bachelor of Arts qualifications. All three qualifications are three-year undergraduate qualifications in the humanities and social sciences and share a strong emphasis on disciplinary breadth, critical inquiry, communication, cultural awareness and learner progression. The South African qualification, however, demonstrates a more prescribed stream-based structure with clearly defined compulsory, elective and Work Integrated Learning components, while the Australian and New Zealand qualifications provide greater flexibility through majors, breadth subjects, General Education and elective choices. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, NQF Level 7.
  • There are currently no registered horizontal articulation possibilities between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Senior Government Official. 
    		•

    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. EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) 


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