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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123064  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Studies is to promote access to learning by expanding educational and employment opportunities for graduates; to support social transformation and to promote engagement of new media technologies that are part of the fourth industrial revelation phenomena. The qualification will promote excellence in general information distribution through ethical, creative, and innovative teaching and learning. The qualification will increase opportunities for lifelong learning in response to the educational, social, political and economic challenges of the present and future communication sector.

The qualification will equip learners with the critical and analytical communication skills to be able to operate in a 21st-century media environment and Information Age. Learners will be exposed to theories, debates, and discussions about the role of communication in society as well as being exposed to ways of analysing the operations of the communication, and media products for consumption by audiences. This qualification is aimed at improving communication operations within a business or improving operational communication environments, producing usable communication content and applications for specific outlets. This qualification is therefore suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of Communication Studies, the current thinking, practices, theories, and methodologies applicable across different contexts, channels and cultures.

Rationale:
The qualification is aligned to the institution's mission and vision which are to provide quality, career-focused education responsive to the development needs of society in partnership with the local and global community. The institution recognises the impact of communication on contemporary society. The Department of Communication Science recognises that both media creators and citizens bear responsibility for the quality and impact of media in contemporary society. Research and teaching about the media are essential to the development of an informed and critical public. With the rapid change that the 4IR has brought within the mass communication sector, academics in communication science must be able to train and develop graduates who will be to be fit for this purpose.

The large amounts of misinformation that is transmitted through social network sites have brought confusion to many users of these sites. This qualification is geared to produce communication practitioners who will participate in this digital landscape by promoting the ethical use of new media technology.

Graduates can progress into careers of becoming:
  • Communication specialist.
  • Media specialist in radio, TV, and print media.
  • Public Relations Managers.
  • Press media Journalism.
  • Media Content creditors
  • Media Researchers.

    The qualification provides learners with flexible learning pathways in becoming competent communication practitioners. Moreover, graduates of this qualification can advance to a master's degree in communication science, Business Communication and Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing and Advertising, Mass Media (Print, Radio, Film and Television), Educational Communication and Digital Communication

    The qualification will benefit learners and society as it is career-focused, relevant and responsive to the communication sector's needs. Graduates will contribute substantiated information towards the development of our South African democracy. The competencies attained will contribute towards:
  • Responsible communication.
  • Accountable freedom of expression.
  • Access to reliable information.
  • Improving the credibility of the communication profession.
  • Advancement of ethical Communication Studies discipline. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The Recognition of Prior Learning in this qualification will be conducted in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the institution. RPL is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the institution. The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this should not be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are reasonable. The Committee will assess the competencies of these learners to determine whether they are eligible or not.

    RPL for access:
  • The RPL policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a candidate to a learning programme where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding the mature age exemption category of exemption for admission to undergraduate programmes), but the candidate has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.
  • All potential learners who are not in possession of an undergraduate degree in Communication Science need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification.
  • Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Head of the Department of Communication Science for recognition of prior learning.

    RPL for credits:
  • Learners who completed a specific module, may apply for credit for that module.
  • Potential learners who want to be credited for prior need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Communication Science clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Candidates who completed the equivalent of a specific module either at the institution or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module.
  • In the case of a practically orientated module, a learner who can demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module.
  • Only up to 50% credits or less may be considered.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Media Studies, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Communication, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • Communication Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Communication for Marketing, 20 Credits.
  • Integrated Organisational Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Communication, Media and Society, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules: Communication Research Paper, Level 8, 40 Credits (Select one of the following specialisations):
  • Business Communication and Entrepreneurship, 40 Credits.
  • Public Relations, 40 Credits.
  • Journalism, 40 Credits.
  • Marketing and Advertising, 40 Credits.
  • Mass Media Print, Radio, Film and Television, 40 Credits.
  • Educational Communication, 40 Credits.
  • Digital Communication, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to engage and apply communication theories to a given research project.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to design a dynamic integrated approach to marketing communications.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to manage Integrated Communication for an organisation.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to develop an integrated communication plan that encompasses the identity of society and culture.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to produce a research report on one area of specialization. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Engage and apply communication theories relevant to the research project.
  • Produce a case study in line with a given theory in research.
  • Use relevant communication theory in the research project.
  • Interpret and use market research information to define, label and reach potential markets.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Produce a market segmentation audit report.
  • Analyse the effectiveness of an organisation's marketing communication.
  • Design integrated Marketing Communication as a case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design and integrate crisis communication strategies for the organisation.
  • Evaluate the organisational messaging relevant to both the internal and external public.
  • Analyse organisational communication processes.
  • Apply persuasive communication for effective conflict resolution.
  • Design strategic messages on social media and conduct a social media audit through web analytics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Create media approaches that can be efficiently used in the contemporary world
  • Critically analyse the effects of the media on different international social, political and cultural contexts.
  • Analyse relationships between the media theoretical models on society and culture from a global perspective.
  • Evaluate the impact of media on identity and culture including biases, ethnicity and feminism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Design a research proposal.
  • Produce a final research report.
  • Present findings in a simulated conference environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London College of Communication
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Communication
    Credits: 360 credits.
    Duration: 3 years full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • A-level: BBC 112 UCAS tariff points. Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work.
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points with 5 or better in two Higher Level subjects. A minimum of 5 in SL Maths and English will be required.
  • BTEC: DMM
  • GCSE: A minimum of grade 4 (C) in GCSE English Language and Mathematics in addition to other outlined requirements.

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Communication is designed for learners pursuing a career in Media and Communications. Learners will gain a critical understanding of today's new media culture including internet platforms, social media, digital advertising and influencer culture, developing the skills required to shape the future of this sector.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires learners to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the qualification, learners need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

    Year 1
    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Media Communications, 20 credits comparable to Communication Theory.
  • Media Life, 20 credits.
  • Creative Foundations, 20 credits.
  • Media, Communications and Culture, 20 credits.
  • Platforms and Social Media, 20 credits.
  • Transmedia Storytelling, 20 credits.

    Year 2
    Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits:
  • Creator Culture, 20 credits.
  • Global Media Businesses, Practices and Cultures, 20 credits.
  • Media and the Environment, 20 credits.
  • Communication Research Methods, 20 credits.

    Level 5 Option Unit, 40 credits (choose any two modules):
  • Content Creation: Digital and Web, 20 credits comparable to Digital Communication.
  • Content Creation: Film and Video, 20 credits comparable to Mass Media: Print, Radio, Film and Television.
  • Content Creation: Podcasting and Audio, 20 credits.
  • Professional Skills: Building Brands, 20 credits.
  • Professional Skills: Data and Social Media Analysis, 20 credits.
  • Professional Skills: Influencer Marketing Communications, 20 credits comparable to Strategic Communication for Marketing.

    Year 3
    Compulsory Modules, 100 Credits:
  • Research Project, 40 credits comparable to Communication Research Paper.
  • Final Major Project, 40 credits. comparable to Communication Research Paper.
  • Creative Futures, 20 credits.

    Level 6 Option Units, 20 credits (Learners can choose from a range of research-based options and specialist topics to develop interests across media and communications):
  • Critical Sound Cultures, 20 credits.
  • Futures Thinking, 20 credits.
  • Information Warfare: Misinformation, Conspiracy and Extremism, 20 credits.
  • Love in a Digital Age, 20 credits.

    Special Topics (Selection of special topics may potentially include):
  • Comedy and Satire in Media and Communications, 20 credits.
  • Community Management, 20 credits.
  • Digital Humanitarianism, 20 credits comparable to Digital Communication.
  • Food Cultures, 20 credits.
  • Global and Indigenous Media, 20 credits comparable to Communication, Media and Society.
  • Rhetoric, Media and Political Communication, 20 credits.

    Assessment methods:
  • Reports and essays.
  • Individual and group work.
  • Audio-visual content creation.
  • Portfolios.
  • Presentations.
  • Research Project.
  • Final Major Project.
  • Reflective statements.
  • Formative assessment.

    Similarities:
  • Each year requires learners to achieve 120 credit points in the London College of Communication (LCC) The LCC qualification third-year modules are comparable to 120 credits in the South African (SA) qualifications.
  • Both qualifications are designed for learners pursuing a career in Media and Communications.
  • The LCC and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • The LCC qualification culminates into the Research Project similar to the Communication Research Paper in the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications utilise similar assessment methods.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners to progress into a Master's degree in a cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The LCC qualification is registered at Level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) whereas the SA qualification is registered at Level 8 on the SA NQF.
  • The LCC qualification is offered over three years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The SA qualification requires applicants who completed the Bachelor of Communication or equivalent whereas the LCC qualification requires learners who completed the Secondary school qualifications.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Queensland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Communication (Honours)
    NQF Level: AQF Level 8
    Credits: 16 units
    Duration: 1-year Full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Communication or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed to prepare learners for a lifetime of creative and critical use of media and communication. The aim of the qualification is to round off the learning experiences gained at an undergraduate level by providing learners with opportunities for research and leadership under close supervision.

    The qualification is based on a combination of coursework and research in a relevant area of communication. Learners will research a communication-related issue in-depth and present the findings in the form of a thesis.

    The knowledge and skills will develop are widely valued and can be used in a variety of careers that require strong communication abilities to:
  • Build a comprehensive skill set of writing, industry engagement, production and critical thinking skills.
  • Write a thesis based on your chosen research area in communication, grounded in knowledge of theories and previous studies in the field.

    On completion of the qualification, learners may pursue some of the following careers:
  • Digital content producer.
  • Social media manager.
  • Copywriter.
  • Broadcast producer.
  • Content producer.
  • Marketing coordinator.
  • Corporate communications officer.
  • Broadcaster.
  • Correspondent/Journalist.
  • Public relations professional.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules, 12 units:
  • Research Design, 2 units.
  • Research Thesis, 10 units.

    Elective Modules, 4 units (Select any two):
  • Advanced Disciplinary Studies and Practices I, 2 units.
  • Work Integrated Project, 2 units.
  • Advanced Disciplinary Studies and Practice II, 2 units.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Queensland (UQ) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at AQF/SA - NQF Level 8.
  • The UQ and SA qualifications require candidates who completed a Bachelor of Communication or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications provide learners with opportunities for research and leadership under supervision.
  • The UQ and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications culminate in Research Thesis.

    Difference:
    The UQ qualification consists of 16 units whereas the SA consists of 120 credits. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Integrated Organisational Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Journalism Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Intercultural Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies, NQF Level 8
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Communication Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Corporate Communication, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Arts in Communication Studies, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Arts in Communication, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Journalism, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Fundamental Communication, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Media and Communication, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Communication, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Strategic Communication, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Communication and Media, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. University of Zululand 


    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.