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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49098  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Religious Studies and Multi-Religion Education 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide BA Honours graduates with comprehensive and systematic knowledge, specialized skills and theoretical competence focusing on Religious Studies to prepare them for specialist training at an advanced level.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who have in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and define complex problems and to apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within unfamiliar contexts.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a particular discipline or interdisciplinary framework and have the ability to perform independently as intellectual leaders in their society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Students who register for this qualification are capable of:
  • Learning from predominantly written material.
  • Communicating knowledge of the discipline/field of study.
  • Taking responsibility for their own progress within a specific area of study.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises:

    Formal prior learning::
  • Students need a BA degree to register for the BA Hons.
  • Prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised
    Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning.
  • Students will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1 Collect, understand, communicate and present an in-depth knowledge of Religious Studies:

    Range Statement:

    At honours degree level postgraduates should have a comprehensive knowledge base in Religious Studies (critical understanding of the principles, concepts and theories); and a depth of knowledge in some specialist areas, informed by current developments in the field. At honours degree level postgraduates should possess advanced academic skills to identify information needs and retrieve information; critically analyse and synthesise quantitative and/or qualitative data; an ability to engage with journal articles, scholarly reviews and primary sources; and communicate information through presentation skills, using the full resources of an academic/professional discourse appropriately.

    2 Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and solutions in order to be able to deal effectively with a range of concrete and abstract problems.

    Range Statement:

    At honours degree level a postgraduate should have an ability to deal with unfamiliar concrete and abstract problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-drive arguments.

    3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical and social responsibility and implications of apply knowledge to particular contexts.

    Range Statement:

    At honours degree level postgraduates should demonstrate understanding of the social and ethical implications of applying knowledge to particular contexts and the development of lifelong learning attributes.

    4 Select and apply appropriate, basic research methodologies to access knowledge in Religious Studies.

    Range Statement:

    At honours degree level postgraduates should effectively select and apply Religious Studies' basic methods of enquiry, research and technology. This level does not involve new knowledge creation.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the modules, which constitute the programmes that lead up to the qualification. They will be assessed within the context of the programme.

    1 BA Hons graduates can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and innovatively.
  • Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and on the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
  • Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.
  • Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
  • Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to their own views.
  • Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base, etc.) to support their stated views.
  • Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs and opportunities.

    2 BA Hons graduates can work effectively with others as members and leaders of a team, group, organization, community and provide leadership to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields traditionally considered as the humanities.
  • Use and propagate 'people skills' (respect, empathy, listening skills, etc.) in group situations.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate acceptance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Undertake projects of theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
  • Use advanced communication skills within the group; act as supportive followers and group participants.
  • Organize themselves and others into effective working groups; communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.

    3 BA Hons graduates can manage and organize their activities and life responsibility and effectively, including their studies and careers.
  • Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies; organize their study plans and engage in effective time management.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organizational strategies.
  • Evolve strategies best suited to their personal situations and contexts.
  • Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

    4 BA Hons graduates can collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information.
  • Demonstrate research skills within a discipline field of study.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
  • Integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Act responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g. appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism etc).
  • Follow relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
  • Critically evaluate theories, examples, experiences, etc.
  • Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

    5 BA Hons gradates can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.
  • Communicate their ideal logically and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
  • Use language competently, showing awareness of written (and/or) conventions relevant to the discipline.
  • Use appropriate models of organization and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
  • Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of their ideas.
  • Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
  • Analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

    6 BA Hons graduates can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others, in community, national and global contexts.
  • Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group; use natural resources in a sustainable way.
  • Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology.
  • Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment.

    7 BA Hons graduates can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.
  • Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline.
  • Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
  • Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
  • Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

    Developmental:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of graduates and the social and economic development of the society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

    1 BA Hons graduates can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Follow academic conventions regarding referencing and avoid plagiarism.
  • Apply what they study in different contexts, both personal and public, real and simulated.
  • Show evidence of advanced study and research skills (e.g. analysis and synthesis).

    2 BA Hons gradates can participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Display acceptance of diversity and other opinions.
  • Show willingness to participate in or lead groups.
  • Demonstrate willingness to take considered/informed risks.
  • Apply what they know and study in culturally diverse contexts.
  • Apply what they know and study at different levels, from personal to academic contexts.

    3 BA Hons graduates can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Show awareness of cultural diversity.
  • Demonstrate awareness of their own culture and background; demonstrate acceptance of and the opinions of others.
  • Use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments of others (e.g. listening skills, empathy, sympathy, open-mindedness, etc.).

    4 BA Hons graduates can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.
  • Illustrate the relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the BA Hons and those of the community at large (local and global).
  • Make connections from theoretical knowledge to practical allocation in the real world.
  • Identify the BA Hons skills which are highly valued in the workplace, within the relevant discipline.
  • Use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity.
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems and tasks set them on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon skills from the Hons BA (critical thinking, problem-solving, resolution, etc.).
  • Demonstrate a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client or community.

    5 BA Hons graduates can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of these qualifications.
  • Create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and global society.
  • Communicate that value to others in the real world; demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the BA Hons qualification.
  • Deal with various unknown situations with flexibility and adaptability. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1 The Honours degree graduate can:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base in Religious Studies.
  • Demonstrate a depth knowledge in some specialist areas.
  • Find, acquire, evaluate, manage and use information in a range of media.
  • Integrate information from different sources to achieve a given purpose.
  • Interact with texts (oral and written) through listening/reading and inference skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about current debates and developments in Religious Studies, locally and globally.
  • Distance themselves from knowledge in texts, reflect on it and take a critical position in relation to it.
  • Identify and explain the boundaries and limitations of Religious Studies.
  • Interpret information in relation to different contexts e.g. historical, cultural, socio-economic, sociological, legislative, etc.
  • Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly and to achieve own purposes.
  • Using academic discourse to present thinking and problem solving.

    2 The Honours degree graduate is able to:
  • Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the principles and theories of Religious Studies.
  • Identify critical issues in Religious Studies.
  • Conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions.
  • Collect, collate and analyse relevant information to make decisions.
  • Analyse how cultural issues affect actions in given contexts.
  • Use appropriate theories to base arguments and evidence.
  • Apply past and present knowledge to speculate on problems in future contexts.

    3 The Honours degree graduate can:
  • Participate in creating and sustaining a just and democratic society by questioning values, knowledge and culture, both own and other and recognising social justice issues relevant to Religious Studies.
  • Evaluate social aspects (political, economic, legislative, sociological, environmental etc.) and their impact on life, work and study field context.
  • Appreciate the importance of sustainable development.
  • Demonstrate responsibility to the community through productivity, efficiency, innovation and cost-effectiveness.
  • Act professionally and ethically in defined contexts.
  • Do self-evaluation and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
  • Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience.

    4 The Honours degree graduate is able to:
  • Compare various methods of obtaining data and select the most appropriate for their purposes.
  • Collect, analyse, organize and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources in various fields and specific disciplines towards the achievement of a given purpose.
  • Apply past and present knowledge to address issues in Religious Studies.
  • Identify patterns in Religious Studies in order to generalize from a specific context to more universal contexts/ principles.
  • With limited guidance, take into account the elements of a system and the principles underlying the system.

    Integrated assessment:

    Learning and assessment are integrated. The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components are assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor makes use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assesses combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A search on the Internet showed that the only qualifications that are in any way comparable to this is the Bachelor's (honours) degree described in the Australian Qualifications Framework. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The BA Honours: Religious Studies gives acess to Master Qualifications at NQF level 8. It also articulates with other Honurs Degrees. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with a relevant Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the exit level outcomes described in the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a similar qualification to this at NQF Level 8.
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    15682  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies  University of Cape Town  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  120  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    81750  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    15224  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    15682  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies  University of Cape Town  
    81750  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Religious Studies  University of KwaZulu-Natal  


    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.