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SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94528  Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies 
ORIGINATOR
International Peace College South Africa NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a working knowledge of Islam and Islamic culture and praxis.
It also aims to develop learners' academic and leadership skills in preparation for them to take up leadership roles within their communities or in the work place. More specifically the qualification aims to equip the learners with:
  • A basic knowledge of the key disciplines of Islam.
  • A key set of academic skills - essential both in the work place as well as in further study areas/disciplines.
  • Sensitivity to the unique South African context in which their Islamic knowledge is applied and practiced.
  • A working knowledge of Arabic for devotional purposes.
  • A deep insight into the prophetic model of leadership with a universal societal application, and to develop leadership qualities.
  • The requisite competencies for progression to an arts or humanities degree.

    Rationale:
    The rationale for the qualification is to provide an entry to the study of the disciplines of Islam in order to meet the needs of those who:
  • Wish to expand their knowledge of Islam.
  • Wish to gain entrance into the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies programme.
  • Wish to achieve a first qualification in religious studies and leadership.
  • Wish to achieve a nominal leadership qualification in order to work within communities in areas such as youth development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    All applicants prior learning skills will be evaluated and assessed against the approved national standards - credits will thus be appropriately awarded for unit standards, learning programmes, modules or subjects:
  • Any learning that has taken place outside of formal education and training parameters, regardless of location (where) and time frame (period) these skills were obtained.
  • Skills or knowledge from training conducted whilst employed.
  • Work experience gained in the workplace.
  • Short courses or community work in a relevant field.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
  • Any other qualification at NQF Level 4 (or Recognition of Prior Learning). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 with credits totaling150 Credits:
  • Learning Arabic through Quran I, 10 Credits.
  • Learning Arabic through Quran II, 10 Credits.
  • Quran Literacy, 5 Credits.
  • Quran Literacy, 5 Credits.
  • Meanings of the Quran I, 10 Credits.
  • Meanings of the Quran II, 10 Credits.
  • Principles of Quranic Recitation and Memorisation I, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of Quranic Recitation and Memorisation II, 5 Credits.
  • Prophetic Biography I, 5 Credits.
  • Prophetic Biography II, 5 Credits.
  • ILabs Global Leadership and Life Orientation, 10 Credits.
  • ILabs Global Leadership and Life Orientation, 10 Credits.
  • Academic Skills I, 5 Credits.
  • Academic Skills II, 5 Credits.
  • Devotional Arabic, 5 Credits.
  • Devotional Arabic, 5 Credits.
  • Islamic Interpersonal Relationships I, 5 Credits.
  • Islamic Interpersonal Relationships II, 5 Credits.
  • Aqidah (Islamic Belief) I, 5 Credits.
  • Aqidah (Islamic Belief) II, 5 Credits.
  • Islamic Laws of Worship I, 10 Credits.
  • Islamic Laws of Worship II, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    After completion of the qualification the learner will be able to:
    1. Apply basic knowledge of the key disciplines of Islam, to demonstrate a set of academic skills essential both in the work place as well as in further study.
    2. Understand the application of their Islamic knowledge with reference to the unique South African context.
    3. Show understanding of Arabic for devotional purposes.
    4. Explain the prophetic model of leadership with a universal application, and develop similar leadership qualities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The capacity to use the correct/appropriate terminology/concepts/principles/theories in both oral and written tasks is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An awareness of cultural sensitivity and ethical limitations is displayed and such awareness in a variety of contexts is applied.
  • Familiarity and understanding of the discipline-specific conventions is shown and this understanding is communicated by using scholarly discourse.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The appropriate modes of inquiry/methods/techniques/tools and procedures to identify, interpret, and solve abstract or concrete theories are utilised and selected.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Information is accessed, processed and managed appropriately - indicating that the learner is able to gather information from a variety of sources.
  • Information is communicated effectively and reliably.
  • Topical issues from variable perspectives are recognised and related to.
  • Reasoning processes for comparing different theories is described and explained.
  • Accurate accounts of variable scholarly positions/viewpoints is identified and given and solutions are reflected upon.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Normally assessment shall be based on continuous coursework evaluation and formal examinations. The coursework evaluation component of each subject shall be supervised by the respective Head of Department; formal examinations are conducted under the supervision of the Faculty.
  • Unless otherwise indicated by the Faculty, coursework will count for between 40% and 60% of the overall assessment.
  • The principal shall determine which items of coursework will be included in the coursework assessment and define the relative weighting assigned to each item of coursework. Items incorporated in the coursework assessment may include practical work, assignments, essays, research papers, tests and projects. Normally, coursework assessment shall comprise a minimum of two units/pieces of work per full course per semester, either written or as a group task. Each department shall inform the learners of these details at the beginning of the course.
  • A coursework mark shall be valid only in conjunction with the formal examination with which the course is concluded, formal examinations will take place at the end of the semester. Internal moderation is done by the supervisor of the division.
  • Some programme elements also require oral submission by learners. These are assessed by the lecturer as well as the supervisor. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study was conducted by comparing the rules of combination of the South African Qualifications Authority qualification to the qualifications from the following places:
  • North Carolina, North America.
  • Leeds, West Yorkship, United Kingdom.

    The Duke Islamic Studies Centre is part of the Duke University, Durham in North America which offers the undergraduate certificate in Islamic Studies.

    To earn this qualification, learners must complete six (6) courses:
  • An introductory course (one semester of the two-semester sequence "Introduction to Islamic Civilization").
  • A Capstone Seminar as a junior or senior, which will include a significant research component.
  • Four (4) additional elective courses, two of which must be at the 100-level or above.
    In addition to fulfilling the course requirements, Islamic Studies certificate recipients must:
  • Complete two years of study in an Islamic language.
  • Complete a study abroad experience in a majority-Muslim country.

    The University of Leeds offers a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Islamic Studies which creates a platform into Higher Education, a unique opportunity to obtain a Degree in this subject. This qualification lays the foundations which enable learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of Islam and the Arabic language.

    In year 1 all learners on the Certificate of Higher Education in Arabic and Islamic Studies will study the following core modules and either two 10 credit optional modules or one 20 credit optional module.

    Core modules:
  • Introduction to Islam.
  • Arabic 1.
    Or
    Core modules for progression to BA Arabic and Islamic Studies:
  • Key Texts in Islam.
  • Islamic History and Civilisation.
  • Intermediate Arabic.
    Or
    Core modules for progression to BA Islamic Studies:
  • Key Texts in Islam.
  • Islamic History and Civilisation.
    And
    10 credit optional modules (Select two):
  • Women, Culture and Islam.
  • Islam in Western Societies.
  • Sufism: Introduction to the mystic tradition in Islam.
  • Music in Muslim Societies.
  • Introduction to Islamic Philosophy.
    Or
    20 credit optional modules (Select 1):
  • Principles of Islamic Law.
  • Arabic.

    Conclusion:
    The reason for conducting a comparability study with these two international universities and not with an Arabian country is that the qualifications offered in these Arabian countries have a more in-depth focus on Islamic studies rather than offering qualifications that lay the foundations to enable learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of Islam and the Arabic language. Thus from the evidence collected from this universities it is clear that the South African qualification compares favourably with the two international qualifications in terms of the rules of combination. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal this qualification articulates with:
  • Higher Certificate in Islamic Finance, Banking and Law.

    Vertical this qualification articulates with:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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. International Peace College South Africa NPC 


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