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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94804  Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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 this Higher Certificate is to equip learners with the entry-level skills and knowledge needed to perform key tasks in heritage-related environments by providing a good grounding in the natural, pure and applied sciences as related to the sub-discipline. Furthermore, the qualification will ensure that learners have an appropriate awareness and knowledge of the legal, regulatory, management and ethical issues needed to function in the field of Heritage Studies. Finally, the qualification will enable access to higher education to Bachelor and Diploma level.

Rationale:
This qualification forms an important part of the evolving academic plan of the new Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The academic posture adopted by the University has been to focus on the unique characteristics and needs of the general Northern Cape region in a manner that raises intellectual matters of local and global interest. The Northern Cape region - and Kimberly in particular - is rich in its formal and informal archival holdings of human heritage. Sol Plaatje University is therefore keen to develop a capacity of academic engagement in Heritage Studies that is both wide in its reach and deep in the levels of intellectual competence.

Although well-established in international higher education institutions, the field of heritage studies at the undergraduate level is presently non-existent in South Africa. Aside from a very small number of Postgraduate qualifications offered by local universities, no undergraduate, or entry level qualification exist to prepare skills and intellectual capacity in the general field of heritage studies. This level of skill and competence is needed, in the museum sector for example; staff members are mostly trained on-the-job, with the usual limitation of narrow skills development, unacknowledged competence and little to no transferable knowledge to allow such people access to higher level academic qualifications.

Within a radius of three kilometers around SPU in Kimberley are five outstanding museums that are marked not only for the intellectual value of their collections but also for the high quality of their curatorship. Some like the McGregor Museum, the Sol Plaatje Museum and the William Humphries Art Gallery carry international reputations as good, research-based museums, and regularly host local and international research visitors who work with their collections. These museums are available as learning platforms to learners and academic staff who will join the Heritage Studies qualification at our university.

This introduction of a Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies is therefore designed to create a qualification that will enable those currently under- or un-qualified but working in the sector, the opportunity to obtain a qualification, as well as to provide school-leavers with entry into post-school studies in a discipline that is presently academically under-developed. The qualification articulates well with national imperatives in the areas of indigenous histories and cultures, and is designed to produce learners with the vocational skills needed to begin working in the field, as well as with the foundations for further higher education study.

This Higher Certificate is structured to allow a range of sub-disciplines within the field of Heritage Studies to be offered. This is arranged through a qualification of four core and compulsory modules together with three elective modules. The elective modules will focus on museology and museum studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Admission via RPL is possible in limited cases. Candidates for RPL admission will be required to demonstrate suitability either through work experience and/or other prior learning that has taken place. The institution makes provision for RPL admission in line with the policies of the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum level of learning required for a learner to enter and complete successfully the Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies is:
  • A National Senior Certificate with higher certificate endorsement.
  • A National Certificate (Vocational).
  • The National Senior (Certificate) NS(C).
  • Applicants with NQF Level 4 qualifications may be approved for entry by the Registrar. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 8 compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Basics of Material and Earth Sciences, 24 Credits.
  • Ethics and Regulation in Heritage Work, 12 Credits.
  • Curation techniques and Object Conservation, 12 Credits.
  • Natural History, Prehistory and History of Southern Africa, 12 Credits.
  • Museology and Curatorship, 16 Credits.
  • Museum and Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Practical /Work Integrated Learning, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Operate, act, and perform the tasks of preparatory and curator in the field of museum studies.
    2. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the structure and nature of the historic and pre-historic past in Southern Africa.
    3. Write record and present the results of the varied activities constituting the tasks of curation and preparation.
    4. Work as a member of a team. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge of relevant techniques and skills as applied to the various materials in the preservation of heritage items is demonstrated.
  • The relevant legislative and ethical parameter within which the work of curation is conducted is understood.
  • The impact of the different materials and techniques on the varied items for preparation is understood.
  • Approaches to work problems using techniques learned is developed and new approaches are applied in a scientific manner.
  • From a range of technical or practical approaches is chosen and the choices made are accounted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A basic knowledge of the prehistory and history of Southern Africa demonstrated.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of the natural history of Southern Africa is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the significance of Southern Africa's histories on its present preservation initiatives and objectives is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Language is used clearly and effectively.
  • Accurate record-keeping techniques is applied in all work conducted.
  • Communicate with others about one's activities and work is displayed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The roles and functions of the activities in museology and curation is identified and explained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Quality assessment is central to credible certification and recognition of student achievement. The Institution University will ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices, in keeping with the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability.

    Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification, including in the WIL. Self- and formative assessment takes place in various ways in the face to face context, including through classroom activities, assignments, and written work. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis was conducted with The University of Victoria is located in Canada and The American University of Sharjah (AUS) located in the United Arab Emirates in order to establish comparability with the Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies. The reason for this comparison is to ensure articulation possibilities of this qualification with international qualifications.

    The University of Victoria is located in Canada offers the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Heritage Studies which runs over a year for full-time learners and two-years for part-time learners.

    The Graduate Certificate in Cultural Heritage Studies provides advanced learning for emerging and mid-career individuals involved with a range of cultural heritage fields. The qualification is designed to strengthen both understanding and integration of cultural heritage, community engagement and sustainable development. It builds knowledge and practical management skills necessary to keep pace in today's rapidly changing context.

    The American University of Sharjah (AUS) located in the United Arab Emirates offers the Graduate Certificate in Museum and Heritage Studies. This qualification is a newly accredited program in the Department of International Studies that offers students the opportunity to become qualified museum and/or heritage professionals ready to meet the challenges of the region's burgeoning museum and heritage fields.

    The qualification offers a quality alternative to higher education abroad, being modelled after qualifications in the United States, while remaining grounded in the history and culture of the Gulf region. The certificate course lasts for one year or two semesters. The first semester is composed of three core modules, and the second semester is composed of two elective modules and a practicum. Learners and faculty collaboration with local and regional museums and heritage institutions is encouraged through the practicum, which must be carried out by the learners in an approved museum or cultural institution.

    The one-year interdisciplinary qualification aims to attract learners from different fields. Its two main audiences are AUS graduates who are seeking a career in fields related to heritage preservation and museums, and those who are already employees at UAE museums, especially in Sharjah.

    Students enrolled for the qualification will be required to complete six modules and a practicum for a total of 18 Credits.

    Conclusion:
    From the evidence gathered, it is evident that the Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies compares favourably with the two qualifications being offered internationally in terms of the qualification's purpose and duration. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon completion of the Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies it provides learners for vertical articulation to Diploma or Degree studies:
  • Bachelor's Degree in the Humanities.
  • Bachelor of Arts (history, anthropology, archaeology, geography).
  • Bachelor of Science (in earth or life sciences).

    Horizontally learners may also elect to move into project management or public management:
  • Higher Certificate in Public Management.
  • National Diploma in Project Management. 
    		•

    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. Sol Plaatje University 


    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.