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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Humanities 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99328  Higher Certificate in Humanities 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  152  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 Higher Certificate (HCert) in Humanities has as its primary focus the consolidation and strengthening in learners of foundational knowledge and skills required for success in Higher Education that build upon those developed in the final year of formal schooling and the development of an informed understanding of the core knowledge, skills, key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories of a general field of study, discipline or practice. This knowledge coupled with the related skills will enable the learner to progress to related studies in Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and/or Bachelors' Degrees at various institutional types including Universities, Universities of Technology or TVET Colleges. The disciplines offered as electives in this qualification are Psychology, Anthropology, Communication studies, General Education studies, Political Science, and Sociology.

Rationale:
Many learners obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) which only grants access to Higher Education study. In many cases these learners have not developed the knowledge and cognitive skills needed for success in Higher Education studies. This qualification will enable these learners to have a second chance to gain acceptance into Higher Education while at the same time developing the cognitive skills required and advancing their subject knowledge. These students will have the generic knowledge and cognitive skills that are developed at school strengthened and will be provided with an informed understanding of the principles, terminology core knowledge, skills, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories in the field in which they wish to enter and develop their careers.

There are no qualifications at present that deliver on these two aims for learners who do not get a Bachelors' Degree entrance to start their learning in their chosen field through another Higher Education qualification. The Higher Certificate (HCert) in Humanities was developed to address the post-school education and training needs of many deserving students who might not meet the minimum current requirements for entry into university studies. This HCert could open the doors to learning and employment for the NEET youth (young adults not employed and not in education or training). Successful students of this programme are envisaged to be able to progress to related studies in Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and/or Bachelors' Degrees at various institutional types including Universities, Universities of Technology or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL, in accordance with the rigorous RPL policy, will be applied in cases where adult learners, who might not have completed either a National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational NQF Level 4, but who, through various other proven education and training activities can be recognised as suitable candidates with the potential to succeed in the Higher Certificate, and who will be in a position to attend a full-time study programme.

Entry Requirements:
Candidates must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 or equivalent NQF 4 qualification. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification consists of five compulsory modules totalling 72 Credits and electives totalling 80 Credits; total number of credits: 152.

The learner must complete all the Compulsory modules at Levels 4 and 5 and choose one specialisation from those listed below and complete all the modules at NQF Level 5 listed for that specialisation.

Compulsory Modules, Level 4 (total 32 Credits):
  • Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning, 16 Credits.
  • Literacy, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5 (Total 40 credits):
  • Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning, 16 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy for the Humanities, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Applications 8, Credits.

    Specialisations:

    1. Communication Studies and Psychology Access:
  • Introduction to Verbal and Non-verbal Communication16, Credits.
  • Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Psychology as Science, 32 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

    2. Psychology and Sociology Access:
  • Psychology as Science, 32 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.
  • Anthropology16 Credits.

    3. Communication Studies and Sociology Access:
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance, 16 Credits.

    4. Communication Studies and Political Science Access:
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to World Politics and Global, Governance, 16 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

    5. Communication Studies and Anthropology Access:
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Anthropology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Anthropology 2, 16 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

    6. Anthropology and Political Science Access:
  • Anthropology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Anthropology 2, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance, 16 Credits.
  • Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

    7. Education Studies and General Pedagogy Access:
  • Education Studies: the individual in the learning context, 16 Credits.
  • Education Studies, 16 Credits.
  • General Pedagogy (Foundation Phase), 16 Credits.
  • General Pedagogy, 16 Credits.
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the foundational competencies for successful Diploma and Bachelors' Degree studies.
    2. Understand and comprehend the principles of Lifelong Learning.
    3. Understand and apply the principles of Basic Computer skills.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and cognitive skills related to studies in the humanities as pertaining to the chosen field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Write paragraphs and expository essays based on passages read.
  • Summarise the main ideas of written texts.
  • Take notes and learn how to prepare for written tests.
  • Conduct research and present findings.
  • Conduct research and present findings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    Understand and apply the following skills and competencies:
  • Motivation and self-knowledge.
  • Time management.
  • Self-management, goals, values and vision.
  • Diversity and team work.
  • Learning styles.
  • Note taking.
  • Stress management.
  • Problem solving.
  • Emotional intelligence and critical thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Have basic knowledge of the principles of microcomputers and microcomputer hardware, and must be able to describe its functions. And of the basic commands of a WINDOWS operating system and must be able to apply it.
  • Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-WORD, a general word processing program for reporting, and must be able to apply it.
  • Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-EXCEL, a spread sheet program for financial applications, and must be able to apply it.
  • Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-POWERPOINT, a presentation program for presenting applications, and must be able to apply it.
  • Have knowledge of the basic commands of the INTERNET, and must be able to apply it.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand and apply knowledge organisational behaviour with specific reference to the individual, group and organisational contexts.
  • Understand the management of employees and their behaviour within the organisation.
  • Define concepts such as politics, state and government.
  • Distinguish between the different types of political ideologies and forms of state.
  • Explain the roles of the organisation of government, regime types and political parties.
  • Understand the institutionalisation of politics through the state and government.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners will be assessed continuously over the semester or year, for formative and summative assessment in all modules. The number and types of assessment vary from module to module but generally constitutes a range of formative assessment types that include portfolios, class tests, class notes, semester tests and presentations. Summative assessment will be done through examinations in all modules, except in Academic Literacy for the Humanities where semester tests will be taken. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As far as we are able to determine, no similar programmes exist internationally. At American Community Colleges, these types of courses rarely if ever last a whole year. The content of these courses are similar but focus on knowledge in the local context. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of the Higher Certificate (HCert) in Humanities Foundation Development and Access offers horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities with qualifications offered in the Humanities by the University of the Free State such as Higher Certificates or Diplomas at NQF Level 6 or a Bachelors' Degree such as the Bachelor of Arts (NQF Level 7).

    This HCert may also articulate horizontally to another Higher Certificate.

    The qualification also offers systemic articulation with similar types of qualifications offered by other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements.

    Knowledge Assumed To Be In Place:
    A prospective student should have knowledge of the language of instruction, in this case English, at a performance level of at least 3 (40%) at NQF Level 4. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.