University of Venda

Bachelor of Education Honours in Sociology of Education

Education, Training and Development - Higher Education and Training

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose

The Bachelor of Education Honours in Sociology of Education is the first Postgraduate qualification in education. The qualification aims to:

  • Prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies in Sociology of Education.
  • Consolidate and deepen a learner's knowledge of Sociology of Education.
  • Develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Sociology of Education.

The curriculum includes modules on theories of sociology of education, research methods, and a research project. Learners are required to engage with a high level of theoretical understanding and intellectual independence in research with the guidance of qualified academic staff.

NQF Level 8 Exit Level Outcomes

  1. Preparing learners for research: Knowledge and skills for further postgraduate studies in Sociology of Education or another relevant education degree.
  2. Consolidating knowledge: Specialized and theoretical knowledge in Sociology of Education.
  3. Developing research capacity: Methodology and techniques in Sociology of Education.
  4. Academic engagement: High level of academic engagement and intellectual enhancement in the sociology of education.
  5. Survey of current thinking: Understanding of research methods in Sociology of Education and their application in educational settings.
  6. Research projects: Ability to conduct and report on research under supervision.

The qualification meets national requirements for NQF Level 8, providing knowledge and skills in Sociology of Education and education in general. It aims to deepen learners' knowledge in the field and develop their research capacity.

Rationale

South Africa and the Southern African region require highly qualified educators in essential and higher education sectors. The qualification addresses this need by:

  • Developing learners' research knowledge and skills in sociology of education.
  • Equipping learners to tackle socio-cultural and socio-economic challenges in education and society.
  • Facilitating further studies at the Master's and doctoral levels to enhance research capacity in higher education.
  • Allowing graduates to contribute to education as educators, educational analysts, sociologists, and school managers.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current literature on practices in the field, discipline or practice of sociology of education.
  2. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline or practise### and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.
  3. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
  4. Use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation### and use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice, to communicate with a variety of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
  5. Develop his or her learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development### and can interact effectively within the teaching or professional group as a means of enhancing knowledge.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Identify relevant and appropriate terminologies in sociology of education.
  • Identify the scope of knowledge in sociology of education.
  • Explain the knowledge of current arguments and views on sociology of education.
  • Conceptualize the current literature on the broad field of sociology of education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Critique abstract landscape in the sociology of education to practical settings.
  • Apply specialized knowledge of the sociology of education to different educational settings such as related social challenges that educators and learners face.
  • Justify arguments using specialized knowledge in the field of sociology of education and discussions that provide situations to education stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Identify a research problem and topic in the area of sociology of education.
  • Design a logical research proposal that relates to the application of sociology of education to research problems.
  • Develop related research objectives that utilize knowledge of the sociology of education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Identify characteristics of a suitable interviewing atmosphere and environment within the parameters of sociology of education for use in research.
  • Identify and use research instruments relevant to research in the sociology of education.
  • Explain and justify the methodological approaches on a chosen research project on the sociology of education.
  • Report and explain the research approach or process and findings and disseminate research knowledge in a logically structured manner in a written form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Read research such as journals, e-books, other research findings and present a logical argument from own research for compiling a valid research argument into a mini-dissertation.
  • Communicate research findings into a mini-dissertation using a given format, to nominated examiners in the field of sociology of education.
  • Understand the comments of examiners and satisfactorily correct the mini-dissertation with minimum support from supervisors.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning, improving the quality of teaching and learning and providing just and accurate analysis of the learner's achievements.
  • Formative coursework assessment includes tests, assignments, group presentations, and individual research projects leading to a mini-dissertation.
  • Research projects will be internally and externally assessed by approved academic experts with at least a Master's Degree in the field.
  • Formative and summative assessments are used to provide feedback on understanding, inform teaching objectives, and determine final module marks in accordance with the University's policy.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Venda
Description
The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is a comprehensive university located in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Established in 1982, it is one of the newer universities in the country. UNIVEN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, education, health sciences, agriculture, and management sciences. The university is committed to providing quality education, research, and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the region. UNIVEN also promotes inclusivity and diversity, striving to create an environment that fosters personal and intellectual growth for its students.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.