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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

This qualification includes specialisations in Information Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The primary purposes of the qualification are as follows:

Graduate-level Knowledge and Skills: To provide qualifiers with advanced knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in various fields such as Culture and Arts, Communication Studies and Language, Human and Social Studies and Services. This will enable individuals to experience personal intellectual growth, engage in economic activities, and make valuable contributions to society.
Local Leadership Base Development: To produce a substantial number of graduates in different information sciences, thereby expanding the local leadership base for innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activities in South Africa.
Information Specialists Cadre: To equip South Africa with a group of information specialists across various domains of information sciences. These specialists will be knowledgeable in designing information systems, managing information resources, understanding value-adding processes of information products and services, and engaging in infopreneurship. They will continuously update their understanding of the advancements in information sciences, laying the groundwork for further postgraduate education.

Each package within this programme serves additional specific purposes, which can be referred to for detailed information.

Outcomes

The learner will obtain knowledge of content and insight pertaining to the related factual knowledge, concepts and theories.

The learner will acquire skills and proficiencies equipping him/her to: identify and solve problems related to the communication and information studies, and people/human-centred development### co-operate with others in achieving and/or creating specific end products related to the information sciences organise and manage his or her learning process and applied skills deal with information, communication, the application of science and technology develop a holistic world view.

The learner will develop appropriate attitudes, dispositions and/or values concerning various information practices qualifying him/her for a professional career in his/her field of expertise. Critical cross-field outcomes: Critical cross-field outcomes for the programme in information sciences include but are not limited to various competencies and applied competencies such as: identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made concerning solutions for problems related to individuals, groups, families, communities and people with special needs### work intersectorally with other disciplines as a member of a team, group, organisation, community in both the public and private sectors### demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological approach by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context### develop holistic, integrated strategies and programmes for social services founded on the collection, analyses, organising, implementation and critical evaluation of theory, information and processes demonstrate effective utilisation of information science technology for strategies aimed at a service delivery framework organise and manage their work load responsibly and effectively by means of a scheduled programme allowing for a learning environment such as reading scientific journals in the field as well as becoming a member of professional bodies, attending seminars and conferences, doing research and rendering voluntary services to facilitate professional growth and development communicate effectively with people of all target groups, including literate, illiterate, children and the youth, using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion### contribute to the full personal development of each learner regarding strategies for learning, such as furthering of studies for career enhancement, involvement in community life, developing a non-discriminating attitude across a range of social contexts based on the value of social justice and a sensitivity for cultural diversity### also to explore and develop career opportunities such as entrepreneurial initiatives to promote social and economical independence and opportunities for personal development.

Assessment Criteria

The associated assessment criteria are derived directly from the learning outcomes and provide the criteria against which learner performance demonstrating the attainment of learning outcomes can be judged. The assessment criteria involve, at minimum, the use of both norm-based and criteria-based modalities, ensuring reliability through internal and external moderation. The standards and levels of achievement required for "pegging" the qualification at NQF Level 6 are met.

Integrated assessment modalities include:

Portfolios
Simulations
Work-place assessment through practical application
Written examinations
Oral examinations
Other modalities

The modalities for integrated assessment permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence and use a wide range of formative and summative methods set according to specific guidelines for developing particular assessment tasks. This allows assessors to develop formative and summative methods related to credentialing purposes appropriate to contextual and situational readings of candidates presenting themselves for the recognition of learning achievements.

In addition to the above, modalities such as group discussions, presentations, peer group evaluations, observation/experiential learning, and live application of competency in practical settings are also used.

Qualification Details

Type

National First Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

360

SAQA Source

More Information

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