Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts

Qualification Stream

• Communication Science and Public Administration

Qualification Code

• 99311 - CPA

NQF Level

• 7

Total Credits

• 360

SAQA ID

• 14352

APS/AS

• 20

Rules

This qualification consists of 30 modules. Students are required to have access to a computer or laptop, a printer, and the internet throughout their studies.

Purpose Statement

The program aims to:

• Familiarize learners with the foundational content and theories of various disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.
• Provide an in-depth understanding of one or more disciplines at the exit level (level 6).
• Equip learners with skills to apply new knowledge and address problems using appropriate methodologies.
• Develop critical scholarly competencies, enabling students to question established theories and opinions.
• Prepare learners for further education and careers across a variety of disciplines essential for societal welfare.
• Foster lateral, critical, and creative thinking among students.
• Promote lifelong learning and critical citizenship.

The qualification is offered through both online and distance learning modalities and is available until 2028 exclusively for students who were previously registered.

Who Can Register

• Applicants: New applicants and Unisa students who have received and accepted an offer of placement can register. Unisa reserves the right to deny or cancel registration if the offer was not valid.
• Re-registering Students: May register for the 2026 academic year once the registration period opens. Students wishing to start a new qualification must apply online during the application period.

Module Selection Guidelines

When selecting modules, students must be mindful of the required credits to graduate:

• Co-requisite: If module A is co-requisite for module B, both must be registered simultaneously.
• Pre-requisite: Module A must be passed before registering for module B.

Students cannot exceed the maximum limit of credits/modules:

• 60 credits per semester
• 120 credits per academic year

This maximum does not include supplementary or aegrotat exams from previous semesters. Modules taken for non-degree purposes count towards this limit.

Time Commitment Recommendations:

• Approximately 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules.
• Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules.

Curriculum for this Qualification

Module Groups

Group A: Compulsory Modules

• COM1501 - Fundamentals of Communication
• COM1502 - Communication Contexts and Applications

Group AA: Compulsory Modules

• PUB1501 - The Nature, Content and Scope of Public Administration
• PUB1601 - The Structuring and Functioning of Public Services
  • Co-requisite: PUB1501

Group B: Fundamentals (Select 2 Modules)

• AFC1501 - Isandulelo kwizifundo ngezindlela zokucwaninga ulwazi lwaseThebes/Afrika (offered to Nguni speaking students only)
• AFL1501 - Language Through an African Lens
• ENG1503 - Academic Language and Literacy in English

Group C: Electives (Select 2 Modules)

• AFK1501 - Voetspore: Op reis deur die Afrikaanse Letterkunde
• AFK1502 - Inleiding tot teksontwerp in Afrikaans
• AFK1503 - Afrikaans Vandag: Taalkunde en skriftelike kommunikasie
• AFL1502 - African Language and Culture in Practice
• AGE1501 - Introduction to Archaeology
• ... (additional modules continue as listed above)

Examination Timetable

• Transitional arrangements and examination schedules will be provided in due course.