Undergraduate & honours qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Qualification code: 90186
NQF level: 7
Total credits: 360
SAQA ID: 120077
APS/AS: 20
Rules:
This qualification consists of 29 modules. Students should note that during the course of their studies they would be required to have access to a computer or laptop, printer and the internet. Some of the pre-requisites and/ or co-requisites outlined in this qualification may not apply as they do not form part of the curriculum.
Purpose statement:
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides a depth of knowledge of communication to enable learners to apply their learning in the contexts of a decolonising Africa and its communication industries, as well as of the fragmentation, convergence, transformation, and disruption of communications. The qualification contains universal principles, quality academic and career-focused learning, and theory, as well as research opportunities to prepare learners for employment. The qualification incorporates a creative, critical, problem-posing approach to communication that embraces multiple perspectives of communication, its historical development and context, and personal, community, industrial and professional manifestations. Qualifying learners will develop analytical, interpretative, and argumentative skills which will empower them to critique the received knowledge of the discipline and its manifestations in African society and to formulate and maintain coherent positions on the relationship between communication and its social structures, justice, economic contexts, ethics, and the moral sphere. This qualification allows for the development of various competencies and capabilities in the digital age as qualifying learners must engage with emerging technologies in the analysis and application of communication. Computer and communication technologies necessitate digital practices because the semiotic practices of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are constantly adapted to represent the experiences of the global village through the integration of multi-modalities with multiple media and contexts. Content is re-created through the integration of digital technology and related skills. Learners must demonstrate the application of appropriate technologies to communicate effectively using different media, and critically reflect upon, and understand operations of the changing media environment, media products and media consumption by audiences. The completed qualification provides an opportunity for career advancement across the spectrum of media and the discipline, as well as for further studies in the disciplines of communication.
This qualification will be presented using both online and distance learning modes.

Who can register?

  • Applicants (new applicants & Unisa students who applied for admission to a new qualification) may only register if they have received an offer of placement from Unisa and have accepted the offer online. Unisa reserves the right to not process and / or to cancel your registration if it is found that you were incorrectly admitted to a qualification. 
  • Re-registering students may register for the 2024 academic year once the registration period opens.

Please note: Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply online for the alternative qualification during the prescribed application period.


How to choose your modules

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that you need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a certain amount of time in order to graduate.

  • Co-requisite: Module A is a co-requisite for Module B. You want to register for Module B, but have not yet passed Module A. You must then register for both Modules A and B simultaneously. You may NOT cancel your registration for Module A unless Module B is also cancelled.

  • Pre-requisite: If Module A is a pre-requisite for Module B, you must pass Module A before you may register for Module B.

You may not register for more than the allowed maximum number of credits / modules per academic year and / or semester: 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year.

The maximum number of credits do not include supplementary and / or aegrotat examinations from a previous semester. Modules taken for non-degree / non-diploma purposes also count towards the maximum number of credits allowed.

You must take your available time into consideration when choosing your modules, as this will impact your academic performance. You need approximately

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

Click here for more information on managing your studies.

Curriculum for this qualification

While you are deciding on the modules for which you will be registering, write down the module names and codes so that you have something to refer to when completing your registration.

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)

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