| Qualification code: | 90186 |
| NQF level: | 7 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 120077 |
| APS/AS: | 20 |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| This qualification will be presented using both online and distance learning modes. | |
Please note: Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply online for the alternative qualification during the prescribed application period.
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.
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
Click here for more information on managing your studies.
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)
| Module (Please click on the module to see further information) | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Group A. Core Modules | |
| COM1511 - Principles of Decolonial Communication | |
| COM1512 - Disruption and Communication | |
| COM1513 - Communication in the context of the organisation | |
| COM1514 - Fundamentals of Decolonising Media | |
| Group B. Fundamental Modules (Compulsory) | |
| AFL1501 - Language Through an African Lens | |
| CML1501 - Communication Law | |
| ENG1511 - English Proficiency for University Studies | |
| EUP1501 - Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions | |
| PLS1502 - Introduction to African Philosophy | |
| Group C. Electives (Select ONE) | |
| ILW1501 - Introduction to Law | |
| MNB1501 - Business Management IA | |
| PLS1501 - Introduction to Western Philosophy | |
| Module (Please click on the module to see further information) | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Group A. Core Modules | |
| COM2611 - Applied Organisational Communication (Offered from 2025) | |
| COM2612 - Brand Communication (Offered from 2025) | |
| COM2613 - Communication Campaigns (Offered from 2025) | |
| COM2614 - Decolonising Communication Studies (Offered from 2025) | |
| COM2615 - Media Audiences (Offered from 2025) | |
| COM2616 - Media Content (Offered from 2025) | |
| Group B. Fundamental Modules (Compulsory) | |
| PLS2601 - Critical Reasoning | |
| RSC2601 - Research in Social Sciences | |
| TEX2601 - Writing Skills for the Communication Industry | Recommendation:AFK1502 (for students who major in Afrikaans) |
| Group C. Electives (Select ONE) | |
| DVA2602 - Community Development and the Basic Needs Approach | |
| FUR2601 - Fundamental Rights | Pre-requisite:ILW1501 & PLS1502 |
| PLS2602 - African Ethics and Politics | |
ARH3703 pre-requisite is ARH1501, however, this module is not part of the curriculum.
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| Module (Please click on the module to see further information) | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Group A. Core Modules | |
| COM3711 - Communication for Social Change: Health, development and intercultural perspectives (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3712 - Communication Policy (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3713 - Critical Organisational Communication (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3714 - Decolonising Communication Research (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3715 - Global Communication (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3716 - Media Industries and Institutional Culture (Offered from 2026) | |
| COM3717 - Political and Government Communication (Offered from 2026) | |
| Group B. Fundamental Modules (Compulsory) | |
| ARH3703 - Visual Culture II | Pre-requisite:ARH1501 |
| TEX3701 - Persuasive Texts | |