| Qualification code: | 90186 |
| NQF level: | 7 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 120077 |
| APS/AS: | 20 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
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.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning.
Applicants, who do not comply with the above requirements, can consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Students can choose any of the available vocational Higher Certificates at Unisa that are available (Archives and Records Management and Social Auxiliary Work). Students are also referred to the Higher Certificate in ABET because it falls within the broad field of Human and Social Sciences. Students with diploma exemption can register for the Diploma in Public Relations.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant work experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.