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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences In Environmental Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96777  Master of Health Sciences In Environmental Health 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The qualification was conceptualised in order to create progression for learners in the Bachelor of Science Environmental Health (National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Level 8) qualification, related Environmental Health qualifications including learners from related scientific fields and related health professions. The qualification will contribute to knowledge generation, social and technological innovations in science, health and related disciplines. It is envisaged that this qualification will address the demands of appropriately qualified researchers and educators in various scientific and health related disciplines. The qualifying learner will be able to conduct research independently with minimal guidance in the selected field, contribute to creation of knowledge and qualify to register for a Doctoral Degree in Environmental Health. The qualification will equip the learners with skills that can be used to advance disciplinary knowledge, collaborative research and specialised employment in various scientific fields, higher education and Environmental Health. The qualification is offered on full-time or part-time basis.

Rationale:
The qualification is intended for those who seek progression from a Baccalaureus Technologiae Degree, Honours Degree or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma within Environmental Health or related scientific disciplines. The qualification contributes to the existing body of knowledge within the disciplines of Environmental Health and related scientific disciplines. The qualification will equip the learners with skills that can be used to advance disciplinary knowledge, collaborative research and specialised employment in various scientific fields, higher education and Environmental Health.

The research problem, rationale, methodology and conclusions are reported in dissertation format which complies with the commonly accepted norms for research at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9. The learner is expected to demonstrate acquisition of specialist knowledge that facilitates engagement and critique of existing research or practices within the discipline and related fields in order to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in sciences. The learner is also expected to be well vested in disciplinary literacies by demonstrating the ability to evaluate existing processes of knowledge production and select appropriate methodologies for the area of study. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • The institutional RPL policy applied to widen access for potential learners with work experience within the sphere of Environmental Health and related disciplines.

    Entry Requirements.
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in a cognate field, Level 8.
  • Bachelor in Health Sciences, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation: 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Evaluate existing processes of knowledge production; integrate new and existing knowledge; select appropriate methodologies for the area of study and present research outcomes to disciplinary audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A comprehensive literature base is critically analysed and evaluated to establish recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and used correctly in oral presentations and the dissertation.
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal where the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • The appropriate methods and techniques are selected and applied in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data where appropriate.
  • Experimental research is responsibly and ethically conducted.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • The inferences, interpretation and conclusions based on critical review of evidence from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
  • Information sources are used correctly and appropriately.
  • Information technology is applied effectively in the production of the dissertation/research report.
  • Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, methodology used, findings, and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment.
    Summative assessment:
  • Dissertation assessed by internal and external assessors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the following international countries:
  • United State of America, Institution: California Safe University, Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health.
  • United State of America, Institution: University of Findlay, Master of Science in Environmental, Safety and Health Management.
  • Kenya, Kenyatta University, Qualification Title: Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health.
  • Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Master of Public Health in Environmental Health. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health, Level 10 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.