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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98830  Master of Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu University of Technology 
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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to develop the knowledge and skills in strategic management and relevant research of Nature Conservators.

Learners will be able to:
  • Understand the importance of planning, policy and legislation in the conservation of natural resources.
  • Apply knowledge of ecology in natural resource management.
  • Understand climate change and the approaches being used to address climate change and its impacts.
  • Identify, plan, conduct interpret and present an applied research project.

    Rationale:
    The Professional Masters in Nature Conservation will equip learners with the academic ability to apply scientific methods in supervised research and/or problem solving and the communication and/or effective implementation of investigative research findings. It focuses on strategic level management, advanced research methods and significant relevant research. The qualification is aimed at generating new knowledge within the industry and developing a career path for graduates. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be used for access into this qualification. The qualification will not be awarded in whole via the RPL route. The assessment of an applicant's previous non-formal, informal learning and experience will be assessed to determine the extent to which this meets the required exit level outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a master's level study will be applied. The relevance, depth and extent of an applicant's prior learning will be evaluated by a panel of peers and educators, as per the institution's RPL Policy.

    Learners will need to provide a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the competencies they have acquired.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirements are:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Nature Conservation at NQF Level 8..
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science at NQF Level 8 with 480 Credit. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 140 Credits:
  • Research Dissertation, 60 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems Applications for Natural Resources, 20 Credits.
  • Nature Conservation Planning, Policy and Law, 20 Credits.
  • Ecology and Management of Natural Resources, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Management for Environmental Conservation, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Select two):
  • Environmental and Resource Economics, 20 Credits.
  • Ecological Sampling Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Analysis and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Climate Change Policy and Planning, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the importance of planning, policy and legislation in the conservation of natural resources.
    2. Apply knowledge of ecology in natural resource management.
    3. Understand the importance of economics in natural resource management.
    4. Understand climate change and the approaches being used to address climate change and its impacts.
    5. Identify, plan, conduct interpret and present an applied research project. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge of the legislative framework of management of biodiversity in South Africa is acquired.
  • The concept of systemic conservation planning is understood and applied.
  • The core components of protected area management are incorporated into management plans and policies.
  • An understanding of the role played by International Conventions and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in planning the conservation of natural resources is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An advanced knowledge of the Science of Ecology is displayed applied.
  • The importance of the integration of ecological principles with natural resource management is explained.
  • An advanced knowledge of the management of natural resources is displayed and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Economic concepts behind natural resource management and policy are discussed.
  • Basic techniques of non-market valuation are critically analysed and applied in a variety of resource management contexts.
  • The concept of economics of ecosystem goods and services and its growing importance in resource management decisions is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The complexity of climate change and its impacts from a policy and planning perspective is discussed.
  • Approaches taken by individual governments and inter-governmental institutions in the field of climate change are critically analysed.
  • The diverse drivers of climate change policy at the national level are appreciated.
  • The design, potential and limitations of policies in the spheres of climate change mitigation and adaptation are analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Information relevant to a field of enquiry in natural resource management is gathered.
  • Mastery of the skills needed to critically assess scientific literature is displayed.
  • An ability to identify, assess and manage the ethical implications of a research project within the regulatory framework of the field of natural resource management is reflected.
  • Scientific results are organised and presented orally and in writing in a professional manner.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Formative assessment:
  • Assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Practical tests.
  • Mini projects.
  • Research project.
  • Reports.
  • Oral evaluation.
  • Presentations.

    Summative assessment:
  • Written examinations.
  • Practical examinations.
  • A portfolio of work is compiled and assessed.
  • Portfolio records are kept as per requirements.

    Portfolio assessment:
    Seminars, based on current research, will be completed and presented on at least three different production areas.

    Formative assessment for the research component will be in the form of progress reports to the study leader and the panel.

    Summative assessment will be in the form of a mini-dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Professional Masters qualification is a new dispensation on the NQF created in 2014, and a comparability could only be done with international institutions offering similar qualifications. The Yale Masters in Environmental Management with a specialisation in Ecosystem Conservation and Management, Adelaide University (Australia) Master of Environmental Policy and Management (Applied), Master of Environmental Sciences at UNE, and the University of Western Australia's Master of Environmental Science will be used during the curriculation process to compare the qualification.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares very well with the qualifications cited above in terms of purpose. They are all designed to equip the learner with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of environmental policy, planning and governance. Learners also undertake an independent research study which culminates in a mini-dissertation. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Systemic articulation is only possible both horizontally and vertically with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided learners meet the minimum admission requirements. The possibilities are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Conservation Biology, at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Grassland Science, at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Mangosuthu University of Technology 


    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.