SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100826	Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Life Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
72762	Bachelor of Science Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	128	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this honours qualification in Geography is: to equip a student with scientific knowledge and expertise at the forefront of the field, that will enable innovative problem-solving from a value-driven perspective, continued personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity and rewarding contributions to the community. Students will furthermore be able to demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of various research methods, methodologies and skills and have the ability to select, apply and transfer appropriate procedures, processes and techniques to solve unfamiliar and often abstract problems. Concerning information, the students will have the ability to critically review the information gathering process and to synthesise data and develop creative responses to problems and issues. Thus, the programme will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional natural scientist in the work environment. The third purpose of the qualification is to stimulate and prepare students for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as researchers on a high academic level. Most South African Universities insist on a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours level qualification as the minimum entry level for further postgraduate study. Accordingly, the programme must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as development of the requirements of research in the field of Environmental Science and Geography.

Rationale:
It is widely accepted that South Africa suffers a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking natural scientists, which are capable of independent, high quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences who have the necessary research skills and tools to undertake advanced research in the field of Geography under the guidance of an expert. These young scientists will ensure the broadening of the local leadership base for innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity. The second rationale of this qualification is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in the field of Geography to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Geography, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the honours degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the University and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a BSc or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Geography at the institution or other equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view the RPL constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

Bachelor of Science with Geography passed at Level 7 with at least 60%.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 32 Credits:

Research Project, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8: 96 Credits (Choose 4 modules):

Environment Problems and Man in Africa, 24 Credits.

Techniques and Methods in Geography, 24 Credits.

Select Fields in Physical Geography, 24 Credits.

Application in Geographic Information Systems, 24 Credits.

Rural Geography, 24 Credits.

Geography, Ideas and Methods, 24 Credits.

Selected Fields in Human Geography, 24 Credits.

Technical Issues in Geography Information, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge of and engagement in Geography and understand the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to this field of study as well as be able to apply this knowledge to research in the forefront of Geography.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Geography and as an individual and/or in teams evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production and integration.
3. Demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to this field of study.
4. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
5. Produce and communicate information by effectively presenting and communicating academic and professional or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, meaningful interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to geography and environmental science.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of natural sciences in society, appreciate the fundamentals of lifelong learning and understand both the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.

Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable students to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective.

Formative Assessment:

Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.

Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and exit level outcomes.

Summative Assessment:

Written exam papers and oral presentations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification compares favourably with other similar BSc qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.

An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Geography.

Master of Science in Environmental Science.

Master of Science in Land Management.

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.	North West University