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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101184  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification is designed to introduce students with undergraduate background in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Management, and Geography to the advanced techniques of analyzing and evaluating environmental challenges through advanced courses and research.

Rationale:
Upon completion of the qualification, students should be able to model, describe, analyze, evaluate, and solve different environmental challenges using different techniques and different settings. The students should also be able to conceptualize and design studies in any environmental challenge. The students should be creative and independent thinkers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Learners who already worked in a relevant industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in geography related fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Paper/Dissertation, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced GIS, 24 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Research Methods, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Water Resources Management, 16 Credits.
  • Development, 16 Credits.
  • Population Geography, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Meteorology, 16 Credits.
  • Geomorphology, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural Geography, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Environmental Science, 16 Credits.
  • Settlement Geography, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Model, describe, analyse, evaluate and solve different environmental challenges using different techniques.
    2. Conceptualize and design studies in any environmental challenges.
    3. Be creative and independent thinkers. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is assessed through both course work and research which are internally examined and externally moderated. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The quality of the qualification is comparable with other university comparability qualifications offered both regionally and internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Geography or other related field. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.