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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105471  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Geography 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Environmental Relations 
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 purpose of this qualification is to enable students to describe, analyse and present: the context, the values, the paradigms, required knowledge, and research techniques associated with environmental and social sustainability at a level that will allow them to contribute to the implementation of such projects in the work place given that this is a qualification in Science, greater the emphasis will be placed on the natural environment than on social issues. However, the two aspects cannot be taught in isolation. As such, it:
  • Contributes significantly to the Nelson Mandela University (NMUs) mission-one of the major values espoused by the NMU is Respect for the natural environment. It also contributes to the environmental and social health of the region and the nation.
  • Maintains intellectual credibility by requiring independent learning, the interrogation of a variety of different texts, appropriate discussion, problem solving, writing and presentation. Furthermore, it requires a project report that is a creative solution to a set of problems.
  • Demonstrates coherence in that the different modules are carefully chosen to complement each other. This does not only apply to the balance between theory and research, but the natural and social environments.
  • Provides articulation with a research-based Master of Science (MSc) as well as providing a good foundation for acquiring employment. Over the last three years, students have acquired employment before completing the qualification and it thus meets the needs of the students and other stakeholders.

    Rationale:
    This qualification's rationale is to provide for academic development and articulation and therefore ensuring that students are provided an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the field and develop as specialists. This qualification provides for the initial development of specialist which is crucial to research in the environmental field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Nelson Mandela University (NMU) RPL policy will apply.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission is:
  • A Bachelor of Science Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory module at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level, 8 120 Credits:
  • Issues in Sustainability, 25 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Analytical Perspectives in Human-Environment Interaction, 25 Credits.
  • Quantitative Research Methodologies, 15 Credits.
  • Landscape Function, Degradation and Sustainability, 25 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Collect, organise and critically evaluate information relating to cartography, remote sensing, geographical information systems and spatial and non-spatial data sets, on the basis of the knowledge gained concerning the theory and practice of those and related disciplines.
    2. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking based on training in cartography, remote sensing and geographical information systems, applying relevant research methods, in particular to interpret maps, air photographs and other sources of spatial information.
    3. Develop skills to investigate phenomena related to Geography and demonstrate an understanding of the changing and contested nature of knowledge in spatial science.
    4. Work effectively in various types of groups, collaborating to solve spatial problems and contributing geographical skills to the process.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to read Geographical literature and maps to obtain spatial information and present it through effective oral and written modes of communication in English.
    6. Use appropriate technology responsibly through regulated practice in the laboratories, in particular to produce final maps and analyses of spatial data both manually and computer generated.
    7. Demonstrate the use of geographical principles and concepts and the integration of knowledge from other disciplines, across real-world contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A variety of thinking and learning skills, with emphasis on the application of Geography to real-life situations.
  • Participating in society as responsible geographers.
  • Contextualising spatial issues in a cultural, social and environmental framework.
  • The career opportunities available in the discipline of Geography and its application in the community.
  • Fundamental entrepreneurial skills and the management of people and resources.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The research project by its nature is particularly lends itself to being used for integrated Assessment. All aspects are assessment to ensure that knowledge gained from components of the qualification is appropriately applied, where both formative and summative assessments are utilised. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification, with its focus theoretical and applied aspects related to landscape and sustainability issues, comparable with the Honours Degree in England and the fourth-year of the Bachelor's Degree in the United State of America (US) and Canada. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertical:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A Master's Degree at Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.