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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109861  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
73798  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography  Level 7  NQF Level 08  150  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to recognise advanced literature, theories, and concepts in Geography, to competently operate advanced computer analytical software, and to reflect upon application of concepts in the field of Geography and the environment.

Rationale:
The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Geography to prepare the learners for research based postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Geography and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Geography. It also demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the University of Johannesburg(UJ) RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at UJ.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Geography at Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling at 140 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 140 Credits:
  • Advanced Field Mapping, 13 Credits.
  • Mining Geology, 13 Credits.
  • Geology Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Sedimentary Basin Analysis and Paleontology, 13 Credits.
  • Tectonic Evolution of Mountain Building Areas, 13 Credits.
  • Geochemistry f Igneous Rocks, 13 Credits.
  • Chemical Thermodynamics and Metamorphic Rocks, 13 Credits.
  • Applied and Environmental Mineralogy, 13 Credits.
  • Economic Geology and Exploration Management, 19 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
    2. Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.
    3. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
    4. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
    5. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Geography.
    6. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
    7. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Geography.
    8. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
    9. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Biochemistry and make research methodologies and methods or techniques to research problem/s in Geography.
    10. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Geography. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criterion highlighted below will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Identify high-level environmental changes, critical evaluations of trends and problem solving of negative trends, such as Karoo spreading, alien plant infiltration, poisonous plants, population migration, urbanisation, etc. depending on the chosen specialisation field and suggest solutions to above.
  • Contribute as a member of a multidisciplinary team to environmental issues.
  • Make recommendations on the improvement of incorrect utilisation, over-utilisation, and unplanned development thereof.
  • Take initiative in gathering, analysing, and organising data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment, e.g. gathering soil samples, establishing plant or animal populations, collecting water samples, conducting surveys on human aspects, correlation of data sets, and present it in the format of a completed research report.
  • Communicate research by oral and written presentation.
  • Apply field and analytical tools (maps, Geographic Information System(GIS), air photo`s, soil augers, etc.) used in the investigation of responsible utilisation of the environment by mankind.
  • Explain the Degree of variation in the link of variables from the human and physical environments.
  • Extract important ideas in order to be able to summarise, to logically order ideas, to summarise results or deductions. To be able to do literature research, evaluate it, and correctly refer to formulation of an independent point of view.
  • Use and manage the biosphere as a responsible citizen and to invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.
  • Prove to and convince stakeholders of the importance of the environment for man`s existence on earth and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment with a constantly changing world (city environment, agricultural environment, mining environment, etc.) and other less changing environments (nature reserves, deserts, etc.).
  • Identify and apply for Career opportunities in the environmental field.
  • Identify new and individual knowledge and technologies and to consult these applications in the environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practical and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practical and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Geology will be used. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Geography) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of admission requirements and duration of the qualification. The qualification differs in terms of credit weighting and maximum study period.

    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Geography) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of the qualification purpose, duration of study, entry requirements and credit weighting. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Geography, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Geology.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology, National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.