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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography and Environmental Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110885  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography and Environmental Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 the qualification is to produce Honours graduates who are competent in performing at a complex level in the Geography and Environmental Management field. These achieving learners should be able to engage critically in current in-depth debates concerning initiatives on sustainable development and environmental management strategies in particular and geographic debates generally, and are competent in undertaking social impact assessments concerning relevant resource utilisation. They should be able to engage critically in specific environmental strategies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

A learner who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A learner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree, Level 7 with a major in Geography. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits:
  • Concepts and Methods in Geography, 16 Credits.
  • Geographical Sciences research Project, 48 Credits.
  • Contemporary Environmental Issues, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 48 Credits (Choose three):
  • Rural Development and Land Reform, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Tourism Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Natural Resources and sustainable Land Use, 16 Credits.
  • Analytical Geographic Information System (GIS) and Advanced Spatial Modelling, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of the qualification the learner will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate extensive and systematic knowledge of the complex environmental management challenges facing the South African community with reference to the development and resource utilisation strategies.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical, in-depth understanding of the principles and theories relevant to Geography and Environmental Management contexts for individuals and communities.
    3. Carry out a research project in the field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate in-depth skills to undertake literature searches in obtaining relevant information in order to identify complex, practice orientated solutions in Environmental Management; analyse and interpret these and reach conclusions through practical recommendations; and to communicate these competently in writing by means of Information Technology and verbally to both laymen and professional audiences.
  • Evaluate and document suggested interventions from a responsible and ethical framework.
  • Engage critically in current in-depth debates concerning initiatives on sustainable development and environmental management strategies in particular and geographic debates generally.
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge and understanding of the content of the fields which constitute the field.
  • Communicate knowledge and research findings to peers and lay audiences in a competent, ethical and professional manner.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will be assessed through an integrated individual written assignment or test, in addition to a range of written, group and individual class assignments in order to give learners the opportunities to demonstrate a variety of competencies. The course work component counts 50% and the summative assessment in the form of the 3-hour examination accounts for the other 50%.
    It is through the assignments (which cover the spectrum from literature-based to case-study based), learners are expected to demonstrate their integrated knowledge and understanding of the content of the fields which constitute the qualification; show an understanding of the methods and procedures of enquiry required to adequately and competently solve pertinent problems to gain evidence-based solutions, notwithstanding a context of theory-driven arguments. Learners are required to demonstrate that they can communicate their knowledge and findings to peers and lay audiences in a competent, ethical and professional manner. Assessment methods include group and class assignments, tests and examinations, a dissertation, integrated written and/or oral presentation of assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Environmental Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Analysis and Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Management, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.