SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115643  Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 the Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management is to provide learners with advanced learning in the field of environmental management. The aim is to develop the learners' research capacity and intellectual and practical skills to invoke responsibility amongst the general community to address environmental issues of the day. The qualification design focuses on applicable environmental legislation, environmental management procedures and solutions to eventually be able to apply new and individual knowledge and technologies in the field of environmental management.

Rationale:
The need for this qualification stems from the increased demand for environmental managers in the constantly changing modern world. Stakeholders are needed not only to be at the forefront of relevant research, but also to apply the environmental policy framework to ensure a healthy environment for human existence.

To create an acceptable living environment within the framework of sustainability Environmental Managers must be prepared for the future and should be equipped with relevant the knowledge and skills to acquire, analyse, interpret environmental issues and providing solutions. This qualification is designed for either employment in the field or related fields or for further research towards doctoral studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value and will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. The institution manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purpose of these qualifications:
  • Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the institution.
  • RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:
    > is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution.
    > is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.
    > takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.
    > is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the institution.

    Entry Requirement:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Master of Philosophy is a research-based qualification culminating in the submission of a 180 credit, NQF Level 9 dissertation.

    Compulsory module, Level 9:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Take lead of a multidisciplinary team of environmental scientists.
    2. Produce a Master's dissertation.
    3. Consult in the focused field of Environmental Management based on new knowledge and technologies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Present disciplinary knowledge to the wider employment market.
  • Explain the degree of variation in the environmental variables from the human and physical realms in the field of Environmental Management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Independently gather, analyse, and organise environmentally related data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment. Present it in the format of a completed research dissertation.
  • Prove proficiency in socio-legal research and writing skills.
  • Communicate-verbally and orally-with professional constituencies.
  • Appreciate values underlying professional and ethical conduct.
  • Make specific recommendations on proper environmental management procedures and solutions.
  • Communicate research by oral and written presentation, and scientifically present results.
  • Extract specific ideas and integrate with own research results.
  • Formulate and defend an independent point of view.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and clearly communicate career opportunities in the field of Environmental Management.
  • Display critical thinking in problem-solving skills.
  • Develop analytical tools used in environmental management.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
    Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations; progress reports.

    Summative Assessment:
    Submission of the dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country 1: Unites States of America.
    Name of Institution: University of Reading.
    Name of Qualification: MSc Environmental Management.

    Content:
    The qualification has three pathways: Contaminated and Urban Environments, the Changing Environment Agriculture.

    Synopsis:
    This qualification loosely resembles the institution's, the focus on the three pathways each has minor overlap specifically related to the management aspects of the environment.

    Country 2: Unites States of America.
    Name of Institution: Open University.
    Name of Qualification: MSc Environmental Management.

    Content:
    The qualification is designed to expand knowledge of environmental management and develop the skills to participate in more effective, informed and creative environmental decision making. It examines current concerns of environmental protection, natural resource management and rapidly changing environmental legislation and policy, in local and global contexts. It also develops the skills needed to unpack the issues and participate creatively in the process of improving environmental performance in all sectors of society.

    Synopsis:
    Like the institution's qualification, this qualification prepares learners for career opportunities in the field of Environmental Management and develop the learners' critical thinking skills to solve environmental problems. It further develops the learners' research capabilities on a high level.

    Country 3: England.
    Name of Institution: University of the West of England.
    Name of Qualification: MSc Environmental Management.

    Content:
    The qualification provides skill sets and expertise in managing water, air, carbon and energy, alongside a grounding in environmental assessment, sustainable development and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that will enhance the applicability of knowledge. Learners are well prepared for environmental management careers.

    Synopsis:
    The fact that this qualification provides a practical environmental project well as a dissertation is commendable. At the institution, this will rather be added to the coursework qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

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

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management, Level 10. 
    		•

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.