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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118649  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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
Registered  SAQA 137/22  2022-02-03  2025-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-03   2029-02-03  

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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies in Geography. Geography as a discipline provides the skills and competencies relevant to solving problems of global and African relevance, such as climate change, environmental degradation, urban deterioration, and poverty. Learners who enter sectors other than academia are equipped with the knowledge and skills base to undertake intellectual engagements to solve world problems. Therefore, the qualification provides learners with a sound understanding of the research process, and with the philosophical foundations necessary to understand how geographical knowledge is created. It also provides an opportunity to carry out geographical research while under supervision. Graduates will be able to apply advanced geographical theories and methodologies to discuss and contribute to the solution of environmental problems of a social, economic, and physical nature.

The qualification will provide learners with sufficient theoretical, analytical, and practical knowledge in the discipline to allow for professional and academic growth in careers such as Environmental Consulting, Meteorology, Conservation, Tourism, City Planning, City/Town Management, and Mapping, and to make a constructive contribution to industry and society at large. The qualification will allow graduates to be employed as consultants or as salaried workers in companies or government. It further aims to equip them to become life-long, independent learners who are capable of undertaking research to make original contributions to the knowledge economy and society, more broadly. Graduates will be able to plan, design and execute geographical research using the relevant methodology and report on the findings and thus contribute to the generation of new knowledge.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Evaluate and apply the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of Geography.
  • Demonstrate critical insight into the nature and causes of change within the human and physical environments and the complexity of the reciprocal relationships between the physical and human environments.
  • Examine critically the significance of spatial and temporal relationships as influences on physical and human environments.
  • Critically appraise the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from the experience of the epistemologies of the natural and social sciences and humanities, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
  • Plan, design and execute geographical research using the relevant methodology and report on the findings and thus contribute to the generation of new knowledge.
  • Demonstrate mastery of techniques and approaches involved in analysing geographic information, including remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, qualitative and quantitative techniques with a critical assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.

    Rationale:
    The qualification focuses on the most pressing social and ecological challenges of this century, including urbanisation, sustainability, environmental management and other limited resources, climate change and the impact of humans on the world. With the world view that is developed in geography, the breadth of content and the development of an extensive range of research skills, Geographers continue to be one of the most sought-after graduates across a vast range of employment sectors.

    The international and national legislation such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Plan (NDP) resonate strongly within the mandate of this qualification. The increasing awareness of social and environmental sustainability is key to achieving more sustainable economies and geographers are equipped with the necessary skills to infuse more sustainable practices to ensure a more sustainable economy in the future. Therefore, the qualification will help the learners to find appropriate solutions to a range of current challenges experienced in the South African context and to provide inputs towards the transformation to sustainability.

    The modules have been chosen to meet the needs of the sector and include training in research, important geographic techniques, and contemporary issues in human and physical geography. Learners will fall into one of three major groups, being those who wish to deepen their geographical knowledge and skills for employment, those who wish to enter postgraduate research in geography, and those who wish to become academics.

    Successful graduates can enter the growing areas of employment related to the environment in the public and private sector as well as academia and secondary school teaching. Qualifying learners can be employed in diverse range of professional fields as follows:
  • Cartographer
  • Climatologist
  • Conservation officer
  • Consultant
  • Demographer
  • Economic development officer
  • GIS specialist
  • Hydrographer
  • Researcher
  • Urban planner
  • Remote-sensing analyst
  • Teacher
  • Transportation manager
  • Water resources specialist

    The qualification will contribute to a wide and diverse range of fields including for National and Provincial Government, Environmental Consulting, Protected Areas Management, Soil analysis, Water management Tourism, City Planning, City/Town Management, and Mapping.

    The qualification serves as the bridge to further postgraduate research-based studies, and it is expected that many learners will progress to Master's studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges and issues in society, with an emphasis on those relevant to the local context. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Geography, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Geography, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7 with Geography as a major
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Research Paper, 30 Credits.
  • Philosophy of Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits (Select four modules from the following):
  • Advanced Remote Sensing, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Climatology and Meteorology, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Environmental Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Urban Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies of Human-Environment Interactions, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies of Environmental Systems, Processes and Landscapes in southern Africa, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced and current understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of Geography.
    2. Demonstrate critical insight into the nature and causes of change within the human and physical environments and the complexity of the reciprocal relationships between the physical and human environments.
    3. Demonstrate critical insight into the significance of spatial and temporal relationships as influences on physical and human environments.
    4. Critically appraise the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from the experience of the epistemologies of the natural and social sciences and humanities, including IKS.
    5. Critically appraise and reflect on the use of the diversity of techniques and approaches involved in collecting geographical information including instrumentation, remote sensing, cartographic surveying, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), social survey, observation, and the use of textual and archival approaches.
    6. Demonstrate mastery of techniques and approaches involved in analysing geographic information, including remote sensing, GIS techniques, qualitative and quantitative techniques with a critical assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
    7. Critically appraise and reflect on the application of quantitative and qualitative approaches for analysis of geographic data including competence in the application of a range of these approaches
    8. Undertake independent and original research in Geography starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
    9. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in geography and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context. Take decisions and act ethically with integrity and accountability for their work, decisions, and actions.
    10. Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex geographical problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and prepare a logical response or a solution for the problem.
    11. Communicate and share the conclusions and views, and the geographical knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio-visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
    12. Apply the knowledge and understanding of geographical principles, practices and methodologies, and problem-solving abilities in complex urban and natural environmental systems and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, accommodate multiple views of reality, and manage creative tension.
    13. Undertake highly autonomous and well-organised learning and time management to achieve consistent proficiency and sustained achievement.
    14. Work in a group as a member or leader and take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, that of fellow learners, as well as accountability for her/his own actions and where necessary, those of fellow learners. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically review and apply relevant theories, principles, procedures and practices, research methodologies, methods and techniques in Geography to support the development of convincing arguments and positions in assignments, research reports and examinations.
  • Evaluate and apply the theories, principles, procedures and practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques in selected sub-fields of geography in assignments, research reports and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the nature and causes of change in physical and human environments with reference to current literature and examples.
  • Evaluate the complex relationships between the human and physical environments using appropriate examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate a detailed appreciation of spatial variation and change in written and oral submissions.
  • Demonstrate a detailed understanding of temporal variation and change in written and oral submissions.
  • Explore the importance of spatial and temporal scale for natural and human processes and their interaction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of relevant philosophies and research paradigms.
  • Evaluate perspectives from different disciplines and IKS and manage creative tensions such that multiple voices are heard.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct and implement Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
  • Interpret correctly the outputs of the methods used.
  • Identify and describe inherent weaknesses of an applied or recommended method.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Select and correctly apply appropriate remote sensing techniques in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Examine and apply appropriate GIS techniques in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Justify in familiar and unfamiliar examples, a range of approaches to data analysis an appropriate method recommended.
  • Correctly apply qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Use software to undertake routine and more complex statistical tests.
  • Correctly interpret the output of statistical tests.
  • Correctly report statistical results in writing and illustrate in tables and figures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Undertake independent geographical research in the research module. The research report will demonstrate the following outcomes:
  • Decide and clearly present the project question and scope.
  • Conduct the literature review to support the project, use a range of information sources and critically evaluate each source.
  • Allocate timeframes and budget, goals, targets, and indicators to the project plan.
  • Identify appropriate methods, including statistical methods, where a range of methods, and evaluate the appropriate chosen ones.
  • Consider ethical issues and apply for approval if necessary.
  • Collect, collate, and analyse data successfully.
  • Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
  • Ability to formulate recommendations and justify the data.
  • Compile and present the research report in a format appropriate for the discipline and demonstrate no plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify ethical issues in Geography and indicate how best to address them in assignments, the research paper, and all other assignments.
  • The views of multiple stakeholders are actively sought, and different views are accommodated in all activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Critically evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources is accessed, in the research paper and all assignments.
  • Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of specialisation.
  • Manage contradictory information, examine alternative viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.
  • Include a critical assessment of the validity of the source in the published reference work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Communicate results from the research project to both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Present oral arguments in a convincing manner.
  • Communicate clearly complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
  • Complete clearly engaging presentations within the given time.
  • Apply appropriate language in the research paper and present all assignments in the approved style and adhere to norms for academic scientific writing.
  • Apply accurately and consistently a standard referencing style in the research paper.
  • Present written arguments in a convincing manner.
  • Present clearly statistical results in the research paper.
  • Ability to paraphrase and include no plagiarism in all assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Analyse and apply the systems thinking approach to understand the issue at hand and to develop possible solutions.
  • Critically apply the systems framework to conceptualise patterns, processes, interactions and change in the physical world.
  • Analyse and apply the complex, multidisciplinary nature of geographical systems in all written and oral presentations.
  • Manage the multiple, conflicting viewpoints and creative tension and incorporate them in written and oral work.
  • Identify, analyse, and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
  • Use the knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Ability to submit all assignments on time.
  • Conduct positive and constructive reflection on the research journal learning process.
  • Provide feedback and successfully incorporate it into iterative drafts of work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Ability to assume and execute responsibilities within the group.
  • Successfully plan, execute, and complete group assignments and research.
  • Ability to submit all group work on time. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparisons have been made with equivalent qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada where the Bachelor's Honours degree is a widely offered qualification. Reference has been made to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and the Subject Benchmark Statement for Geography.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: Plymouth University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (B Sc) Honours (Hons) in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
    Qualification structure:
  • The final year of the degree, which is equivalent to the Honours year, includes a compulsory dissertation and then several optional modules which include a mix of human and physical geography.
  • The modules include sustainable cities, living landscapes and spatial analytics and in this way the structure is similar to the proposed qualification.
  • This qualification was chosen as it is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Liverpool University
    Qualification Title: BSc Honours in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
    Qualification structure:
  • The institution offers a three-year qualification, and the final year is compared with the South African qualification.
  • All learners complete a compulsory Geography dissertation and then select several theory options from a range that includes:
  • Human geography building better worlds.
  • Human environmental interactions.
  • Natural hazards.
  • Society and physical geography (geographical data sciences).
  • Fluvial environments.
  • Global carbon cycle modules.
  • The basic structure of the Honours year and some of the modules are similar to those in the new qualification.
  • This qualification was chosen since it is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

    Differences:
  • The qualification takes three years to complete whereas the South African qualification takes one year to complete.
  • The third year is comparable to the South African qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Brighton University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
  • The institution offers a three-year qualification and the final year is compared to the South African qualification.
  • The final year includes a compulsory dissertation and a set of optional theoretical modules from which the learners can choose to focus on human geography or physical geography or combine both. Modules include:
  • Aquatic environments.
  • Tectonic geomorphology.
  • Geographies of heritage.
  • Political ecology: contested environments.
  • Advanced GIS and remote sensing.
  • The basic structure of the Honours year and some of the modules are similar to those in the new qualification.
  • This qualification was chosen as it is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

    Portsmouth University offers a BSc (Hons) Geography in which all learners complete a compulsory piece of independent research. The remaining modules are optional and include a range of human geographies of children and young people, geographies of health and wellbeing and physical climate change, Geographic Information System (GIS) and the workplace, conservation biogeography modules. The basic structure of the qualification and some of the modules are similar to those in the new qualification.

    Country: Canada.
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
    Qualification structure:
    The institution offers a one-year stand-alone qualification that follows a Bachelor of Science. All learners complete a small piece of research with a dissertation and then complete a set of options which include:
  • Environmental management.
  • Environmental science.
  • Earth science.
  • Advanced topics in physical geography.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Carleton University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
    Qualification structure:
    The institution offers a qualification that focuses on human and environmental geography, exploring and analyzing a wide range of topics such as local food systems, urban poverty, cultural landscapes, adaptation to climate change and natural resource management. Learners in the BSc Geography (Honours) program take a concentration in Physical Geography. All learners complete a compulsory dissertation and then select several modules from a list of options that include:
  • Urban geography.
  • Natural resources.
  • Sustainability.
  • Climate change and globalization.
  • Geomorphology.
  • Landscape formation.

    The structure and many of the modules in this qualification is the same as those in the new qualification.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: McGill University
    Qualification title: BSc Honours in Geography
    Similarities:
    The qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in terms of the following aspects.
    Qualification structure:
  • The institution offers a three-year qualification and the final year is compared to the new qualification.
  • Learners complete compulsory modules in research methods and statistics and a research dissertation.
  • They then choose from a range of and physical earth's changing surface, environmental systems, GIS options.
  • The structure and many of the modules in this qualification are the same as those in the new qualification.

    Differences:
  • The qualification takes three years to complete whereas the South African qualification takes one year to complete.
  • The third year is comparable to the South African qualification.

    Conclusion:
    Both the UK and Canada, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography shares a common structure with the new qualification as both qualifications consist of a compulsory research project and dissertation and then a set of options including both human and physical geography from which learners select. The South African qualification differs from those reviewed in that it includes a compulsory module on the Philosophy of Science and IKS which will give graduates an edge. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography and Environment Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Geography and Environmental Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Geography, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Arts: Geography and Environmental Studies, NQF Level 8.

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