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: 

Bachelor of Environmental Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123429  Bachelor of Environmental Science 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2035-02-04  

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 Bachelor of Environmental Science is to produce learners capable of making valuable contributions in addressing diverse environmental issues of the Northern Cape province, South Africa and the world at large, through research, policy, innovative technical solutions, community outreach and environmental education. In addition, it will produce learners with broad training in environmental sciences with an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in a selected specialization stream.

The qualification will produce learners with:
  • Integrated knowledge and a critical understanding of concepts, principles, approaches and instruments for environmental management at various levels,
  • Strong interdisciplinary skills, and systems-thinking capabilities to understand and address human and environmental issues facing the world at different spatial scales,
  • The ability to critically reflect on and effectively solve complex environmental problems through the collection, processing, and analysing of data and,
  • The ability to interpret and communicate it by means of professionally presented research reports in order to search out pathways to equitable development.

    It is envisaged that the qualification will produce skilled manpower capable of making valuable contributions to addressing diverse environmental issues of the Northern Cape Province, South Africa and the world at large, through research, policy, innovative technical solutions, community outreach and environmental education. The qualification also responds to the needs of a new university to broaden its academic qualification base. The qualification also seeks to provide learners with broad training in environmental science while allowing them to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in one of the three specialized streams provided. The Environmental Rehabilitation stream seeks to train professionals to address the environmental legacy of mining and industrial pollution in the province and country. The Waste Management stream aims to address the skills deficit in waste planning and management in the local government sector.

    This qualification will equip learners with advanced knowledge, skills, competencies and legislative requirements of the environmental sector.

    Learners will be able to go into careers such as:
  • waste researchers and scientists
  • air quality specialists
  • remediation specialists
  • environmental management inspectors
  • environmental risk assessors
  • climate change specialists
  • community based natural resource management officers and environmental scientists.

    Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of and engagement in the discipline of environmental sciences and management.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select, apply and critically judge the effectiveness of the implementation of a range of applicable policy, technical and communication strategies to address environmental problems at various decision-making levels.
  • Demonstrate ability to independently plan research, collect, process, and analyse data to address complex environmental management problems and report research findings in an acceptable academic format.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, demarcate, analyse, critically reflect on and effectively address complex problems related to natural resources management.

    Rationale:
    The world is now experiencing a growing number of undesirable consequences as continued economic expansion and resource exploitation threaten the stability of natural systems. In developing countries, the effects of climate change and environmental degradation fall most heavily on the poor. South Africa and the rest of the world need to strengthen the resilience of society and the economy to the effects of climate change. Additionally, the country should also find a way to use its natural resources to support an economy while also meeting the needs of society and the environment.

    As stated in Chapter 5 of the National Development Plan 2030 in order for South Africa to transition to an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient and low-carbon economy an investment in technology, strong policies, backed by sound skills, technical understanding and operational capacity are critical. Environmental skills that will be developed in this qualification are key in addressing most of these challenges.

    The proposed qualification is justified by the limitations observed in environmental science qualifications in South African universities and the need to create a qualification that can grow the pool and quality of skills in the environmental sector, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment.

    The proposed qualification has built in a compulsory work-integrated learning (WIL) in the 4th year to expose learners to the workplace environment and enhance their practical training through participation in authentic work activities, interactions and research at our partner organizations (private company, local municipality, government body, etc). This purposeful inclusion of work-integrated learning in an environmental science qualification is unique in the South African higher education scene.

    This qualification will help grow the pool and quality of skills in the environmental sector and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. The proposed qualification seeks to provide learners with broad training in environmental science while allowing them to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in one of the three specialized streams provided. For example, the Environmental Remediation study stream seeks to train professionals to address the environmental legacy of mining and industrial pollution in the province and country. The Waste Management stream aims to address the skills deficit in waste planning and management in the local government sector. The need to preserve endangered biodiversity and manage the natural heritage of the Northern Cape and the country motivated the Nature Conservation and Ecology stream.

    The proposed qualification is a professional degree and has been endorsed by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) which is the relevant professional body as meeting the requirements. This distinguishes the qualification from the rest of the Environmental Science qualifications offered in other universities in South Africa, which mostly have an academic focus. This attribute follows from the purposeful qualification design and content which will enhance the skills level and employability of the learners.

    Learners may come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds from the province, the country and outside the country. Learners from this qualification will have broad and specialized training in the environmental sector with abilities to function in various capacities at local and national government, and private sectors. These include roles in research (environmental scientists), environmental management (environmental impact assessment specialists, safety health and environment specialists, environmental technicians, environmental manager, natural resources management specialists, nature conservationists, waste management technicians, specialists and managers, ecologists among others), education (teachers, community natural resources management advocates) and consultants in the private sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has been established in response to the need for improved access to higher education by people in the Northern Cape Province as well as nationally. Thus, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is one of the strategic principles to improve and diversify access to this qualification for those learners who do not have matric but have acquired other relevant qualifications at Diploma level. Such qualifications include among others Diploma in Environmental Sciences, a Diploma in Environmental Management, Diploma in Nature Conservation, among others.
  • Learning from other qualifications will be treated under the credit accumulation and transfer policy and is subject to the admission and selection criteria for the specific qualification.
  • In line with this institution's RPL Policy no more than 10% of a cohort of learners for a qualification may be admitted using the RPL route.
  • The Institution's RPL policy guides the recognition of prior learning in the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 132 Credits:
  • Introduction to Physical Geography, 16 Credits.
  • Foundations of Environmental Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry Foundations I, 16 Credits.
  • Principles of Soil Science and Hydrology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Human Geography, 16 Credits.
  • Chemistry Foundations II, 16 Credits.
  • Biological Systems and Diversity, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics Foundations, 12 Credits.
  • Undergraduate Core Curriculum, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 140 Credits:
  • Geographical Information Systems, 20 Credits.
  • City Structure, Environment and Society, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Pollution and Control, 15 Credits.
  • Ecological Disturbance and Plant Ecology, 10 Credits.
  • Invertebrate Zoology, 10 Credits.
  • Environmental Policy and Governance in South Africa, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Management Systems and Auditing, 15 Credits.
  • Remote Sensing and Earth Observation, 20 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 100 Credits:
  • Arid Environments, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment, 20 Credits.
  • Climate Change and Human Response, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management, 10 Credits.
  • Conflict Resolution in Natural Resources Management, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methods for Environmental Scientists, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 20 Credits (Select one module):
  • Advances in Soils, Contaminant and Nutrient Management, 20 Credits.
  • Integrated Waste Management, 20 Credits.
  • Freshwater and Marine Ecology, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • Work Integrated Learning, 40 Credits.
  • Research Project, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Land Rehabilitation and Restoration, 20 Credits.
  • Land Reclamation, 20 Credits.
  • Hazardous Waste Technologies, 20 Credits.
  • Solid Waste Management Law and Governance, 20 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology II, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Conservation Ecology, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of and engagement in the discipline of environmental sciences and management.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select, apply and critically judge the effectiveness of the implementation of a range of applicable policies, technical and communication strategies to address environmental problems at various decision-making levels.
    3. Demonstrate ability to independently plan research, collect, process, and analyse data to address complex environmental management problems and report research findings in an acceptable academic format.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to identify, demarcate, analyse, critically reflect on and effectively address complex problems related to natural resources management, environmental degradation and management and apply evidence-based solutions.
    5. Demonstrate full commitment to ethical and professional conduct in one's work. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply an understanding of the governance, biophysical, social and economic dimensions of sustainability.
  • Examine the relationship between humans and the environment in terms of human vulnerability, political and economic processes and threats to the biophysical environment.
  • Apply knowledge of major global, regional and national environmental problems and environmental management issues.
  • Illustrate awareness of the role of various government structures at a local, provincial and national level in environmental management.
  • Retrieve current knowledge and remain at the forefront of the latest technology and methods in environmental sciences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Implement environmental regulations and apply corporate environmental management.
  • Assess the legal requirements of environmental management at different levels.
  • Implement environmental management systems and environmental standards.
  • Plan and execute environmental monitoring, carry out and apply environmental auditing, environmental impact assessments, landscape assessment and environmental risk analyses, environmental auditing, environmental impact assessments, and any other such reports.
  • Communicate professionally or in general with scientists and the community.
  • Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different environmental management approaches and tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Interrogate knowledge from multiple sources in order to understand given environmental challenges and management issues.
  • Apply qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques applicable to environmental research.
  • Undertake environmental experiments in the field and laboratory to collect high-quality data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply inter and multi-disciplinary approaches to understand and address natural resources and environmental management issues.
  • Apply systems thinking skills and establish cause and effect relationships of environmental issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recognize the moral and ethical issues that relate to sensitive environmental data.
  • Appreciate the social and cultural diversity when working with communities, strive to be aware and work constructively and with respect for the rights of others at the workplace.
  • Function in a team and multidisciplinary groups applying responsible and effective self-management to uphold the highest standard of professional ethics in environmental sciences.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment in this qualification consists of both formative and summative components.
    The assessment plan will include various assessment types to address learners' different learning styles.
    An assessment activity may consist of a single task e.g.:
  • test
  • examination
  • assignment or a set of activities (e.g. laboratory reports, weekly exercises, reflection reports of work-integrated learning experiences).

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment would consist of a number of formative assessment tasks, such as:
  • assignments
  • module tests, with a weighting of 50% against the final mark. The summative assessment will also consist of tasks such as a written examination with a weighting of 50% against the final mark.

    At the fourth-year level, the assessments would evaluate that the learner has attained the requisite level of knowledge necessary at this level, as well as the ability to use and apply the skills learned in the qualification and, in most instances, to devise and carry out a research project, to report on it and to critically review existing literature in the field. Assessment methods would usually include formal examination, oral presentations or other written tasks, fieldwork and some sort of analysis of a written research project, considering the elements of scientific literacy, numeracy and computer literacy as applicable to the field. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The proposed qualification is comparable in purpose or curriculum design with several qualifications offered at other universities internationally.

    County: Botswana
    Institution name University of Botswana
    Qualification title: BSc Environmental Sciences
    Duration: Four years

    Purpose/Rationale
    The qualification is offered with the following study streams: Physical Environment Qualification (for learners registered in the Faculty of Science) and Human Environment (for learners registered in the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences). Both streams have a core curriculum and then each one builds towards a specific stream through electives starting at the second year.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Chemistry I
  • Principles of Biology
  • Geometrical Optics, Mechanics, Vibrations and Waves
  • Introductory Mathematics I
  • Communications and Academic Literacy Skills (Health Sciences and Pre-Med)
  • Computer Skills Fundamentals
  • Diversity of Plants and Animals
  • General Chemistry II, comparable to Chemistry Foundations II
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Introductory Mathematics II, comparable to Mathematics Foundations
  • Health Communication (Health Sciences and Pre-Med)
  • Computer Skills Fundamentals 2 Information Skills 11
  • Introductions to Environmental Health
  • Introductions to Town Planning
  • Epidemiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Quantitative Biology

    Similarities:
  • The University of Botswana (UB) and the South African qualifications are both offered over four years.
  • The SA qualification exposes learners to basic science training, imparts environmental science knowledge, develops specific environmental competencies and research training.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as General Chemistry II, comparable to Chemistry Foundations II and Introductory Mathematics II, comparable to Mathematics Foundations
  • Both the qualifications have considerable practical training in most of the modules.

    Difference:
  • The UB qualification does not have work-integrated learning or a research project, but rather a research essay.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Queensland
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Environmental Science
    Duration: Three years
    AQF Level 7
    Entry requirements:
    N/A
  • Complete Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent)
    Or
    Achieve a grade C or higher in the following subjects:
    General English (Units 3 & 4, C)
    Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)

    Purpose/Rationale
    Learners will gain scientific knowledge and practical experience in ecology, conservation, environmental toxicology, natural resources and decision science necessary to understand and manage our changing planet. The qualification develops competencies to describe, monitor and predict environmental processes and the effects of human activity on the physical and biological environment.

    Modules:
  • Genes, Cells & Evolution
  • Biodiversity and the Environment
  • Analysis of Scientific Data
  • Introductory Chemistry, comparable to Chemistry Foundations
  • Fundamentals of Geographic Information & Technologies, comparable to Geographical Information Systems

    Similarities:
  • The University of Queensland (UQ) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed high school qualifications with merit to enter university studies.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Introductory Chemistry, comparable to Chemistry Foundations and Fundamentals of Geographic Information & Technologies, comparable to Geographical Information Systems.
  • The UQ qualification learners will gain scientific knowledge and practical experience in ecology, conservation, environmental toxicology, natural resources and decision science necessary to understand and manage our changing planet.
  • Learners graduating with the SA qualification will also have the above competencies.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over four years and has a research component in it.
  • The UQ qualification is offered over three years and does not lead to research training or a research project.
  • The SA qualification is offered at Level 8, whereas the UQ is offered at Level 7. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Environmental and Natural Resource Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Environmental Health, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science in Disaster Risk Reduction, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Environmental Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Disaster Risk Science and Development, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Sol Plaatje University 


    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.