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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Social Science: Geography and Environmental Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
15946	Master of Social Science: Geography and Environmental Management
ORIGINATOR
University of Natal
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 07 - Human and Social Studies		Environmental Relations
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	128	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
81355	Master of Social Science: Geography and Environmental Management	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	128	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

To produce leaders in the allied fields of geography and environmental management. The programme aims to permit learners to take advanced level modules in a selected specialisation or to broaden their knowledge and skills base. The programme is based on a sound understanding of the functioning of geographical and management systems as they apply to the natural environment; integrative and problem-solving activities focus on adding value to the undergraduate and Honours training. In addition to providing integration and breadth, the programme aims, through its specialist modules, to develop specialist, in-depth knowledge that builds on the disciplinary foundation of the former degree. Learners will able to further experience complexities involved in integrating and contextualizing geographical, environmental and social problems and situations and contribute to their solutions through independent research and critical analysis.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This can be demonstrated by the possession of a relevant Honours degree from any NQF accredited programme or international equivalent (4-year degree) in the fields of Geography, Environmental Management, or other relevant social sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, History, Psychology).

Appropriate Honours degree. Entry is also possible through University of Natal's Rule 33 for postgraduate study.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of selected specialist fields of knowledge, including exposure to the frontiers of knowledge, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the integrative nature of environmental management and geographical problems

Demonstrate sophisticated and independent analysis and interpretation of the relevant literature, new data and situations, and complex problems using a wide range of techniques / methods

Communicate effectively and engage in dialogue with learned and professional groups

Use well-developed research skills, including computer and language skills (written and oral)

Demonstrate leadership

Demonstrate integrative problem-solving based on a holistic and synthesizing mode of thinking

Apply, adapt and extend existing competencies to novel circumstances

Contribute to the advancement of sustainable development in an ethical and responsible manner

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Pass coursework modules with a total credit value of at least 64. Passes in these modules will demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to fulfil the Listed Outcomes.

Submit a research dissertation that is assessed as satisfactory by internal and external examiners and that has the potential for at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This provides the integrative assessment emphasising the Learning Outcomes.

Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

Integrated Assessment

Candidates will demonstrate their ability and proficiency in each of the learning outcomes. These may be assessed in an integrated manner by assignments, tutorials, oral presentations and examinations. The research dissertation assesses learners' integration of knowledge and competence acquired in other modules making up these programmes.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical - below: Recognised Honours degree

Vertical - above: PhD

Horizontal - Within the University: with the approval of the programme directors, coursework modules from other approved disciplines may be incorporated into this qualification and modules from this discipline may be incorporated into other approved qualifications.

Horizontal - Outside the University: subject to University recognition of qualifications and/or credits obtained at other institutions.

MODERATION OPTIONS

All assessments are second-examined by suitably qualified external examiners.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Until the HEQC establishes a registration system for assessors in the HET Band, the University of Natal assumes that, on the basis of its rigorous selection criteria for the appointment of academic staff (who also have opportunities for staff development in assessment), staffs are competent to assess students on the modules they teach. This assessment is quality assured via a university system of internal moderation and external examination. External examiners are appointed for their teaching and disciplinary expertise and subject to the approval of Faculty Boards. The University of Natal ruling is that 66 % of all assessments at exit level, i.e. leading to a qualification, are externally examined.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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.

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