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 Military: Military Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24387  Master of Military: Military Geography 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
Master's Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 0695/12  2012-07-01  2014-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31   2018-12-31  

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
96704  Master of Military Science in Military Geography  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Rationale for the qualification
The programme is directly career-orientated as it has been developed in co-operation with the main client, namely the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). The aim is to prepare selected officers of the SANDF and other defence forces with:
  • The ability to analyse and synthesise the theoretical and scientific based content of the broader geographical and environmental science;
  • The ability to analyse and synthesise the current issues faced by environmental managers and users of the military-physical, -social and -cultural environments;
  • Knowledge, comprehension and skills with regards to research methodology aimed at independent research; and
  • A theoretical and practical base in order for the student to be able to apply his/her knowledge in the SANDF.The second aim of this programme is to lay the foundation for Doctoral research in Military Geography within the context of the SANDF.

    The third aim of this programme is to equip those not furthering their studies with a comprehensive education which will enable them to function successfully as environmental managers and users of the military-physical, -social and -cultural environments in the SANDF.
    The (first) purpose of the M.Mil qualification is to equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena pertinent to the chosen field of study in military geography.
    The (second) M.Mil purpose is to ensure mastery of the chosen field of study in military geography via high-level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    An HonsBMil in Military Geography, with an average of 60%, is required.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL):

    See above 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Upon completion of the programme students will have the ability of conceptual thinking and the synthesis of new ideas and concepts learnt from the study of the environmental sciences in Military Geography within the context of the SANDF.
    2. Upon completion of the programme students will be able to:
    i. make a constructive contribution to environmental management regarding strategic environmental management, as an exhaustive management process for an organisation, taking into account external- and internal influences.
    ii. develop and manage systems as well as to perform effective decision-making with regard to integrated training area management.
    iii. to conduct independent scientific research and demonstrate the ability to make a decision regarding the research topic.
    iv. an understanding of the required knowledge with regards to the nature of the environment, in which the military operates, and how environmental management adds value in this situation.
    v. to understand and apply the theory, methodology and strategic planning of environmental management.vi. understand the theory and methodology of military geography.
    vi. analyse selected applications within the field of military geography and/or environmental management, and apply it in practice.
    vii. understand, analyse and implement strategic geographic decisions on macro and micro level.
    ix. produce sensible and coherent reports.

    Generic outcomes
    The Master`s graduate will have -
    a. Comprehensive knowledge of military geography
    b. mastery of advanced theory and its application to military geography;
    c. familiarity with the literature and state of research in military geography;
    d. an understanding of the constructed and provisional nature of knowledge;
    e. well-developed research skills.
    The Master`s graduate will demonstrate
    a. mastery of theoretical sophisticated subject matter within military geography;
    b. mastery of advanced theory and its application to military geography as a specialised field;
    c. capacity for independent study via the completion of a thesis, project or assignments;
    d. self-reflexivity and adaptability.
    e. understanding and application of appropriate academic and professional values;
    f. the ability to take calculated risks.
    The Master`s graduate will be able to
    a. perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of methods and techniques appropriately;
    b. critically evaluate relevant literature;
    c. extrapolate implications beyond given data;
    d. use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues;
    e. transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose;
    f. review evidence supporting conclusions critically;
    g. identify and define complex problems;
    h. apply appropriate knowledge and skills for their solution;
    i. manipulate abstract systems models; j. use well-developed research skills confidently;
    k. challenge orthodox theory and suggest new approaches;
    l. handle contradictions and make value judgements;
    m. interact and engage in debate with a learning or professional group; produce detailed and coherent reports; n. take initiative, negotiate effectively and manage conflict. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The assessment system used for this programme ensures that the purpose of the programme is achieved.A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as class discussions, assignments, tutorials, portfolios, case studies, computer assignments, written and oral presentations, tests; examinations and thesis-type work are used integratively.The required range of modalities is integrative to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.The assessment system used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8a.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Students have to achieve a minumum of 50% as an average for for each individual module.The nature of the programme is such that successful study requires the student to draw on the knowledge and expertise gathered in previous years of study. In this sense the assessmentmethod that are devised for this programme are also an integrated method for the entire study.Assessment takes place by way of a variety of procedures, including cross-disciplinary assignments, computer assignments, work-place assessments, written and oral presentations, tests and examinations.In the case of the structured course, the completion of an advanced project is required. Students following the option of a dissertation with a prescribed reading list will not be exposed to the entire list of assessment methods. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Faculty of Military Science has over 50 years of experience in military-contextualised tertiary education. There is continuous interaction with other coinciding subject groups at other faculties of the University of Stellenbosch, other universities and international military academies.The staff of the School of Geospatial Studies and Information Systems at the Faculty of Military Science of the University of Stellenbosch is experts with experience in the high level training of students in Military Geography.The infrastructure of the Faculty of Military Science in Saldanha (in terms of human resources, library services, computer hardware and software) as well as that of the University of Stellenbosch (in terms of library services) is internationally comparable and adequate in meeting the demands implied by the desired outcomes of the programme. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally, the programme is linked to the master`s programmes in: Military Strategy, Security and Africa Studies, Military Management, Organisation and Resource Management, and Military Technology.

    Vertically, the programme builds on the HonsBMil in Military Geography and leads to doctoral studies in Geography/Military Geography and related disciplines. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The University of Stellenbosch has a system of external peer review and evaluation of departments. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the academy. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    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. Stellenbosch 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.