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 Science in Environmental Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
72926  Master of Science in Environmental Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
To produce leaders in the field of environmental Science. 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 natural systems; 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 be able to further experience complex environmental science problems and situations and contribute to their insolutions 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, Environmental Science, any Natural Science (e.g. Biology, Geology, Chemistry etc.).

Recognition of prior learning:

Other combinations of qualifications and prior experience will be with permission from Senate. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Have 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 science problems.
  • Be capable of sophisticated and independent analysis and interpretation of the relevant literature, new data and situations, and complex environmental science problems using a wide range of techniques/methods;
  • Be able to communicate effectively and engage in dialogue with learned and professional groups;
  • Be able to use well-developed research skills, including computer and language skills (written and oral);
  • Be able to demonstrate leadership;
  • Be capable of integrative problem-solving based on holistic and synthesizing mode of thinking;
  • Have the ability to apply, adapt and extend existing competencies to novel circumstances; and
  • Be able to contribute to the advancement of sustainable development in an ethical and responsible manner. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    (1) Pass coursework modules with a total credit value of at least 64. Passes in these modules will demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to fulfill outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    (2) 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 outcomes 6, 7 and 8.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serves to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in this qualification. In the present case the Research Project is designed to act as "capstone", capturing a learner's competence in integrating theory, technique and research methodology to solve particular problems (of the purpose and outcomes statements above).

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

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This programme permits candidates with suitably high levels of achievement to proceed to Postgraduate programmes in the Science Faculty of this University and largely also in faculties of Science at other universities. Access to the programme is via a strong BSc degree from this university or from certain other universities. Suitable alternative prior learning is also recognized as a basis for access.

    Coursework modules offered in this programme can be taken by students on other post-graduate programmes within this University and by other higher education institutions provided the pre-requisites have been met. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The ETQA system for HE is not yet fully developed. Until such time as it is, procedures described under 10. above suffice. 

    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), staff 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 qualifications are externally examined. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 KwaZulu-Natal 


    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.