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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science: Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
82066  Master of Science: Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  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 
Purpose:

Students who qualify from the Master of Science: Nature Conservation will be able to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation. Qualified students will be able to work as researchers in various conservation fields including resource management, ecology and environmental education.

The qualification aims to contribute to the conservation field by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills in order to enhance an understanding of conservation issues and their management applications. It strives to promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources to the benefit of both humans and the natural environment.

Rationale:

By global standards, Southern Africa has an impressive network of natural areas, which preserve enormous numbers of plant and animal species in a great diversity of habitats. These habitats consist of complex ecosystems within which a balance exists between the interactions of the living and the non-living components in urban and rural areas. As the human population increased over time, the demand for land for housing and agriculture increased together with the demand for more food and water. Climate change places additional pressure on these natural resources which poses unprecedented challenges for conservation research and management. There is a limit to resources available and it increasingly becomes important that the use of natural resources is optimised without them being destroyed. The continued existence of species (including humans) and resources can only be guaranteed through the correct management and conservation of the habitat. In order to optimise the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources in a continuously changing environment, it is also required that applied ecological research is conducted to ascertain different management and/or development strategies.

This qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation. The qualification will develop students' research skills and their specialist knowledge in a particular conservation field.

Qualified students could apply their research skills in various conservation fields including resource management, ecology and environmental education. They could be employed by government, NGO's, specialist companies, the private sector and tertiary education institutions.

The Master of Science in Nature Conservation will benefit individuals as well as support economic development. Further, through its emphasis on environmental awareness and conservation issues, it has the potential to play a role in promoting positive human-nature interaction. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that students enrolling are already competent in the various areas of knowledge and skills as required for an NQF Level 8 qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior learning. The Recognition of Prior Learning process will be conducted according to UNISA's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels. Students may be admitted if they, through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, can show that they have the requisite level of knowledge and skills.

Access to the qualification:

The Master of Science: Nature Conservation will be accessible to students who have completed the Post-graduate Diploma: Nature Conservation at UNISA a cognate Bachelor of Technology (as offered prior to the implementation of the current HEQF), or a cognate qualification at NQF Level 8.

Students who are judged to have an insufficient grounding in research skills may be required to complete one or more research related modules.

Students may be admitted if they, through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, can show that they have the requisite level of knowledge and skills. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification consists of two compulsory components, namely:
  • Fundamental: 24 credits (Research Proposal MPCAE91).
  • Core: 156 credits (Research thesis). 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design a scientific research proposal within an area of specialisation in the field of nature conservation.

    2. Conduct a scientific research project in the field of nature conservation.

    3. Produce a scientific research dissertation in the field of nature conservation.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes will be promoted by this qualification:
  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking:
    > The students will practise critical thinking and solve problems in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation.
  • Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation and community:
    > Research involved in the qualification will be undertaken in collaboration with the supervisor and relevant stakeholders in the research project.
  • Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
    > The qualification will require students to manage research autonomously and professionally to sustain independent learning.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
    > Undertaking a complex research project will require students to carry out comprehensive data collection, analysis and evaluation.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and and/or language skills in various modes:
    > The writing of a dissertation will require the use of professional discourse in the area of specialisation in line with the standards of scholarly writing and presentation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others:
    > The research will support a responsible approach to the environment in accordance with the current ethical policies of UNISA.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
    > Principles from a variety of disciplines and technologies will be applied in an integrated way when planning and conducting a research project.
  • Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively:
    > The qualification will encourage the development of autonomous learning and the application of advanced learning strategies in collecting, synthesising, evaluating, interpreting information and formulating conclusions and recommendations.
  • Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities:
    > The research will promote responsible environmental citizenship through recommendations made during the research and the relaying of results to stakeholders concerned.
  • Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts:
    > The research will be planned and executed in accordance with the ethical policies and procedures of UNISA. This requires cultural and social sensitivity.
  • Explore education and career opportunities:
    > An awareness is promoted of opportunities for further learning as well as career advancement. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 A feasible research topic within the field of nature conservation is identified.
    1.2 The research problem is appropriately formulated to address an issue that will contribute to the knowledge field of nature conservation.
    1.3 The research proposal includes a clear description of the problem situation.
    1.4 A comprehensive search of scientific literature that is relevant to the topic is conducted and is used to inform the research proposal.
    1.5 The proposal includes an appropriate research design and a practical and feasible research plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Sufficient data is collected using suitable methodologies and research techniques as approved in the research proposal.
    2.2 Data is analysed using appropriate data analyses and is suitably interpreted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 The research dissertation is clear and coherent and contains a problem statement, a literature review, a description of the research design, results, discussion and recommendations.
    3.2 Conclusions are drawn that follow logically from a reasonable interpretation of the data.
    3.3 Recommendations for further action and research are made that are appropriate and based on the research data.

    Integrated Assessment:

    An integrated assessment of the main outcomes of the qualification is conducted in the research project according to the UNISA assessment policy. The activities involved in completing the qualification will integrate knowledge, skills and relevant values in the conservation field.

    All assessment will meet the criteria of the relevant UNISA policies and procedures including external assessment. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component modules have been compared with Masters Degrees from the following countries:
  • Namibia.
  • Zimbabwe.
  • Tanzania.
  • Kenya.
  • Botswana.
  • Australia.
  • The USA.
  • Germany.
  • The Netherlands.
  • UK.
  • New Zealand.

    In general this qualification compares well with similar qualifications at tertiary institutions in the listed countries/regions. Although the structure and modes of delivery may differ, all these qualifications develop the same essential research skills as those in the UNISA qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically with a PhD in the environmental sciences. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    As per UNISA postgraduate assessment policy there are two examiners for a Master's Degree of which at least one is external. Examiners should hold at least the equivalent Degree to that which is being examined. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The HEQC does not require the registration of assessors but Unisa has training in place for assessors. Unisa has an Assessment Policy that spells out the principles underlying assessment and good practice in assessment. An appeals process is in place.

    Unisa lecturers and/or industry specialists act as assessors for the qualification. The following criteria are specified for assessors:
  • Assessors should hold at least the equivalent degree to that which is being examined.
  • Assessors need to be competent in conducting assessment. Assessors who have not yet undergone assessor training will be given the opportunity to do so wherever possible. 
    		•

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

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.