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: Environment and Water Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86169  Master of Science: Environment and Water Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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  120  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 
Purpose:

The purpose is to provide students with a thorough overview of both the physical and social dimensions of environmental science, as well the necessary skills and techniques required for the identification and critical assessment of environmental issues. Students will identify a specialised area in which they complete a research project followed by presentation of a written report.

Rationale:

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of post-graduates in the field of Environment and Waters Studies in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Research methodology and an understanding of the interrelationships between Environmental Impact, GIS Catchment processes and Environmental law.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Access to the programme can also be provided in terms of the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the student's admission.

Access to the Qualification:

The Bachelor of Science Honours or equivalent in Geography or Environment Studies or related subject areas. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Master of Science: Environment and Water Science, NQF Level 8, 120 credits.

Thesis, 120 credits. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
By the end of the programme, qualifying learners will:

1. Display advanced research skills in Environment and Water Science and perform a full range of advanced procedures in complex, variable and highly specialised contexts.

2. Possess specialised knowledge of Environment and Water Science; be capable of information processing at the level of analysis, transformation, evaluation and synthesis of abstract data and concepts, and capable of formulation of appropriate responses to resolve contextually abstract science problems.

3. Communicate effectively, in both oral and written modes, with peers and the broader community using the appropriate structure, style and graphic support.

4. Assume responsibility for planning, resourcing and managing processes within broad parameters and functions and assume complete accountability for determining, achieving and evaluating personal and group output.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display critical thinking.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, or organisation.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Display specialised scholastic and basic research skills in Environment and Water Science as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consist of a number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used for example, project reports and oral presentations. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This programme compares well with the graduate programme of the University of Queensland. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This curriculum framework allows students to continue at Doctor of Philosophy Level. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The programme will be moderated via a system of external peer review and evaluation. At least one internal supervisor/assessor and at least two external assessors will be appointed. The minimum qualifications for assessor will be a Doctor of Philosophy plus 3-5 years research experience in the specific focus area. 

    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 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 the Western Cape 


    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.