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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Environmental Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93858  Bachelor of Environmental Health 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  499  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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:
Environmental Health comprises those aspects of human health, including the quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, socio-economic and psycho-social factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of ascertaining, correcting, controlling, minimising and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially and adversely affect the health of present and future generations. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) will further give credence to the right of individuals to an environment that is conducive to health and well-being as contained in the Constitution of SA (include, but not limited to Section 24 A and B, Section 26, Section 27, Schedule 4 of the constitution of SA).

Changing norms and standards compounded by traditional and emerging challenges, both nationally and internationally, require a new cadre of professionals competent to deal with the complexity of environmental and public health issues. The EHP will be functioning as an independent practitioner within respective government sectors, private industry and as consultants.

Rationale:
Learners satisfying the requirements for this qualification will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) functioning as independent practitioners. The EHP will function within the scope of the profession in order to improve the health of the community and the environment and contribute to sustainable development. They will be able to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures in order to make necessary improvements. In addition they will be able to apply research skills and interpret and apply legislation, regulations and policies related to Environmental Health and to advise/educate role players on specific issues. The EHP will function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals in accordance with the scope of profession. As such this person will be able to communicate effectively, foster entrepreneurship, uphold professional and Environmental Health ethics and manage human, financial and physical resources within the scope of profession. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Environmental Health. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. RPL must be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the individual providers and in agreement with procedures of the relevant Quality Council and relevant Statutory Health Council (in this case the HPCSA).

Entry Requirements:
Access to this qualification is open to learners in possession of:
  • A National Senior Certificate or equivalent at NQF Level 4.
  • Meet the additional requirements as stipulated by the relevant Statutory Health Council (HPCSA) and Higher Education institution.
  • Be registered as learners with the relevant Statutory Health Council (HPCSA) for the duration of the period of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 with total credits of 499.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Anatomy and Physiology, 17 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 15 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction of Environmental Health, 20 Credits.
  • Microbiology, 15 Credits.
  • Physics, 20 Credits.
  • Sociology, 17 Credits.
    Totalling: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Communication for Occupational Purposes, 8 Credits.
  • Community Development, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Pollution: Waste, Water and Air, 15 Credits.
  • Food and Meat Hygiene, 21 Credits.
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology, 18 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (physical), 20 Credits.
  • Planning for Build Environment, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
    Totalling: 122 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Environmental Epidemiology, 17 Credits.
  • Environmental Health Management and Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Food Processing and Safety, 22 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (chemical and biological), 22 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Biostatistics, 14 Credits.
  • Water Quality and Waste Water Management, 15 Credits.
    Totalling: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Air Quality Management, 15 Credits.
  • Disaster Management, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 20 Credits.
  • Food Safety Management, 15 Credits.
  • Management Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (management systems), 20 Credits.
  • Research Project, 25 Credits.
  • Waste Management, 21 Credits.
    Totalling: 137 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the principles of ethics, relevant legislation and professional behaviour within the Environmental Health milieu.
    2. Integrate and apply foundational, scientific principles and knowledge to Environmental Health sciences.
  • Range of scientific principles and knowledge includes, but is not limited to Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics, Mathematics, Ecology/Geology, Anatomy and Physiology (human and animal), Sociology and Anthropology.
    3. Undertake Work Integrated Learning (WIL) practices in the institution and in the workplace.
  • WIL practices includes theoretical Work-directed theoretical learning (WDTL) and Problem-based learning (PBL) to more practical forms (Project-based learning (PBL) and Workplace learning (WPL).
    4. Manage Environmental Health risks within natural, socio-economic, built and working environments within the scope of profession.
    5. Manage Environmental Health programmes focussing on prevention.
  • Range: Manage refers to: design, develop, implement and evaluate.
    6. Manage Environmental Health services.
  • Range: Manage will involve financial, human, physical resources, as well as the planning, control and utilisation thereof.
    7. Demonstrate project management skills within a project management life-cycle.
    8. Conduct and participate in Environmental Health research.
    9. Demonstrate interpersonal relations and professional behaviour in terms of the ethical code. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to the profession are applied during all interactions with clients, colleagues and/or the community.
  • All activities are performed in terms of ethical rules of the HPCSA, the scope of the profession, the Environmental Health package of services and the Batho Pele principles.
  • Professional and personal growth is achieved through the assumption of various roles within the Environmental Health milieu or community setting and is evidenced during interactions between practitioners and communities/clients and/or practitioner and colleagues.
    > Range of roles includes but are not limited to: educator, facilitator, administrator, project manager, law enforcement officer, community developer and researcher.
  • Interactions with community groups, non-governmental organisations, clients and media are handled using tactful, objective, non-confrontational, culturally acceptable and language sensitive communication skills.
  • The requirements for registrations with the HPCSA and professional bodies are fulfilled.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Physical, chemical, biochemical and biological principles are integrated and applied in identifying, assessing, managing and controlling of Environmental Health risks and services.
  • Anatomical, Physiological, Pathophysiological and Mathematical principles and knowledge are integrated and applied in identifying, assessing, managing and controlling of Environmental Health risks and services.
  • Social and behavioural principles and knowledge are integrated and applied by means of community outreach, project facilitation and related Environmental Health services.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Expected outcomes are demonstrated according to the level of competence of the learner in collaboration with the relevant workplace mentors and supervisors.
  • Portfolios are completed in accordance with expected outcomes, required learning experience and in agreement with workplace mentors and supervisors.
  • The ability to initiate, plan, manage and monitor and evaluate community projects in accordance with the relevant policies and regulations of HE institutions are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Current and potential health risks are identified and their impacts are assessed within the Environmental Health field, using applicable strategies.
  • Health risks are recognised in accordance with relevant legislation and best practice.
    > Range: Legislation includes, but is not limited to all health and environmental-related acts and regulations, codes of practice, norms and standards and work procedures.
  • A comprehensive risk management plan is compiled in accordance with relevant legislation and best practice.
  • All intervention measures for the identified Environmental Health risk are evaluated to determine corrective actions.
  • Current and potential risks are addressed by applying various strategies.
    > Range: Various strategies include: Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, and Health Impact Assessment.
  • The effectiveness of the comprehensive risk management plan is monitored and reviewed.
  • Findings, recommendations and requirements are reported in an acceptable format.
  • Verification tools are developed to measure and evaluate all elements of the Environmental Health risk management.
    > Range: Verification tools could include surveys, questionnaires, statistical packages and reports.
  • Public participation is conducted at all stages of the development and implementation of the risk management plan.
  • A report is presented in an acceptable report format and outcomes communicated to the relevant stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A situational analysis is performed in the community by collecting information, conducting meetings and interviews and by complying with acceptable protocols.
    > Range: Community refers to but is not limited to the community leaders, non-governmental organisation demographic makeup of communities, available resources and current health promotion projects.
  • Sustainable health promotion programmes are designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated in compliance with accepted national policies and guidelines of health promotion.
  • Multi-disciplinary promotion programmes are participated in.
  • Participatory methodologies are used to promote Environmental Health amongst communities in the working, living and recreational environment.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Administrative skills are applied in context by applying the relevant management norms and standards.
  • A skills development plan is drawn up.
  • Policies, legislation and guidelines are critically reviewed and developed.
  • Policies, legislation and guideline gaps are identified and analysed and recommendations are developed and applied.
  • Human resources are managed within an Environmental Health context.
  • Labour relations policies and legislation are reviewed and applied in context.
    > Range: Labour relations, basic conditions of employment, Employment equity, Prevention of Discrimination Act, HIV and AIDS (AMS 16000) and CPD.
  • The relationship between health, environment and sustainable development is applied in the context of Environmental Health service delivery.
  • Financial matters and physical resources of an Environmental Health service are managed adhering to relevant legislative requirements.
  • Accounts, budgets and financial procedures are controlled in accordance with applicable legislation.
  • Environmental Health information system is managed.
    > Range: Manage include collection, collation, interpretation, analysing, application and recording.
  • Relevant electronic/software programmes for Environmental Health information system management are applied.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The project is planned, fully implemented, managed and assessed adhering to project management principles.
  • Time management and financial management principles are applied within a project.
  • The project is monitored and evaluated adhering to project management principles.
  • Results are communicated (verbally and in writing) in an acceptable format to the relevant stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • A research need/theme/problem are identified.
  • The research proposal reflects national and international accepted guidelines and ethical norms.
  • Research principles are applied in design and conduct of investigation.
  • Research data is managed in line with prescribed guidelines.
  • Intervention measures are developed to confirm research objectives.
  • Intervention measures are implemented and evaluated.
  • Results are communicated in appropriate format (verbal and in writing).
  • The report reflects interpretation, prioritisation and applicability of data completely and accurately.
  • The research report addresses the identified problem as stated in the proposal.
  • The report reflects intervention measures according to the findings of the research.
  • Feedback of research results and recommendations is given to all role players.
  • The presentation demonstrates the research capability according to institutional guidelines.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Communication strategies are developed and managed to improve Environmental Health services.
  • All forms of communication are handled promptly, politely, and professionally.
    > Range: All forms of communication include, but are not limited to letter and e-mail correspondence, telephone calls, site visits, group discussions, meetings, and presentations.
  • Protocols for communicating Environmental Health issues to community members are developed.
  • Participatory sessions are planned.
  • Systems for the communication of strategies for the delivery of Environmental Health services are developed and reviewed.
  • Resolution of conflicts is facilitated within the work environment.
  • Conflict resolution skills are demonstrated.
    > Range: Skills include, but are not limited to, listening skills, respect for diversity, understanding the history and context of the conflict, identifying the nucleus of the problem separate from the symptoms, finding common ground and areas of agreement, as well as identifying negotiable and non-negotiable areas.
  • Communication and marketing strategies that are related to Environmental Health are managed.
  • Complicated issues and procedures are explained to the level of the target audience.
  • Opportunities for public speaking are sought to broaden the audience on Environmental Health issues.
  • Various public speaking skills are demonstrated by applying a variety of resources and methods.
    > Range: Resources include, but are not limited to, electronic software, slides, posters, flip-charts, pamphlets, exhibitions, role-play, mentoring and debate.
  • Marketing strategies that are tactful, objective, non-confrontational, culturally and linguistically sensitive are demonstrated to articulate the goals, purposes, problems, and needs of Environmental Health.
  • Marketing strategies are evaluated and appropriate remedial actions are taken.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises and demonstrations (formative and summative). Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

    The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competence. It should assess whether learners are able to recognise, identify and assess internal and external environmental factors that can influence human health, (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to their practices (reflexive competence). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Environmental Health is compared to qualifications from countries that are leaders in addressing pollution control and natural resource management and other environmental challenges. Australia has credible and effective environmental systems with meaningful impact.

    The Central Queensland University in Australia offers a Bachelor of Environmental Health. The qualification aims to produce graduates who are competent environmental health professionals ready to be employed as workplace leaders in decision making and management. The University started offering this qualification in order to respond to the shortage of qualified environmental health professionals in Australia. The following are modules for this qualification:
  • Health and the Environment.
  • Health and the Environment.
  • Foundations of Health.
  • Introductory Health and Safety Risk Management.
  • Introductory Science.
  • Introduction to Investigative Methods.
  • Introductory Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Measurement and Evaluation in Health Science.
  • Health Communication.
  • Environmental Health Law.
  • Fundamentals of Environmental Science.
  • Microbiology.
  • Food Safety.
  • Applications of Environmental Science.
  • Applications of Microbiology.
  • Water Resource Management.
  • Population Health Epidemiology.
  • Occupational Health, Hygiene and Toxicology.
  • Environmental Health Practicum.
  • Environmental Health Risk Management.
  • Health Promotion Strategies.

    The Griffith University in Australia offers a three year full time Bachelor of Environmental Health. The Degree encourages personal and professional development and develops learners understanding of the environment to instil in learners environmentalists perspective.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Environmental Health.
  • Cells, Tissues and Regulation.
  • Introduction to Biomedical Data Analysis.
  • English Language and Communication for Health.
  • Essentials of Chemistry and Physics.
  • Chemistry of Biological System.
  • Biological Determinants of Public Health.
  • Health Challenges for the 21st Century.
  • Genes and Disease.
  • Epidemiology and Population Health.
  • Introduction to Biomedical Data Analysis.
  • Managing Workplace Health and Safety.
  • Environmental Theory for Environmental Health I.
  • Environmental Law for Environmental Health.
  • Microbiology.
  • Public Health Research Methods.
  • Food and Drug Safety Management.
  • Community Engagement and Health Promotion.
  • Environmental Health Management Systems.
  • Environmental Health Monitoring and Assessment.
  • Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment.

    Elective:
  • Epidemiology and Population Health.
  • Applied Environmental Health.
  • Climate Change and Public Health.
  • Public Health Practicum.

    The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences School of Public Health at the University of Washington in the United States offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health. The qualification assists learners to identify, prevent, and control environmental factors that threaten human health.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Environmental Health.
  • Toxic Chemicals and Human Health.
  • Sampling and Analysis I.
  • Sampling and Analysis II.
  • Sampling and Analysis III.
  • Environmental Risk and Society.
  • Introduction to Epidemiology.
  • General Microbiology.
  • General Microbiology Lab.

    Electives (Choose three of the following):
  • Water, Wastewater and Health.
  • Food Protection.
  • Vector Control.
  • Solid Waste Management or 3 Hazardous Waste Management.
  • Community Air Pollution.
  • Industrial Hygiene.
  • Occupational Safety Management.
  • EH Policy and Practice.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the ones indicated in terms of modules. The focus of the qualifications is to prepare learners to become environmental practitioners. Learners may follow careers as public health inspectors or in other areas of environmental health practice. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally this qualification articulated with any qualifications in a related field of study which are at NQF Level 8.

    Vertically this qualification articulates with the Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences and/or Management, Health Sciences and/or Management and Generic Management and Administration or any other relevant or related field of study. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.