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: 

Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93904  Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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:
This qualification seeks to address high-priority needs for innovation-led approaches to sustainable development with regard to water in the environment. The Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management is proposed to develop a competent graduate with knowledge, skills and dispositions required for a profession in hydrology and water resources management; providing the academic qualification for possible registration as Certified Natural Scientist at the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP).

Upon graduation successful learners should be able to function as Certified Natural Scientists across various sectors including government, research institutions, water utilities, industry, consultancies, non-governmental organisations and private enterprises. For this, a thorough knowledge of the scientific study of the occurrence, circulation, distribution, chemical and physical properties, and environmental interaction of surface and subsurface waters, including groundwater is required. The qualification will focus on areas such as hydrology and water resources management by integrating bio-physical, environmental and engineering concepts for the sustainable planning and development of water resources. Knowledge and practical application of the latest technology in hydrology and water resources management also constitute part of the training framework.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management has been developed in response to The National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998), sustainable development Plan of Government.

In support of The National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998), the then Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry called for the urgency to protect and uplift water resources and infrastructure in South Africa to support the sustainable development plan of Government (Sonjica, 2004). She highlighted our country's need for more skilled people to administer the sustainable management of water and sanitation services as well as of the available water resources. Furthermore, she mentions the multiple job opportunities available, whether it might be in central, provincial or local government, the water industry, private sectors or academia (Water Research Commission, 2004).

Water Resources Management is classified as a scarce skills profession in South Africa, and is listed on the Department of Labour's 2007 National Scarce Skills List. Gumbo et al. (2004) agree that one of the major constraints in managing water demand in South Africa is the absence of well-structured education and training programmes suitably targeted to stakeholders in the water management chain. To fill this national gap, the Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management aims to develop graduates to respond to this challenge.

This qualification will be based on an interdisciplinary course offering by two Schools: Civil Engineering and Environmental Health. These two schools have sufficient and qualified academics as well as fully functional laboratory facilities. What is also worth mentioning is that a business plan has been submitted to the Senate of the Institution for the establishment of a Centre for Water and Environment. The centre will be established in collaboration between the Faculty of Health and Environmental Science (through its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences) and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (through its School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment). This centre will have a strong research focus. By offering this qualification the institution will ensure that it recruits and nurtures graduates for future active participation in the Centre. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy of the Institution. A functional system for RPL is in place at the Institution.

RPL applications for the Institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the Institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology for assessment. The Faculty's RPL Committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes and decides on admission to the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
Access to the qualification is open to learners in possession of a:
  • Senior Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualifications.
  • National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor's Degree pass for candidates who matriculated from 2008 onward.
    In both the qualifications at NQF Level 4 the following subject will be vital: Mathematics, Life Sciences/Biology, or Physical Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 with one elective at NQF Level 7 totalling 372 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Language of Learning and Teaching I, 9 Credits.
  • Numeracy and Mathematical Literacy I, 6 Credits.
  • Personal and Process Competencies, 3 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Hydrology I, 24 Credits.
  • Environmental Science, 12 Credits.
  • Water Resources Management I, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Hydro Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Geo-Hydrology, 24 Credits.
  • Hydrology II, 30 Credits.
  • Water Resources Management II, 30 Credits.
  • Environmental Engineering, 18 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Hydrology III, 30 Credits.
  • Water Resources Management III, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Water and Waste Water Treatment Technology, 24 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning in Elective, 12 Credits.

    Elective (select one):
  • Water Pollution Control, 30 Credits.
    Or
  • Reticulation Design and Management, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate the bio-physical and environmental concepts and principles of hydrological science and water resources management.
    2. Demonstrate well-rounded general and systematic scientific knowledge in the field of hydrology and water resources management.
    3. Display practical competence in hydrological and water resources management tools.
    4. Apply the acquired information, knowledge and principles to solve complex hydrological and water resources related problems.
    5. Make independent decisions or judgments, considering all the relevant scientific, technical, environmental, economic and social factors.
    6. Work as a team member and contribute to positive team dynamics and team productivity. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Concepts and principles of hydrological processes and integrated water resources management are defined and described.
  • The integration of bio-physical and environmental concepts and principles in hydrological processes and water resources management is understood and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Current global knowledge and practices of hydrology and water resources management is demonstrated.
  • Own points of view and knowledge claims in hydrology and water resources management are presented and defended.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate meteorological, hydrological, environmental and geographical information data is collected, analysed, interpreted and synthesised.
  • Hydrological and water resources management tools are applied.
  • Competency in laboratory procedures in determining water and water related parameters is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Hydrological and water resources data is applied and analysed.
  • Complex hydrological and water resources problems are solved using the acquired knowledge and principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • All relevant scientific, technical, environmental and socio-economic factors are analysed for sound decision-making.
  • Independent decision-making is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A positive attribute and interaction in team work is displayed.
  • Individual contribution during team work is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be regulated by the institutional assessment policy, the Learner Assessment Manual. A variety of assessment strategies that consists of formative and summative assessment will be used in the qualification. Through these two types of assessment practical, foundational and reflexive competence will be assessed. Formative assessment includes Class test, Main Test, Assignment and a Project. Summative assessment is Examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Bachelor's Degree is offered at very few universities worldwide and under different titles; study levels and qualification types. This Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management standard is comparable to other similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. Below follows some of these qualifications:

    The Mahidol University International College in Thailand offers a Bachelor of Science in Water Resources Management.

    The Cuyamaca College in California in the USA offers a Certificate and Degree qualification in Water and Waste Water Technology. These qualifications put emphasis on hazardous agents in the work environment; regulations pertaining Safety and Health; occupational diseases and methods of prevention; industrial safety practices; monitoring techniques for airborne contaminants, noise, heat, illumination, and radiation; and the administration and management of safety programs.

    The Department of Hydrology and Water Resources in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences within the College of Science at the University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources. The curriculum is designed to give the learner a basic knowledge of hydrology and allied subjects, including the basic environmental sciences, hydrologic modelling, and computer applications.

    The University of Idaho in Moscow offers Degree qualifications in Environmental Science and Water Resources Management. The qualification aims to develop professionals who will be experts in dealing with contemporary water issues. The qualification offers a unique graduate-level curriculum that builds disciplinary competencies which requires the integration and synthesis of knowledge to define and solve water issues, and provides field opportunities for highly collaborative water basin analyses of great importance to their communities.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification aims to develop learners with knowledge and skills on how to respond to the environment and ecosystems and also to the global changes in planetary hydrology. The qualification provides an integrated coverage of both the scientific, technical, social-economic and political aspects of water resources planning and management. The qualification compares favourably with the selected offerings as they focus on common outcomes. The duration and modules are also similar. The context of the environment is also taken into consideration while global threats to the ecosystem are the centre of focus. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification would follow a career progression path immediately from Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 to Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8.

    Horizontal articulation possibilities at NQF Level 7 include:
  • Bachelor of Science in Hydrology.
  • Bachelor of Science in Water Resource Management.
  • Bachelor of Science in Community Water Services and Sanitation.

    This qualification will articulate vertically directly into either of the following NQF Level 8 qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Hydrology.
  • Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Hydrology and Water Resources.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Resource Management. 
    		•

    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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.