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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96556  Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral 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 10  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
1. To provide learners with advanced research skills including problem identification, data acquisition and analysis techniques; data interpretation skills; and ability to make policy recommendations based on research findings.
2. To enhance creative thinking abilities, as well as the ability to work independently.
3. To mould highly responsible researchers who can carry out research work about the land resource and environmental issues that affect the livelihoods of people in the Northern Province, the country, the Southern African Region and beyond.
4. To enhance the communication skills of learners through participation in seminars, workshops and conferences both locally and internationally; and through the writing of research reports and thesis. Writing of research articles for publication will also be part of the training.
5. To prepare learners for careers in academia and research institutions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Environmental Science Ecology and Resource Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of one single module, which is ERM 7990 Research and Thesis.

    The module is organised as follows:
  • Proposal development.
  • Data acquisition (laboratory, field work).
  • Data analysis, synthesis and interpretation of results.
  • Thesis write-up.

    Total credit allocation: 360. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the skills for identifying researchable environmental/land resource problems; appropriate knowledge and skills for putting together research logistics and research design;
    2. Identify acquire and analyses of pertinent data;
    3. Interpret research findings and use of research findings for making environmental policy recommendation;
    4. Communication skills;
    5. Working independently. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Participate in scholarly discussions; write and present mini-seminars and participate effectively in an oral presentation.
  • Submit assignments and reports in an acceptable format according to clear guidelines and deadlines.
  • Participate and interact intelligently in class discussions and presentations and in practical situations.
  • Critically read, interpret and analyse literature. Participate in group discussions.
  • Do independent reading and information retrieval in the library and the internet. Work with reduced supervision and show initiative.
  • Prepare assignments and improve computer literacy.
  • Write a project proposal, highlighting the research problem.
  • Identify the research problem.
  • Describe the research methods/procedures and techniques to be followed.
  • Learn the use of research instruments.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret data.
  • Write up the results in a clear, concise and acceptable manner.
  • Defend and orally present research report to scientific audiences.

    Integrated Assessments:
  • Workplace assessments.
  • Oral examinations.
  • Examination of the thesis.
  • Seminar presentations.
  • Discourse.
  • Conference presentations.
  • Research thesis. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers possibilities of horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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 Venda 


    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.