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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Game Ranch Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97139  Master of Science in Game Ranch Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
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:
The purpose of the Master of Science in Game Ranch Management is to further technological advancements in the field of game ranch management. The learner achieving this qualification will be competent to complete a specific research project in the field of game ranch management and technology.

Rationale:
South Africa is a world leader in the discipline of nature conservation, wildlife and game ranch management, with the Eastern Cape as the second most popular destination with international visitors.

The Game Ranching Industry not only plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy natural environment but also makes a significant contribution to the local economy. The commercial utilisation of wildlife resources is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in South Africa, and currently has a total estimated turnover of R122.7 billion (2015). The industry consists of four segments:
"Tourism (50% of 12.1 million tourists go game viewing annually): +/- R102 billion.
"Game products (Trophy's, hides, venison - risks with ample opportunities): +/- R1 billion.
"Hunting: +/- R7.5 billion.
"Breeding: +/- R12.2 billion.

Sustainability lies central to the game industry, and the industry requires highly skilled employees who are specialist in the management of complex nature as well as socio-ecological systems. The qualification, therefore, will play an essential role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable game ranch management industry.

The complexity of the industry requires highly skilled employees who able to master the management of complex systems. These complexities have resulted in job profile differentiation at middle and higher-level management. The qualification, therefore, will play an essential role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate skills and knowledge to ensure competitive and sustainable resource management. Learners with this qualification with be able to operate at the middle to higher management levels in the industry in various enterprises. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution will admit learners with experience in the Wildlife, Game Ranch Management, Agricultural and Business environment through RPL. Competence in the relevant fields, including numeracy, computer and communications competence, will be assessed to determine to an exemption from modules may be given. The institutional RPL policy will be applied.

The institutional policy requires that the assessment of each learner on an individual basis. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the institution. The appointed assessor will meet with the learner to explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. The HOD will verify all quality assurance requirements.

The outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation regarding status recognition and the final decision regarding the RPL status of the learner, will be presented to the FMC.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Conservation Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours: Biodiversity and Conservation, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Identify a relevant research project.
  • Explore the research area.
  • Conceptualise the problem.
  • Formulate appropriate title.
  • Formulate hypothesis.
  • Formulate objectives.
  • Plan the research project.
  • Conduct a basic research project.
  • Interpret research findings.
  • Present the research. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Assessment of the exit level outcomes will be in the form of a dissertation - 100% research project.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Learners will present a research proposal.
  • Learners will undertake a research project as reflected in the research proposal.
  • Learners will collect the needed data as explained in the proposal.
  • Learners will analyse and interpret the data and will make relevant conclusions from it.
  • Learners will make recommendations regarding the data and the importance thereof for the industry. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Newcastle University - this qualification provides a link between the theory and practice of wildlife management. The qualification teaches from the perspective of regulatory authorities associated with UK wildlife management. Learners will receive advanced training in policy and science implementation. It is professionally focused and relevant to a range of roles in the sector. The qualification aims to provide learners with:
  • Advanced knowledge of wildlife management theory, the principles of biodiversity and conservation, epidemiology and wildlife conflicts.
  • Practical skills in wildlife and environmental data collection, data analysis, data handling, statistics and modelling methodologies with -A focus on providing evidence for policy.

    The University of Padova - forms specialists in sustainable management, conservation and integrated valorisation of forests and natural resources and is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach to forestry. Learners acquire awareness and understanding of the organisation of forest and mountain ecosystems and skills for sustainable management of forests and rural landscape, especially in an Alpine and Mediterranean environment.

    The University of Kent offers an MSc in Conservation Project Management that draws upon the extensive conservation project management experience of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and equips you with the skills and tools you need to manage conservation projects effectively. The pathway is particularly suitable for managers of conservation projects who wish to build on their existing skills, or conservation practitioners who wish to move into a project management role. Learners spend time at the International Training Centre at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey.

    University of South Wales - This project is often done in co-operation with conservation organisations such as National Parks; English Nature/Countryside Council for Wales; National Botanic Garden; Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts. Examples of recent projects include coral reef conservation in the Bahamas; feeding habits of Groupers off Honduras; deforestation in SE Asia; invasive species in Cardiff Bay; biodiversity increase with organic farming; butterfly reintroduction and habitats; recognition of Japanese Knotweed by remote sensing. This project is often done in co-operation with conservation organisations such as National Parks; English Nature/Countryside Council for Wales; National Botanic Garden; Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts. Examples of recent projects include coral reef conservation in the Bahamas; feeding habits of Groupers off Honduras; deforestation in SE Asia; invasive species in Cardiff Bay; biodiversity increase with organic farming; butterfly reintroduction and habitats; recognition of Japanese Knotweed by remote sensing.

    Edinburg Napier University -This qualification has been designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies. The main focus is on the development of practical employability skills. In recognition of the strong practical and employability focus, this the first and only degree in Scotland to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), meaning learners will graduate with an accredited MSc. In addition to studying relevant theory, learners have the opportunity to develop:
  • Advanced analytical skills for population investigation and management.
  • Practical skills used in identifying, quantifying and assessing biodiversity.
  • Transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R, Mark), problem-solving, research and team working. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A cognate Master's qualification, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy, NQF 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.