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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97157  Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of the 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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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   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 Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management is intended to meet national and international education and training priorities identified as relevant for integrated water resources management, and to meet a need for skilled personnel in the water management and environmental sector. Upon qualifying learners are expected to be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge theories, terminology relating to various disciplines in order to analyse real life situations relating to integrated water management.
  • Apply standardised planning procedures and techniques to demonstrate understanding of complexities of these procedures.
  • Identify and take into consideration ethical issues, such as those involved in good governance, public participation and other relevant practices relating to legislation when applying tools and knowledge to matters relating to water management.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to equip learners with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to address national priorities identified by the South African Water Management Sector and to provide support to key role players in the development and implementation of national and international policies aimed at addressing water management issues. These priorities relate to enhancing carrying capacity and conservation of natural resources. Strengthening human resource capacity in integrated water management is needed which will in turn have a positive effect on a range of commercial, social and other activities relating to the environment, thereby encouraging responsible utilisation of our natural resources, creating jobs and preserving resources for use and enjoyment by future generations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Each learner will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. RPL will be achieved by means of an appropriate integrated assessment method as mentioned above.

    This RPL may allow a successful learner:
  • To be to access further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

    Entry Requirements:
    A minimum requirement for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management is:
  • An appropriate qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8:
  • Introduction to Integrated Water Resources, Resource Economics and Governance, 48 Credits.
  • Integrated Water Resources Science, 48 Credits.
  • Integrated Water Resources Management and Legislation, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of theories, terminology relating to various disciplines in order to analyse real life situations relating to integrated water management.
    2. Apply standardised planning procedures and techniques to demonstrate understanding of complexities of these procedures.
    3. Identify and take into consideration ethical issues, such as those involved in good governance, public participation and other relevant practices relating to legislation when applying tools and knowledge to matters relating to water management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Multiple knowledge sources are consulted.
  • Quantitative and qualitative data, scientific reports and strategies, policies and plans are critically reviewed, synthesised and evaluated.
  • Information is managed and creative responses to problems and issues are developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Insight is applied and demonstrated into complexities arising from the interaction between the major components of global water cycle, and between human development, water use and the environment.
  • Self-study activities are conducted, own learning processes are managed, professional and on-going learning needs are effectively addressed, and full responsibility for individual's work, decision-making and use of resources is taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ideas, solutions and conclusions to academic, professional and public audiences are communicated verbally, in writing or by means of other media.
  • Participation in interdisciplinary collaboration with regard to water impact assessments, public participation processes and other relevant matters is enabled.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is in line with the overall purpose of the qualification and gives an opportunity to each learner to demonstrate their achievement holistically across the Exit Level Outcomes. Each module has a specific assessment strategy that complies with the institution's rules and policies regarding assessment and examination.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment involves group assignments, and marks obtained on these assignments comprise the final mark. The pass mark for assignments is 50%. Examinations take place at the end of the semester and involve a three-hour written examination. Learners failing to achieve 50% in an examination will have the opportunity to rewrite the examination. Both examinations must be passed for the qualification to be awarded. The semester mark will count 60% towards the final mark, and the formal examination will contribute 40%.

    Summative Assessment:
    The assignments and examinations will be marked and moderated in accordance with the institution's assessment policy. Performance in the examination will demonstrate that learners have mastered the Exit-Level Outcomes at NQF Level 8.

    Evaluation of assignments and examination scripts will be undertaken by senior staff of the Centre for Environmental Management and lecturers involved in the presentation of modules.

    Internal and external moderation will be undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures with regard to both compilation and marking of examination papers. Suitably qualified external moderators/examiners will be appointed on the basis of a set of explicit criteria and administrative procedures. These criteria and procedures will be consistent with the institution's policy and guidelines for the implementation of internal and external moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Canterbury Postgraduate in New Zealand offers a Diploma in Water Resource Management The Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resource Management will prepare graduates for a technical and non-research career in water resource management and to develop innovative and effective methods for the sustainable management of this critical resource in New Zealand and internationally. The qualification offers learners many career benefits e.g. specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

    United Nations, UN-Water:
    The UN-Water is a programme that the United Nations Inter-Agency uses as a mechanism in all fresh water related issues, a programme within the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). One of the focus areas of this programme is the Integrated Water Resource Management.

    According to the United Nations, UN-Water, water is a key driver of economic and social development while it also has a basic function in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. However water is only one of a number of vital natural resources and it is imperative that water issues are not considered in isolation.

    Managers, whether in the government or private sectors, have to make difficult decisions on water allocation. More and more they have to apportion diminishing supplies between ever-increasing demands. Drivers such as demographic and climatic changes further increase the stress on water resources. Development objectives have been adopted and set as targets and goals for governments at national level. Each government has to ensure following is implemented through its water resource policy or strategy:
  • Enabling environment.
  • Institutional structures.
  • Management instrument.
  • Infrastructure development.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is in line with the United Nations' Integrated Water Resource Management mandate. This qualification aims at providing and improving on the existing capacity in the water management field. This qualification also recognises the fact that water is a resource that has to be well conserved as it has an effect on natural resources and the environment at large as it is also recognised by the United Nations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables possibilities of both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal:
  • Bachelor of Geographical Science Honours in Fresh Water Biology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environment and Water Science, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical:
  • Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of the 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.