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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97819  Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management 
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa 
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 purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge and skill to manage water affairs and engage them in the development of water resources and in the delivery of water services.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Appraise the basic principles of catchment management and aquatic ecosystem health, collaborative water planning, and project management.
  • Analyse the key concepts, definitions and practices of water supply and sanitation systems.
  • Examine the nature and substance of community water development.
  • Analyse the theory and practice of urban water design.
  • Evaluate the relationship between climate change and water resources.
  • Appreciate the basic principles and techniques of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management is designed to provide learners with knowledge and skills needed in the management of water. This qualification aims at engaging learners in the development of water resources and efficient and effective delivery water services. A contribution is needed to meet the challenge of critical skills shortage in the water sector, to focus particularly on interdisciplinary approaches in the field of water management. Developing interdisciplinary capacity for water management will generate skills and knowledge which, if well utilised, will form the basis of effective management and good governance of water resources.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management will facilitate the application of professional skills and knowledge in water management as a basis for solving many of the societal problems related to water resources and service delivery. Addressing the capacity limitations of management and governance is the greatest challenge facing water resource management and service delivery in South Africa. The need to address water supply and sanitation delivery backlogs is a major focus of government's policy and programmes to promote sustainable water use and to achieve a better life for all. This qualification is designed to contribute to the efforts aimed at tackling these challenges by way of offering an educational qualification that meets a range of water-related needs.
    This qualification is targeted at water professionals in South Africa and the broader southern Africa. Typical learners will include water professionals who are already working in lower to middle-level management positions as well as those work different technical fields such as river basin management, groundwater management, water resource planning, water resource economics, and water treatment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Monash South Africa (MSA) adheres to national requirements for the RPL and has a policy and procedures in place. In this context, the learning institution will allow for an educationally appropriate alternative access to the qualification. In so doing, it will recognise the following fundamentals:
  • Formal learning, such as a qualification offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by MSA. These may include professional development or on-the job-training,
  • Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of RPL.

    RPL may also be granted for admission to the qualification, where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed as equivalent to the prerequisite qualification.

    MSA may grant Credit for subjects (modules) passed, with satisfactory grades, at other recognised Higher Education institutions if:
  • The subject is considered to be equivalent in content and standard to those offered by MSA.
  • It is relevant to the planned qualification.
  • The learner must still satisfactorily complete at least half the qualification modules at MSA in order to be awarded a Degree.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An recognised cognate qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Catchment and Aquatic Ecosystem Health, 15 Credits.
  • Water and Sanitation, 15 Credits.
  • Community Water Development, 15 Credits.
  • Collaborative Water Planning, 15 Credits.
  • Project Management for Water Managers, 15 Credits.
  • Climate Change and Water Resources, 15 Credits.
  • GIS and Water Resources Mapping, 15 Credits.
  • Urban Water Design, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Appraise the basic principles of Catchment Management and Aquatic Ecosystem Health, Collaborative Water Planning, and Project Management.
    2. Analyse the key concepts, definitions and practices of water supply and sanitation systems.
    3. Examine the nature and substance of community water development.
    4. Analyse the theory and practice of urban water design.
    5. Evaluate the relationship between climate change and water resources.
    6. Appreciate the basic principles and techniques of GIS. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The basic elements of the hydrology of river catchments are evaluated.
  • Interdependence of social and ecological resilience as related to freshwater systems is assessed.
  • A range of planning frameworks for water management at the global/international, national, regional/basin, trans-boundary and local levels is explored.
  • A range of planning tools and methodologies used in balancing interests among conflicting functions and water uses in developing country contexts is applied.
  • Basic elements of water policy making in developing country and trans-boundary contexts is critically assessed and designed.
  • The principles and techniques of project management as they relate to water resources development and management are explicated.
  • A water management plan is developed taking into account the essential tools of project management.
  • The need and plan for social, technological, environmental, economic and political contexts in water project design and rollout is identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The principles and tools for designing and operating domestic water supply and sanitation systems are elucidated.
  • The inter-relationship between ecosystem services and human diseases is examined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The different approaches to community participation in water management and development are appraised.
  • A range of analytical frameworks are discussed for understanding the links between water, livelihoods, poverty, and gender.
  • A human rights approach is integrated to water resources development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An interdisciplinary understanding of the interplay between society, technology and urban environments is elaborated on.
  • The critical role of water in the urban environment and how urban environments can incorporate water sensitive designs is appraised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The basic principles, techniques and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the field of water management are analysed.
  • Spatial data handling and other digital data handling challenges, and how the theory on which it is based is central to spatial data handling for water management are distinguished between.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The proximate and underlying causes of climate change and their impact on water resources are evaluated.
  • The incorporation of climate change issues and its impacts into water management plans is deliberated on.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment will comprise both theoretical and practical components, which will be assessed simultaneously. Assessors will employ formative and summative methods to assess practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies in combination.

    Integrated assessment forms an integral part of this qualification to ensure that its stated purpose is achieved. Programme Coordinators will ensure that assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Birmingham:
    The University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Technology and Management. This qualification provides advanced training to learners in order to develop their understanding of the activities involved in the optimal design and operation of water management systems.

    University of Canterbury:
    The University of Canterbury in New Zealand offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resource Management. This qualification prepares learners for a technical and career in water resource management and develops innovative and effective methods for the sustainable management of this critical resource in New Zealand and internationally.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with those offered by the Universities of Birmingham, and Canterbury. The local and international qualifications are designed to equip learners with skills to manage water affairs. The delivery of efficient and effective water services at the core of all qualifications. These qualifications have been designed with the idea of opening up a range of career opportunities available for specialists who understand the complex role of water in modern society, and can provide guidance to ensure optimum utilisation of this often scarce resource. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environment and Water Science, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Resource Management, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management, at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Resource Management, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Water Resource Management, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Technology: Water Care, at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018. 

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.