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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 Environmental Health |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 99016 | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health | |||
| 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(Min 480) | Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services | Promotive Health and Developmental Services | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 480 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 2027-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-30 | 2034-06-30 | |||
| 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. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health is to prepare competent, ethical, scientifically grounded and professionally responsive Environmental Health practitioners who are able to promote, protect and support public health through the identification, assessment, monitoring and management of environmental factors that influence human health and well-being. The qualification equips learners with integrated theoretical, practical and applied knowledge in Environmental Health sciences, public health, environmental management, epidemiology, occupational health and safety, food hygiene, water quality management, environmental law, ethics, research, risk management and community-based health promotion within the South African context. The qualification is intended for school leavers with an appropriate science background and individuals seeking a professional career in Environmental Health and related public health contexts. Learners will pursue this qualification to acquire scientific, professional and ethical competence required for responsible Environmental Health practice, lifelong learning and career progression in environmental and public health sectors. The qualification benefits learners by equipping them with the knowledge, applied competencies and professional judgement required to contribute to environmental sustainability, disease prevention, health promotion, risk reduction and the promotion of safe and healthy living and working environments. This qualification follows an integrated academic, vocational and professional pathway that prepares learners for professional practice and further learning in Environmental Health and related fields and provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation into related qualifications. Upon successful completion, learners will demonstrate an integrated understanding of environmental determinants of health, scientific principles, environmental health systems, legislation, professional ethics, risk management and research-informed practice relevant to Environmental Health. Learners will be able to apply scientific reasoning, investigative approaches, research principles, communication skills and professional judgement to identify, assess, monitor and evaluate environmental health risks; contribute to the development, implementation and review of risk management and health promotion interventions; communicate Environmental Health information appropriately to communities and other role players; apply ethical and professional principles in practice; and interpret and apply legislation, regulations and policies relevant to Environmental Health practice in community, municipal, occupational and public health contexts. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: The qualification has been developed to address the need for an advanced qualification that responds to the increasing complexity and multidisciplinary nature of environmental health challenges. These include climate change, urbanisation, environmental pollution, food safety risks, water scarcity, and emerging diseases, which require practitioners with enhanced scientific, analytical, and decision-making competencies. The qualification sufficiently develops advanced competencies in research, critical analysis, and leadership required for evidence-based practice in complex environmental health systems. This qualification has therefore been developed to strengthen and extend the existing learning pathway by providing increased scientific depth and research capacity. The need for this qualification has been identified by stakeholders including the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the Department of Health, local government, and industry representatives. These stakeholders have indicated a requirement for qualifying learners with advanced competencies to support environmental health service delivery and compliance with national policies and legislation. The qualification addresses sectoral needs by developing capacity in environmental risk assessment, monitoring, regulatory compliance, and management of environmental determinants of health, including areas such as water quality, food safety, waste management, and occupational hygiene. Consultations were conducted with the HPCSA, Department of Health, South African Local Government Association (SALGA), municipal health services, and industry stakeholders to ensure alignment with professional and workplace requirements. The qualification will benefit society by strengthening environmental health services and improving public health outcomes. It will benefit the economy by contributing to a healthier workforce, enhancing regulatory compliance, and supporting sustainable environmental management and development. Typical learners include school leavers with appropriate subject backgrounds, holders of a Diploma in Environmental Health seeking progression, and individuals employed in environmental or public health sectors who wish to advance their competencies. Qualifying learners are likely to enter occupational roles such as Environmental Health Practitioners, Public Health Inspectors, Occupational Health and Safety Officers, Environmental Consultants, and specialists in environmental health-related fields within government, private sector, and non-governmental organisations. The qualification also supports further learning and career advancement within environmental health and related disciplines. The qualification was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with professional and sectoral requirements. In accordance with Section 28 of the NQF Act, consultation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) was undertaken to ensure that the qualification meets the requirements for professional registration as an Environmental Health Practitioner. These engagements ensured that the qualification integrates scientific knowledge, regulatory requirements, and applied competencies necessary for environmental health practice. The qualification is located within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework in the fields of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences and forms part of the professional pathway for Environmental Health Practitioners. It provides an articulation route from a Diploma in Environmental Health and prepares qualifying learners for entry into the profession. Qualifying learners may progress to NQF Level 8 qualifications such as Honours or Postgraduate Diplomas, and further to Master's and Doctoral studies in Environmental Health, Public Health, or related fields. The qualification also offers opportunities for horizontal and diagonal articulation. The qualification supports career progression into specialist, managerial, and research roles and contributes to mobility within the environmental health profession. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution applies Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with its approved institutional RPL Policy, which is fully aligned to the National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as published by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (Government Gazette No. 40545 of 2016). The policy ensures that learning, knowledge, and skills acquired outside formal education - whether through work experience, informal study, or community involvement - are formally recognised for access, advanced standing, or credit towards the qualification. RPL provides alternative routes for learners to: RPL for access: Applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements may apply for admission through RPL for access. Such candidates must demonstrate the ability to cope with the demands of the qualification through: Admission via RPL does not guarantee automatic exemption from modules; further assessment may be required for credit recognition. RPL for advanced standing: An applicant who has already achieved some of the competencies expected for admission to, or progression within the qualification may be allowed admission despite lacking the conventional qualification pathway. In such an instance, the applicant's prior learning, knowledge, skills, and professional experience will be assessed to determine whether they are equivalent to the learning outcomes normally required for admission to this qualification. This learning may have been acquired through formal studies, workplace experience, professional development, community engagement, short courses, research, or other forms of non-formal and informal learning. RPL for module exemption: The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission into this qualification, as well as advancement within the qualification. RPL for credit: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for credit purposes is applied in accordance with institutional policies and the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). RPL enables learners to obtain credit towards the qualification where they can demonstrate, through assessed evidence, that they have achieved the required learning outcomes at the appropriate NQF level through formal, non-formal, or informal learning and/or relevant work experience. Evidence may include portfolios of evidence, workplace performance records, or challenge assessments, subject to institutional quality assurance processes. Credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) may also be applied for comparable modules completed within recognised and accredited qualifications, provided that equivalence in level, learning outcomes, and credit value is established. All RPL and credit transfer decisions are subject to academic approval to ensure the maintenance of the integrity, coherence, and standards of the qualification. Entry Requirements: Or Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7, and 8, totalling 480 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures in order to make necessary improvements.
2. Integrate and apply scientific principles and knowledge to Environmental Health sciences research. 3. Apply the principles of ethics and professional behaviour within the Environmental Health milieu. 4. Interpret and apply legislation, regulations and policies related to Environmental Health. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Integrated assessment Integrated assessment in this qualification is designed to evaluate a learner's ability to combine knowledge, skills, and values in real-world contexts rather than assessing them in isolation. This approach focuses on applied competence, which includes practical competence (the ability to perform tasks), foundational competence (understanding the underlying knowledge), and reflexive competence (the ability to reflect and adapt learning to new situations). Continuous assessment is central to achieving this, as it allows assessment to take place over a period of time rather than relying on a single, high-stakes evaluation. Moderators are officially appointed by the Assessment and Graduation Unit for all modules. Exit level modules are externally moderated in accordance with institution policies and procedures. The. Quality Assurance of assessments are conducted on continuous assessment activities by the Faculty Assessment Review Committee in accordance with institution policies. The learners' applied competencies will be assessed using a formative continuous assessment model. The ratio of formative to summative assessment is 50:50. Formative assessment: Formative assessment methods include: Assessment activities are aligned with clearly defined criteria, and feedback is provided regularly to support learner development. These assessments are diagnostic and developmental, ensuring that learners are adequately prepared for integrated and summative evaluation. Summative assessment: Summative assessment is conducted through an integrated, continuous assessment approach and is designed to evaluate the learner's overall competence in achieving the exit level outcomes of the qualification. These assessments require learners to demonstrate the ability to synthesise knowledge, perform practical skills, and exhibit appropriate professional behaviour in both simulated and real workplace contexts. The summative assessment strategy for the qualification is designed to evaluate the overall achievement of learning outcomes at the end of a learning cycle, as follows: Summative assessments will consist of integrated evaluations such as major tests, research projects, WIL report and practical assessments. Assessment papers, memorandum and answer booklets will undergo standard summative assessments and are structured to ensure that learners demonstrate competence in scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and professional reporting, thereby confirming that qualifying learners have attained the required knowledge, technical skills, and analytical abilities expected of an Environmental Health professional. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with similar qualifications from the United Kingdom and Botswana.
Country: United Kingdom (UK) Institution name: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) Qualification title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Health Duration: Three years full-time. Credits: 360 UK credits. Entry requirements: Admission is based on meeting the university's undergraduate entry requirements. Applicants are generally required to have A-Level qualifications, including science subjects. International applicants must satisfy the institution's English language requirements. Purpose/Rationale: The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Health is designed to equip learners with scientific knowledge and professional competencies required to identify, assess, manage and prevent environmental health hazards. The qualification prepares graduates for professional practice in environmental health, public health protection, environmental management and regulatory compliance. Qualification structure: Modules: Similarities: Differences: Country: Botswana Institution name: University of Botswana Qualification title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Health Duration: Four years full-time. Credits: Not specified Entry requirements: Purpose/Rationale: The qualification prepares graduates to identify, assess, monitor and control environmental health hazards and risks. It develops competencies in environmental protection, occupational health, public health, environmental management and regulatory compliance. Qualification structure: Modules: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: Although there are differences in qualification duration, credit systems, entry requirements and professional registration pathways, the Liverpool John Moores University, University of Botswana and South African qualifications share a common focus on the development of Environmental Health knowledge, professional competence, regulatory compliance, environmental management and public health protection. The qualifications demonstrate substantial comparability in terms of scientific content, professional orientation, practical application and research development. All three qualifications integrate environmental health sciences, risk assessment, environmental legislation, occupational health, food safety, water quality management and research, thereby preparing graduates for professional Environmental Health practice and further academic progression. The South African Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health is therefore comparable with recognised international Environmental Health qualifications and aligns with international expectations relating to environmental health education, professional competence and graduate employability. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| The qualification provides the following articulation options:
Horizontal articulation: Vertical articulation: Diagonal articulation: |
| 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. | 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. |