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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Conservation Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100757  Master of Conservation Science 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
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
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 
Purpose:
The overall aim of this Master of Conservation Science is to equip learners with the required disciplinary knowledge, practice-based skills and research capacity to produce a research project and dissertation with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability meeting acceptable academic and professional standards. The institution aims to graduate higher degree research learners who are distinguished by their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the field of study and/or academic discipline, including, where appropriate, relevant expertise outside the area of study and/or academic discipline, as well as a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of the field of study and/or area of professional practice.

The overall purpose of this qualification is to equip students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research, including critical awareness of current issues and developments in this field of study. In addition, Master's Degree learners will be required to conduct a research project through independent research culminating in the production and successful completion of a dissertation, which implies that learners must have a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in planning, managing and executing a substantial research project, while demonstrating the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in this field of study. In completing the research project and dissertation, learners must demonstrate the ability to address complex and challenging problems and show an understanding of the ethical issues and consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

In this field of study, the purpose of the Master of Conservation Science Degree is to develop qualifying learners who can design, perform, and report scholarly research projects in the field of Nature Conservation and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. This type of academic contribution is critically needed in the area of Nature Conservation, which is dynamic in the context of a changing climate, evolving concepts of nature conservation and the continuous impact of humans on nature driven by, among others: urbanisation, population growth, over-exploitation of natural resources, and decreasing global bio-capacity. New knowledge, new insights, and new technologies are necessary, and research in the field of Conservation Science is imperative. Research in the field of Conservation Science is dynamic, dealing with issues such as the general management of protected areas (terrestrial, coastal and marine), plant physiology, plant ecology, animal physiology, ethology (animal behaviour), environmental studies (including pollution and ecotoxicology), human-animal conflict, conservation ethics, community-based conservation, etc. This research-based Master's degree will best cater to this diversity of research areas and require students to plan, perform, and scientifically report on an advanced research project in the discipline of Conservation Science. Also, qualifying learners with this qualification will be able to progress to cognate Doctoral Degrees the Nature Conservation-allied fields such as Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Sciences, or Biological Sciences. Such Degrees are offered both in South Africa, e.g. at University of South Africa (UNISA), University of the Western Cape (UWC) and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and internationally e.g. University of Kent, United Kingdom (UK); Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen, Germany; University of Minnesota, United States of America (USA).

Rationale:
Firstly, this institution has an established track record of producing Master's Degree qualifying learners in this field of study. The faculty and academic department have the required expertise and facilities to support this HEQSF aligned research-based Master's Degree. Academic staff members are actively involved in a number of research niche areas that are relevant to this qualification, e.g. ecotoxicology, the use of stable isotopes in unravelling animal diet; estuarine ecology; terrestrial community ecology and ecosystem functioning; invasive species and restoration ecology; plant-pollinator interactions; application of cryopreservation in the conservation of plant germplasm; and medicinal plants research.

Secondly, this qualification aims to address the scarce skills needs described in national policy frameworks such as National Skills Development Strategy III, the Human Capital Development Strategy for the Biodiversity Sector, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Report on Green Jobs, the Guidelines for a Human Capital Development Strategy for the Biodiversity Conservation Sector; and took part in the National Environmental Skills Summit convened by GreenMatter in 2012. Consultation with various stakeholders revealed that this qualification will assist with the development of biodiversity managers with interdisciplinary training (e.g. Conservation managers who can ensure commercial viability of protected areas; Conservation managers who can facilitate the livelihoods of communities in protected areas, negotiate with landowners and so on; and Conservation assessment professionals who combine Information Technology (IT) skills such as Geographic Information System (GIS) with natural science); as well as a short supply of highly skilled Reserve Managers; Nature Conservation scientists; and appropriately qualified academic staff for Universities.

Thirdly, this qualification is also in keeping with the institution's vision, mission and strategic objectives of enhancing and developing the quality and effectiveness of research and knowledge production and is aligned to the overall aims and research niche areas of the Research, Technology and Innovation strategic plan of the institution.

Fourthly, being located in the Western Cape, which contains the unique fynbos biome that exhibits exceptional biodiversity, this qualification will also focus more pertinently on fynbos research projects. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of the qualification or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled following an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Learners may obtain access to a postgraduate qualification through recognition of prior learning using a portfolio of evidence of relevant work experience and scholarship. The institution will evaluate the portfolio of evidence against the relevant SAQA Level Descriptors. Upon Faculty Board approval, the application should be considered at the institutional level by the Higher Degrees Committee and approved by Senate.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.
    Or
    Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8 in the field of study or related field(s) of study.
    Or
  • A Professional Bachelor's Degree (480 Credits), NQF Level 8 in this field of study or related field(s) of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualifications consist of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.
  • Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Course work and Mini Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Gain an understanding of the research process.
    2. Access, process and manage information applicable to the research project.
    3. Plan and prepare a research proposal.
    4. Compile and present the research proposal.
    5. Show accountability and management of own learning.
    6. Act ethically and professionally.
    7. Plan and manage the research project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
    8. Conduct a literature review and use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    9. Apply research methods for data collection, analysis and interpretation, including the use of appropriate computer software programmes.
    10. Draw conclusions and present research results by compiling a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by the research results and findings in the research report.
    11. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project.
    12. Demonstrate problem-solving abilities to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project with an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Display adequate understanding the foundations, paradigms and nature of research relevant to the academic discipline, the field of study and professional practice.
  • Apply critical aspects of research design, such as exploration, description and explanation, and the research process to plan and execute a research project.
  • Locate, analyse, critically appraise and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to compile the literature review of the research proposal and to make informed decisions regarding research design and methodology.
  • Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality, etc. in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the research and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines pertinent to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Demonstrate understanding of the use of appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the area of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical purposes (if relevant to a field of study).
  • Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the area of research and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Demonstrate the ability to use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field of study, discipline and professional practice to present the research proposal in written and oral format to a range of audiences, including peers and examiners.
  • Demonstrate the ability to operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her work while managing resources (e.g. time, budget, technology, equipment, etc.) in compiling the research proposal.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work within the ethical framework as defined in institutional criteria, procedures and guidelines in terms of plagiarism and copyright, confidentiality, ownership and professionalism and obtain permission and ethical clearance from relevant authorities to execute the research project.
  • With a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using available resources assigned to the task (e.g. funding, infrastructure, academic, technical and administrative staff and or assistants, etc.) and within the timeframe allocated to the project.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project against acceptable academic requirements.
  • Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received in a manner that shows improvement.
  • Demonstrate an ability to select relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of study or discipline and to produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of research or discipline that shows originality.
  • Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Use the prescribed referencing technique of the institution correctly and accurately.
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.
  • Assimilate data using different data collection methods (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
  • Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using the appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).
  • Demonstrate the ability to compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and findings of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of study, discipline and profession.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.
  • Consider issues of confidentiality (if applicable) and adhere to institutional/professional requirements in this regard.
  • Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.)
  • Prepare a report for publication in a nationally accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s) based on relevant criteria.
  • Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.
  • Exercise informed judgement to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues pertinent to the chosen research problem.
  • Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational and professional issues.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).
  • Demonstrate the use of the full range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integrated assessment aims to assess the learner holistically and contributes to the learner's personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. The execution of the research project and production and acceptance of the dissertation constitute the total of a combination of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods at this level of study.

    In executing the research project and dissertation, learners will:
  • Compile a scientific research proposal through integration and application of knowledge and skills within the area of specialisation in the field of study.
  • Demonstrate in-depth learning with abstraction and understanding knowledge of the field/area of investigation using a well-structured literature review.
  • Develop critical research skills and attributes in planning and research in the field of horticulture by applying knowledge, research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.
  • Dealing with unpredictability in problem-solving, extracting, interpreting and analysing research results accurately.
  • Taking responsibility and autonomy in the research process in drawing conclusions and reporting research results in both scientific article and dissertation formats.
  • Display a professional attitude, ethical behaviour and values in presenting results to a scientific audience in reflecting on professional practice. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international benchmarking was conducted to determine the extent of the qualification and subject structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international benchmarking exercise was undertaken in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education (HE) institutions internationally; the range of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

    The international benchmarking exercise included higher education institutions such as: Polytechnic of Namibia, in Namibia; Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania; The College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka in Tanzania; University of Eldoret in Kenya; University of Oxford in the United Kingdom; Wageningen University in The Netherlands; Macquarie University in Australia and University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Although several of the Master's Degree programmes offered internationally are very similar in purpose and nature from what is being proposed by this institution, a prominent feature of these Degrees are that they focus on the broader aspect of Biodiversity Conservation (as opposed to a narrower focus, e.g. Wildlife Management). This more comprehensive approach to Biodiversity Conservation compares well with the multi-disciplinary research currently being conducted in the academic department of this institution. Many of these institutions include 'applied' aspects of Biodiversity Conservation before students embark on the research project. Such elements include Conservation Governance, Conservation Landscapes, and Conservation and Society (University of Oxford); or Research Methodology, Trends in Forest and Nature Conservation, Wildlife Resource Management (Wageningen University). The Master's Degree at the University of Exeter also includes field trips and involvement of professionals in the field of study. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master's degree, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Cognate Doctoral degree, 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. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.