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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115324  Master of Science in Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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:
This qualification is aimed at preparing learners for work. The qualification also addresses the needs for employment sectors because it equips learners with the relevant exposure and skills required by the employers. Several engagements with the sectors have been made in order to align the qualification with the specific needs required by the sectors.

The learners who completes this qualification are employable in sectors such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), South African National Parks (SANPARKS), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and other sectors that specialise in discipline such as built environment, water resource, rural development, mining, marine environmental protection to name few. One of examples in which employment sector was consulted is the meeting between the Department of GIS and remote sensing, and SANSA, where, among other aspects discussed was the types of skills they require from their potential employees. This engagement was accompanied by the signed memorandum of understanding between the GIS and remote sensing Department and the (SANSA).

The learners enrolled for this qualification will have opportunities to become water resource scientist, and they will significantly contribute to resolving global, national and regional water crisis issues. They will also become land use planners, where they will play a major role in the appropriate land allocation and reduce problems associated with allocating land for inappropriate use. The learners can also become crop scientists and assist in minimising problems related to global food security. Last but not the least, they will also become vegetation resource scientists and assist in the protection of vegetation resource and minimise the impacts of global warming.

Rationale:
The purpose of this qualification is to address the shortage of skilled personnel in this field and to supply South Africa and the African continent with competent researchers and practitioners in the practical application of Remote Sensing and GIS. As such, this qualification is intended to equip the learners with advanced GIS and remote sensing technical skills and knowledge for solving real world problems.

Remote Sensing and GIS technology is one of the fastest growing industries globally, on a par with/or greater than IT and computer science. It is being applied in nearly every facet of life. The South African and African GIS and Remote Sensing community have identified the lack of and expressed an urgent and major need for training in the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS within South Africa. However, only three academic institutions in South Africa are offering MSc Degree in this discipline. Additionally, this discipline is also offered as part of distance learning Postgraduate Diploma and various short modules (2-6 weeks) encompassed within Geography, Geology or Surveying Degrees by other universities. As such, the content covered is not adequate to fulfil the needs and requirements of employers.

The institution is currently offering GIS and Introduction to Remote Sensing at 2nd year and as a major in 3rd year and has done so for 19 years. The institution started offering an Honours course in applied Remote Sensing and GIS in 2001 with the intention to accommodate the needs and desire of the Honours learners who would like to further their studies at the Masters level. In addition, the institution has considerable expertise and experience in a number of scientific areas, especially those relating to natural resource, agriculture and rural development. An important aspect of applied remote sensing studies is the ability, expertise, and experience to conduct ground-truthing calibration studies. In this regard, the institution is extremely well-positioned, particularly with respect to the science of free-range animals, and applications of planned veldt-burning programmes. The institution was also involved with the NASA backed Safari2000 programme and has direct access to all of the information collected during that programme. In particular, 50 channel hyperspectral data over large portions of Southern Africa were collected and research opportunities in using and interpreting this data abound in a number of earth resource fields.

There is thus little doubt as to the relevance of the qualification to the regional and national need. In addition, the Department has been in touch with a wide range of Remote Sensing and GIS experts with a view to the establishment of an advisory panel to assist with curriculum development and the identification of strategic research areas. The following institutions and companies are among those contacted (to name a few):
  • Satellite Application Centre (SAC);
  • Anglo American Remote Sensing Unit;
  • Agricultural Research Unit (ARC);
  • Range and Forage Institute (RFI);
  • Terramare Consultants;
  • Enviromap CC;
  • HSRC-GIS Unit;
  • The National Spatial Information;
  • Framework (NSIF).

    This qualification will equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits, and professional networks needed for a successful career. It is proposed to develop a world class competitive qualification. The subject matter is multi-disciplinary and well suited to forging strategic links and educational partnerships with industry, agriculture, and commerce. Opportunities abound for the pursuance of both local and international research programmes, and possible collaboration with the Netherlands and the Chinese Republic have already been initiated. On a more immediate and local front, building a working partnership with the Alice TLC and the local Eastern Cape Government in Bisho for the development of the local surrounds and communities is a high priority.

    The qualification will benefit the learners by placing them in a good platform to get employed. The society will also benefit from this qualification when problems affecting them, such as water resource scarcity, hunger and inappropriate utilisation of the land, to mention few. The institution will also benefit from this qualification because, as one of scarce postgraduate discipline in the country, learners will be attracted to further their studies in the institution. Since this qualification will equip learners with necessary and scarce skills, it will also help economies to move up the value chain beyond manual tasks or simple production processes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's RPL Policy will be applied to gain entry to this qualification. An Honours Degree in Applied Remote Sensing and GIS or equivalent, or any other indication of sufficient prior learning and experience that can be demonstrated and assessed. Alternatively learners in possession of a BSc Honours Degree in a number of other disciplines may embark on this qualification, with the provision that they attend certain of the Honours level courses in Remote Sensing and GIS at the discretion of the Head of Department. The multidisciplinary and applied nature of the qualification is well suited to learners applying these techniques to a wide range of research areas within the sciences.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Remote Sensing and GIS, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A Bachelor of Science Honours in related field, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory module:
    Dissertation, 180 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the fundamentals and principles in the interpretation and analysis of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems.
    2. Independently design and carry out research in GIS and remote sensing according to scientific quality standards.
    3. Communicate both orally and in writing on findings of research work to specialists and non-specialists.
    4. Critically reflect on own work.
    5. Operate professionally and ethically in handling own research.
    6. The ability to do a literature survey.
    7. Competency in the use of suitable Remote Sensing and GIS software. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way:
  • Identify and justify the selection of certain interpretation and analytical approach of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems.
  • Identify research issue and select suitable GIS and remote sensing techniques to apply in addressing the identified issue.
  • Communicate research work orally and in writing.
  • Defend own work.
  • Adhere strictly to the principles of unbiased investigation using the appropriate scientific method.
  • Be familiar with this field of research and have done a literature survey.
  • Use the most appropriate software and techniques for the given problem.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative Assessment:
    Develop research project according to its stages.
    Improve research by addressing comments from supervisor.

    Summative Assessment:
    Presentation of research stages (either face-to-face or via online platform) for the student to gain permission to progress to the next research stage.
    Examination of dissertation by 2 external examiners whose qualifications, teaching and research experiences have to be approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are similar Master qualifications at this level internationally. The MSc in GIS and remote sensing offered by the Charles Sturt University in Australia focuses on building competence in independent learning skills, research methodology, research implementation, oral presentations, report writing, web-based and multimedia communication and team work skills. This qualification allows learners to undertake MSc qualification by dissertation, with a special focus on the applications of GIS and Remote Sensing.

    This can also be comparable to the Masters in Geospatial & Mapping Sciences offered by the University of Glasgow. This qualification equips learners with knowledge regarding the theory and practice of geospatial data collection, land and hydrographic surveying, data and information quality, applications of survey information, and research and development in the field of geomatics.

    The two qualifications are comparable with the South African qualifications in terms of the purpose, Exit Level Outcomes and skills to be developed. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Geography, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Applied Statistics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Botany, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Geography, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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 Fort Hare 


    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.