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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Environmental Sciences in Geography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
16162  Master of Environmental Sciences in Geography 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  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
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 
The purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Provide specialisation and professional training in one of the following aspects Geography: Geography of tourism, Land Reform Studies, Rural Geography and development, Population and Demography, Applied Climatology, Geomorphology and Biography.
  • Equip learners with both Theoretical and Conceptual understanding of the role of space and time in there chosen sub-fields.
  • Incorporate and develop skills in understanding environmental dynamics within specific sub-fields.
  • Develop advanced in critical thinking.
  • Enhance the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to contribute to multidisciplinary project work.
  • Develop an understanding of traditional knowledge systems.
  • Conduct research and produce an acceptable Masters dissertation. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    Entry requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science, NQF Level 8. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Employ Geographical skills in solving real-life problems.
    2. Apply geographical theory in the chosen field.
    3. Carry out research.
    4. Produce an acceptable thesis. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

    1. Work-place assessments.
    2. Written examinations.
    3. Oral examinations.

    Seminar presentations, participation in fieldwork, tests, assignments examinations and research work and thesis. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Environmental Science, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Science, Level 10. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Venda 



    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.