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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Earth Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96587  Master of Earth Science 
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
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 0427/24  2024-10-03  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
19016  Master of Earth Sciences: Mining  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  240  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification includes various specialisations; refer to the 'Notes' section.

Purpose:
This qualification includes various specialisations, refer to the 'Notes' section.
For learners specialising in Mining and Environmental Geology, the qualification is offered in a context of increasing challenges confronting the mining industry in locating, developing and exploiting mineral resources; methods to protect the environment; and the protection of communities from geological hazards and environmental events. It is intended to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to finding solutions to such problems through research.

For learners specialising in Hydrology and Water Resources, the purpose of the qualification is to solve problems related to increasing water scarcity; impacts of climate change and extreme hydrological events (floods and drought) on water resources, effects of land-use changes on water quantity and quality; water quality analysis and remediation; water resources analysis, planning and allocation; and hydrological/hydrogeological modelling, etc.

The qualifications are intended to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to finding solutions to such problems through research.

On achievement of the qualification the learners should be competent with the scientific method and have broad and up-to-date knowledge of the earth science field and an in-depth knowledge of their specific area of specialisation. They should be able to write proposals, perform research independently and report on it, both verbally and in writing.

Rationale:
The Master of Earth Science Degree follows on our Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources both of which are four year Degrees. It offers learners an opportunity to further develop their research skills to a level where they can contribute significantly to the knowledge field that caters for advanced research and development needs in the field of study and the country. In addition, it enhances the creative, intellectual and analytical abilities of the learners and enables them to evaluate challenges of the mining or water industry and community-related problems, and adequately equips them to offer pragmatic solutions.

The qualification provides knowledge and research skills in the Mining, Geology, Water and Environmental sectors. These will adequately prepare the graduates for technical leadership roles and enable them to make positive contribution to the economy and national development. Such skills are needed in environmental consultancies, government departments such as Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Water and Sanitation and Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, mining and construction companies, the Energy sector, research institutes like Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, private sector companies that deal with bulk water treatment and supply (e.g. RandWater) and Higher Education institutions.

Typical learners in this qualification have passed a Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources four year Degrees, or related fields and have a genuine interest in research in the knowledge fields of earth sciences. Research encompasses a multitude of skills such as information gathering, structuring, summarising, logical thinking, data analysis, budgeting, project management, reporting, scientific writing, evaluating evidence, interpretation and contextualisation of results as well as drawing valid conclusions. Added to this are practical skills such as word processing, data manipulation and representation, use of many different software packages. Learners also learn to be goal oriented and to work independently. Earth Sciences graduates can work in many areas, especially Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Environmental Consultancy Firms or governmental institutions. Career opportunities abound in areas such as Operations and Project Management; Water Resources Consultants; Water Resources Planning and Management; Water Supply and Sanitation; Health and Safety in Mining and Construction industries; Mining, Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering; technology development with Consultants and Equipment Manufacturers; Exploration Geology; Financial Evaluation and Feasibility Studies with financial and banking institutions; Policy Formulation, Administration and Regulation with government. Some of the most popular career options include Engineering Geologist, Water Scientist; Geoscientist, and Minerals Surveyor.

Matric/National Senior Certificate, Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources, Master of Earth Science specialising in Mining and Environmental Geology or Hydrology and Water Resources.

The qualification will equip learners with skills, knowledge and competencies which will make them employable in Higher Education institutions, research institutes, government and the private sector. The competencies acquired will contribute to effective exploitation of mineral resources, water resource planning and management, management of the environment, sustainable development and enhance the wellbeing of the society and economic growth. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The university Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied. The RPL Policy takes into account the relevant knowledge and skills gained in practice that meets the minimum requirements of the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
A four-year Degree in Mining and Environmental Geology or Hydrology and Water Resources or relevant Honours Degree with an average mark of 60% or more. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification consists of one single module, which is EAS 6990 Research and Dissertation.

The module is organised as follows:
  • Proposal development.
  • Data acquisition (laboratory, field work).
  • Data analysis or modelling, synthesis and interpretation of results.
  • Dissertation write-up. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Produce a research proposal.
    2. Conduct a research.
    3. Compile a written report or document research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Relevance of the proposed research is outlined in terms of the requirements.
  • Cited literature relevant, up-to-date and correctly is interpreted. All key publications are cited.
  • Coherence between the elements of the proposal; problem statement, aim, objectives and methodology is ensured.
  • Feasibility of the project is indicated.
  • Realistic work plan and budget is drawn.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2:
  • Research project is planned and executed.
  • Research Project is managed.
  • Data is gathered and analysed.
  • Contingencies are dealt with.
  • Results are presented and interpreted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Scientific writing ability is demonstrated.
  • Interpretation of results is done in the context of existing knowledge.
  • Clarity of reasoning is provided.
  • Conclusions are validated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Master's learners are assessed on their final product, which is their dissertation. The dissertation is examined by the supervisor, co-supervisor and two external examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is designed in accordance with the specifications for a Masters' Degree as published in the Government Gazette of 5 October 2007. International best practice is followed by ensuring that the learners are supervised by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders, approval of their research projects and examination of their dissertations. Examples of international qualifications that are comparable to Masters of Earth Sciences include:

    Master of Science Degree in Water Science and Engineering which is offered by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Institute of Higher Education. This qualification equips the learners with An in-depth understanding of theories and concepts in surface and subsurface hydrology, the physical, chemical and biological interactions between the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, the biosphere and the atmosphere; a thorough awareness of natural and human-induced variations of hydrological systems and good knowledge of the literature and contemporary research questions in Hydrology.

    Master of Science in Earth Sciences, University of Waikato, New Zealand:
    Master of Science (MSc) Research Degree is tailored towards imparting on its graduates excellent career opportunities while also providing a great background for further study. While developing your research skills you will have the opportunity to contribute to existing areas of research or to begin to develop new areas.. Earth Sciences at Waikato includes the study of Coastal and Marine Science, climate change, Soil Science, Hydrology, Volcanology, Sedimentary Geology and Engineering Geology.

    Master of Philosophy in Earth Sciences offered by Australian National University:
    The major in Earth Science examines the origin of Earth from its beginning as one of several planets orbiting the sun to the evolution through time of rocks, the oceans and the atmosphere and how this made life on Earth possible. Interactions between plates generate earthquakes, mountain belts and volcanoes. In addition to understanding the fundamental mechanisms driving these global forces, Earth Scientists are engaged in understanding the origins of global resources. An increasingly important aspect of Earth Science is the understanding of past and present climate systems through integrated studies of the interactions between the lithosphere, oceans, atmosphere and biosphere. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Within sub-framework:
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Learners can potentially move between the qualification and Geology, Mining, Hydrology, Water Resources Planning and Management.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Earth Science.
    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hydrology and Water Resources.
    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mining and Environmental Geology.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    Learners can potentially continue with PhDs in Geology, Mining, Hydrology, Water Resources Planning and Management.

    Between sub-frameworks: Not applicable. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    The qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Master of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology Hydrology and Water Resources (EG). 
    		•

    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. 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.