Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Science

1. To provide learners with advanced research skills including problem identification, data acquisition and analysis techniques; data interpretation skills; and ability to make policy recommendations based on research findings.
2. To enhance creative thinking abilities, as well as the ability to work independently.
3. To mould highly responsible researchers who can carry out research work about the land resource and environmental issues that affect the livelihoods of people in the Northern Province, the country, the Southern African Region and beyond.
4. To enhance the communication skills of learners through participation in seminars, workshops and conferences both locally and internationally; and through the writing of research reports and thesis. Writing of research articles for publication will also be part of the training.
5. To prepare learners for careers in academia and research institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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

• Master of Environmental Science Ecology and Resource Management, NQF Level 9.

The qualification consists of one single module, which is ERM 7990 Research and Thesis.

The module is organised as follows

• Proposal development.
• Data acquisition (laboratory, field work).
• Data analysis, synthesis and interpretation of results.
• Thesis write-up.

Total credit allocation: 360.

1. Demonstrate the skills for identifying researchable environmental/land resource problems; appropriate knowledge and skills for putting together research logistics and research design;
2. Identify acquire and analyses of pertinent data;
3. Interpret research findings and use of research findings for making environmental policy recommendation;
4. Communication skills;
5. Working independently.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes.

• Participate in scholarly discussions; write and present mini-seminars and participate effectively in an oral presentation.
• Submit assignments and reports in an acceptable format according to clear guidelines and deadlines.
• Participate and interact intelligently in class discussions and presentations and in practical situations.
• Critically read, interpret and analyse literature. Participate in group discussions.
• Do independent reading and information retrieval in the library and the internet. Work with reduced supervision and show initiative.
• Prepare assignments and improve computer literacy.
• Write a project proposal, highlighting the research problem.
• Identify the research problem.
• Describe the research methods/procedures and techniques to be followed.
• Learn the use of research instruments.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data.
• Write up the results in a clear, concise and acceptable manner.
• Defend and orally present research report to scientific audiences.

Integrated Assessments

• Workplace assessments.
• Oral examinations.
• Examination of the thesis.
• Seminar presentations.
• Discourse.
• Conference presentations.
• Research thesis.