Master of Arts in Geography

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualified learners with the ability to

a. Develop intellectual and practical skills of the advanced learner into a highly trained Geographer;

b. Acquire, analyse, and interpret specialised physical geographical data and prepare and finalise a research dissertation and a scientific publication based on the research undertaken;

c. It also equips the learner for further advanced study towards a higher in Geography.

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to

150 credits on level 7 in Geography

Recognition of prior learning

A learner who claim to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain access, advanced placement or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

The learners should be able to

1. Identify specific complex environmental changes, critical evaluations of trends and problem solving of negative trends, in the identified dissertation theme. Suggest solutions to above.
2. Take lead of a multidisciplinary team or environmental issues.
3. Make specific recommendations on the improvement of incorrect utilisation, over-utilisation, and unplanned development thereof, and take responsibility for implementing these.
4. Take initiative and independently gather, analyse and organise data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment. Present it in the format of a completed research dissertation and related scientific article.
5. Have the ability to communicate research by oral and written presentation and scientifically present results
6. Apply field and develop analytical tools (maps, GIS, air photo`s, soil augers, etc.) used in the investigation of the environment by mankind.
7. Explain the degree of variation in the link of variables from the human and physical environments in this applicable field.
8. Extract specific ideas and integrate with own research results. Formulation of an independent point of view.
9. The ability to use and manage the biosphere as a responsible citizen and to invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.
10. Prove and convince stakeholders and to contribute a research example of the importance of the environment for man`s existence on earth and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment within a constantly changing world.
11. The ability to dentify and apply for career opportunities in a focused environmental field.
12. Apply new individual knowledge and technologies and consult these applications in the environment.

1. Can the learner identify specific complex environmental changes, critical evaluations of trends and problem solving of negative trends, in the identified dissertation theme. Suggest solutions to above.
2. Can the learner take lead of a multidisciplinary team or environmental issues.
3. Can the learner make specific recommendations on the improvement of incorrect utilisation, over-utilisation, and unplanned development thereof, and take responsibility for implementing these.
4. Can the learner take initiative and independently gather, analyse and organise data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment. Present it in the format of the completed research dissertation and related scientific article.
5. Can the learner exhibit the ability to communicate research by oral and written presentation and scientifically present results
6. Can the learner apply field and develop analytical tools (maps, GIS, air photo`s, soil augers, etc.) used in the investigation of the environment by mankind.
7. Can the learner explain the degree of variation in the link of variables from the human and physical environments in this applicable field.
8. Can the learner extract specific ideas and integrate with own research results. Formulation of an independent point of view.
9. Can the learner use and manage the biosphere as a responsible citizen and to invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.
10. Can the learner prove and convince stakeholders and to contribute a research example of the importance of the environment for man`s existence on earth and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment within a constantly changing world.
11. Can the learner identify and apply for career opportunities in a focused environmental field.
12. Can the learner apply new individual knowledge and technologies and consult these applications in the environment.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

The progress that learners are making in their particular research project, is continuously assessed vial formal seminar presentations. They may also be assigned to do independent seminars on specific scientific topics related to their research topic. Seminars have to be presented to facilitators as well as co-learners during a combined session.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a research dissertation on the approved topic within the field of specialisation in Physical Geography / Earth Science. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate knowledge of and insight into the field of study and the ability to independently conduct scientific research. A publishable scientific article, based on the research results, must be included in the final draught of the dissertation upon submission thereof for examination. This does not place a publication obligation on either the learner or the study leader. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof.