Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management is to provide learners with advanced learning in the field of environmental management. The aim is to develop the learners' research capacity and intellectual and practical skills to invoke responsibility amongst the general community to address environmental issues of the day. The qualification design focuses on applicable environmental legislation, environmental management procedures and solutions to eventually be able to apply new and individual knowledge and technologies in the field of environmental management.

Rationale

The need for this qualification stems from the increased demand for environmental managers in the constantly changing modern world. Stakeholders are needed not only to be at the forefront of relevant research, but also to apply the environmental policy framework to ensure a healthy environment for human existence.

To create an acceptable living environment within the framework of sustainability Environmental Managers must be prepared for the future and should be equipped with relevant the knowledge and skills to acquire, analyse, interpret environmental issues and providing solutions. This qualification is designed for either employment in the field or related fields or for further research towards doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value and will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. The institution manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purpose of these qualifications:

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the institution.
• RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:

> is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution.

> is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

> is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.

> takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

> is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the institution.

Entry Requirement

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

The Master of Philosophy is a research-based qualification culminating in the submission of a 180 credit, NQF Level 9 dissertation.

Compulsory module, Level 9

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Take lead of a multidisciplinary team of environmental scientists.
2. Produce a Master's dissertation.
3. Consult in the focused field of Environmental Management based on new knowledge and technologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Present disciplinary knowledge to the wider employment market.
• Explain the degree of variation in the environmental variables from the human and physical realms in the field of Environmental Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Independently gather, analyse, and organise environmentally related data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment. Present it in the format of a completed research dissertation.
• Prove proficiency in socio-legal research and writing skills.
• Communicate-verbally and orally-with professional constituencies.
• Appreciate values underlying professional and ethical conduct.
• Make specific recommendations on proper environmental management procedures and solutions.
• Communicate research by oral and written presentation, and scientifically present results.
• Extract specific ideas and integrate with own research results.
• Formulate and defend an independent point of view.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and clearly communicate career opportunities in the field of Environmental Management.
• Display critical thinking in problem-solving skills.
• Develop analytical tools used in environmental management.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations; progress reports.

Summative Assessment

Submission of the dissertation.