Master of Philosophy in Environmental Studies

Purpose

The Master of Philosophy in Environmental Studies aims to introduce learners to advanced level modules in environmental studies and to broaden their knowledge and research skills base. The fundamentals of the qualification are a sound understanding of the application of physical concepts to environmental processes and the different research methodologies in geographical and environmental sciences, and their relations to different paradigms and philosophies. Furthermore, the qualification aims to provide guidance to learners in scientific research through the development of a mini-dissertation with a keen focus on an environmental challenge or aspect.

This qualification is also designed to prepare learners to be able to understand the theoretical principles of environmental management and impact identification and their control. It further introduces learners to research methodologies and techniques applicable to environmental management field. The research aspect of the qualification is meant to train learners to be able to collect, analyse, interpret and produce knowledge in the management of the environment in general.

Rationale

This qualification is obtainable after completing coursework and mini-dissertation research. This qualification caters specifically for persons with a natural and/or social sciences background who intend to pursue a career in the field of environmental science. The integrated nature of the qualification addresses the need for dynamic professions to tackle the multitude complex environmental challenges (i.e. sustainability issues, pollution, climate change, ecosystem change and biodiversity degradation among others).

Environmental management is one of the critical aspects in ensuring long-term ecological sustainability of the planet earth. The sustainability of the environment and ultimately that of the planet is threatened by economic development as well as inappropriate utilisation and degradation of the natural resources. Thus, it is imperative that economic activities and development are carried out in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Tertiary institutions have the responsibility of training environmental managers to address different environmental challenges and design responsive policies to guide natural resource utilisation, economic sustainable development and management. This qualification is structured in such a manner that learners from various training backgrounds (with Honours Degree in various disciplines) can be able to enrol for this qualification. Learners trained in this qualification are guaranteed of employment in the education sector (as lecturers), environmental consultancy companies/firms, various national government departments (e.g., agriculture, water and sanitation, forestry/fisheries, settlement, defence etc.), various provincial government departments, as well as local authorities.

Learners would be able to carry out environmental impact assessment, social impact assessments, develop environmental management plans, carry out environmental management monitoring, evaluate environmental management procedures, and write professional environmental management reports, amongst other tasks.

The most appropriate learning pathways within which the qualification resides is Geography, Environmental Science/Studies/Management. Therefore, the qualification provides for the needed skills to the learners in addressing environmental meltdown.

The benefits associated with the qualification to learners relate to guaranteed employment after completing the qualification. The learners will develop positive perception towards environmental protection and promotion of sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Economic benefits associated with this qualification lies in the provision/availability of raw material and natural resources (water, timber and minerals) for the production of goods and provisioning of services, and recycling of waste for economic sustainable development. Thus, learners will contribute significantly in sustainable economic growth and development. Learners will be the drivers of change towards the adoption of stringent environmental regulations for industries to adopt eco-friendly production. In general, the learners will be champions in pursuing sustainable development and policy alignment thereof.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applied in line with the Institution's RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Soil Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 256 Credits.

Coursework

Compulsory Modules, 176 Credits

• Research Methodology and Research Reports, 40 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 136 Credits.

Elective modules, 80 Credits (Select two modules)

• Natural Resource Management, 40 Credits.
• Environmental Impact Assessment 40 Credits.
• Ecological Basis of Integrated Environmental Management, 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the development of research methods in environmental studies.
2. Apply research skills to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of research inquiry to address/solve complex and challenging problems in Public Administration and the public sector context.
3. Acquire scientific research report writing skills.
4. Knowledgeable on qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
5. Analyse the South African environmental legislation that regulate Government strategies and responsibilities towards resource and environmental management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Develop and research concept paper and development of dissertation research proposal.
• Justify theoretical framework for research; presentation of literature review that is current (not more than five year old, except for seminal works), and relevant.
• Present various stages of dissertation proposal in Departmental seminar series as work in progress and submit draft proposals to Supervisor for assessment, feedback and revision during consultation meetings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Defend the research problem and justification of the adopted research design.
• Adhere to research ethics, principles and set research milestones.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Assimilate techniques, skills and style in scientific research and report writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Justify selection and use of selected qualitative research techniques in research for Dissertation.
• Justify selection and use of selected quantitative research techniques in research for dissertation. Presentation of statistical results in dissertation.
• Evaluate data collection techniques and justifies choice for their selection.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Summarise certain chapters of the National Environmental Management Act No 107 of 1998.
• Summarise certain chapters of the National Water Act No 36 of 1998.
• Explain if directors of companies can be held lawfully responsible for the environmental impacts of their companies.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment is used to determine the level of competence of learners which include submission and grading of assignments during the course of the first year of registration for the full-time students, while for the part-time learners, it is spread across the first two years of registration.

For the summative assessment, a four-hour written final examination for each module is undertaken, and a mini-dissertation on environmental related topic is also assessed. Both the formative and the summative assessments contribute 50% towards the final mark.