Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management is intended to meet national and international education and training priorities identified as relevant for integrated water resources management, and to meet a need for skilled personnel in the water management and environmental sector. Upon qualifying learners are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge theories, terminology relating to various disciplines in order to analyse real life situations relating to integrated water management.
• Apply standardised planning procedures and techniques to demonstrate understanding of complexities of these procedures.
• Identify and take into consideration ethical issues, such as those involved in good governance, public participation and other relevant practices relating to legislation when applying tools and knowledge to matters relating to water management.

Rationale

This qualification is designed to equip learners with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to address national priorities identified by the South African Water Management Sector and to provide support to key role players in the development and implementation of national and international policies aimed at addressing water management issues. These priorities relate to enhancing carrying capacity and conservation of natural resources. Strengthening human resource capacity in integrated water management is needed which will in turn have a positive effect on a range of commercial, social and other activities relating to the environment, thereby encouraging responsible utilisation of our natural resources, creating jobs and preserving resources for use and enjoyment by future generations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Each learner will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. RPL will be achieved by means of an appropriate integrated assessment method as mentioned above.

This RPL may allow a successful learner

• To be to access further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
• Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

Entry Requirements

A minimum requirement for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management is

• An appropriate qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8

• Introduction to Integrated Water Resources, Resource Economics and Governance, 48 Credits.
• Integrated Water Resources Science, 48 Credits.
• Integrated Water Resources Management and Legislation, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of theories, terminology relating to various disciplines in order to analyse real life situations relating to integrated water management.
2. Apply standardised planning procedures and techniques to demonstrate understanding of complexities of these procedures.
3. Identify and take into consideration ethical issues, such as those involved in good governance, public participation and other relevant practices relating to legislation when applying tools and knowledge to matters relating to water management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Multiple knowledge sources are consulted.
• Quantitative and qualitative data, scientific reports and strategies, policies and plans are critically reviewed, synthesised and evaluated.
• Information is managed and creative responses to problems and issues are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Insight is applied and demonstrated into complexities arising from the interaction between the major components of global water cycle, and between human development, water use and the environment.
• Self-study activities are conducted, own learning processes are managed, professional and on-going learning needs are effectively addressed, and full responsibility for individual's work, decision-making and use of resources is taken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ideas, solutions and conclusions to academic, professional and public audiences are communicated verbally, in writing or by means of other media.
• Participation in interdisciplinary collaboration with regard to water impact assessments, public participation processes and other relevant matters is enabled.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is in line with the overall purpose of the qualification and gives an opportunity to each learner to demonstrate their achievement holistically across the Exit Level Outcomes. Each module has a specific assessment strategy that complies with the institution's rules and policies regarding assessment and examination.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment involves group assignments, and marks obtained on these assignments comprise the final mark. The pass mark for assignments is 50%. Examinations take place at the end of the semester and involve a three-hour written examination. Learners failing to achieve 50% in an examination will have the opportunity to rewrite the examination. Both examinations must be passed for the qualification to be awarded. The semester mark will count 60% towards the final mark, and the formal examination will contribute 40%.

Summative Assessment

The assignments and examinations will be marked and moderated in accordance with the institution's assessment policy. Performance in the examination will demonstrate that learners have mastered the Exit-Level Outcomes at NQF Level 8.

Evaluation of assignments and examination scripts will be undertaken by senior staff of the Centre for Environmental Management and lecturers involved in the presentation of modules.

Internal and external moderation will be undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures with regard to both compilation and marking of examination papers. Suitably qualified external moderators/examiners will be appointed on the basis of a set of explicit criteria and administrative procedures. These criteria and procedures will be consistent with the institution's policy and guidelines for the implementation of internal and external moderation.