Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies

Purpose

The programme seeks to

• Equip students with knowledge of socio-economic and economic aspects of marine and maritime affairs so as to provide them with the skills necessary in understanding a coastal economy.
• Provide a sufficient number of qualified professionals with additional skills in marine affairs and maritime studies.
• Meet the national need for marine and/or maritime specialists.
• Respond to the need for competent maritime specialists with specific reference to sustainable development and beneficiation of coastal economies.
• Respond to the needs for additional skills and better and in-depth understanding of marine and coastal economies and the socio-economic problems facing these economies.

Rationale

The programme is designed to equip graduates of the programme with the skills, values and attitudes needed in Maritime Studies, especially in terms of sustainable development and beneficiation of coastal and marine resources, maritime industry, tourism development, and small port construction.

Learners who register for this qualification are assumed to have

• Knowledge regarding some maritime issues and sustainable development.
• Basic knowledge regarding the marine environment.
• The capacity to do self study and complete written assignments.
• The ability to communicate in English (read, write, speak) and critically interpret/assimilate information.
• The ability to manage their time.

Recognition of Prior Learning

A relevant bachelor's degree or advanced diploma would be the usual route to admission. However, in particular cases students without such a qualification but with proven expertise and competency will be allowed to apply for provisional status for acceptance on the programme in line with the relevant NMMU and SAQA RPL policy. In addition, candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior learning, provided that such learning can be shown to be relevant to the specified outcomes of the programme of study concerned. In all cases, recognition will be considered under the conditions of SAQA and NMMU RPL policy and approval by faculty structures.

Access to the Qualification

• A relevant bachelor's degree or advanced diploma.

Fundamentals

• N/A.

Core

Learning Components; Credits; Level

• Introduction to Marine and Maritime Affairs; 20 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Introduction to Marine and Maritime Policy; 14 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Introduction to Research on Maritime Issues; 20 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Introduction to the Marine Environment; 10 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Introduction to Marine and Coastal Law; 12 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Marine Tourism and Coastal Recreation; 12 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Marine and Coastal Development Models and Practices; 10 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Marine and Coastal Business Opportunities and Practice; 12 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Marine and Environmental Education; 10 Credits; NQF Level 8.

Electives

• N/A.

Broad summary of Exit Level Outcomes

• Have a solid grasp of the dimensions of Maritime Studies and its relationship to marine affairs.
• Conduct preliminary and basic research into areas of maritime and related Marine affaires.
• Develop a strategic and operation understanding of policy analysis and the policy process and its application to maritime and marine fields of study.
• Have an advanced working understanding of the marine environment.
• Identify and evaluate the principles and objectives of coastal management.
• Analyse and discuss the structure of operations of coastal management plans.
• Investigate major coastal management issues among coastal communities.
• Apply relevant marine and coastal legislation to various scenarios.
• Explain how marine tourism and recreation is being used to facilitate sustainable coastal development.
• Apply fundamental business skills and principles in coastal management contexts and discuss how business skills and principles can contribute to sustainable coastal development.
• Be able to communicate one's understanding of Maritime Studies and Marine Affairs.
• Grasp the principles of Marine and Environmental Education and be able to utilize such understanding and skills in relevant and practical contexts.

Integrated Assessment

The essence of the assessment approach will be that of continuous assessment, which will incorporate written assignments, class tests, practicals, and where appropriate oral examinations. Practicals are directly linked to theory and the assessment will incorporate the theory and assignment related to the practicals.