QUALIFICATION CODE: W64005

QUALIFICATION NAME: Diploma in Pest Management

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Senior Certificate with Matric exemption or equivalent qualification with a minimum:

• SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in Life Sciences
• SG (E) or HG (F) in Mathematics, Physical Science and English

• National Senior Certificate (NSC):

• Must indicate that the candidate meets the minimum requirements for admission to a diploma or bachelor’s degree
• Minimum achievement of:
  • Level 4 in Life Sciences
  • Level 3 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4:

• Must meet statutory requirements
• 50% pass in at least three fundamental subjects (including Language of Teaching and Learning) OR
• 60% pass in at least four vocational subjects
• 50% or above in Life Sciences

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Applicants with at least three years’ work experience in Pest Management may be considered
• Must have attempted English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences at NSC level
• Must complete an aptitude test
• Must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a new kind of Diploma graduate who is competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required to effectively respond to challenges facing society in relation to crop and livestock protection, poverty eradication, and food and nutritional security.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
• communicate and work effectively with communities to improve livelihoods in various socio-economic contexts
• calibrate, handle and use pest control equipment and inputs with minimal supervision
• identify pests, assess damage, and determine diagnostic thresholds for intervention using environmentally sustainable strategies
• collect and analyse field and/or laboratory data and compile technical reports
• identify, combat and contain pest problems within natural and agro-allied systems in an ecologically responsible manner

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can work as:
• agricultural technicians
• pest control officers or consultants
• extension agents
• professionals in agro-allied industries
• practitioners in environmental and food security programmes

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64021

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science in Pest Management

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Senior Certificate (SC):

• Matric exemption or equivalent qualification
• Minimum: SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and English
• A candidate may qualify if they have at most one SG (E) or HG (F) symbol in these subjects

• National Senior Certificate (NSC):

• Must indicate eligibility for admission to a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum achievement:
  • Level 4 (50%) in Mathematics, Physical Science, English and Life Sciences
• A candidate with one Level 3 in these subjects may still be considered
• A candidate with Level 3 in two subjects may be considered for the Extended Programme

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4:

• Must meet statutory requirements
• 60% in at least three fundamental subjects (including Language of Teaching and Learning) OR
• 70% in at least three vocational subjects
• Minimum 50% in Life Sciences

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Applicants with at least three years’ work experience in Pest Management may be considered
• Must have attempted English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences at NSC level
• Must complete an aptitude test
• Must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

• Articulation (Diploma Holders):

• Diploma in Pest Management graduates may apply through the Head of Department
• Admission into Year II is possible with a cumulative average of 60% or above

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop competence in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required to effectively respond to challenges facing society in relation to crop protection, poverty eradication, and food and nutritional security.

With a strong foundation in plant and animal (insect) ecology and integrated pest management, graduates will be able to:
• apply and integrate theoretical knowledge, evidence-based techniques and practical skills in field and laboratory contexts
• communicate effectively and work with communities to improve livelihoods
• apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills across applied sciences
• initiate, plan and implement adaptive pest control programmes with stakeholders
• calibrate, handle and use pest control materials and equipment
• collect, analyse and report scientific data effectively
• contribute to planning and implementation of pest management strategies

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can work as:
• pest management specialists
• agricultural scientists or consultants
• environmental and conservation officers
• extension practitioners
• researchers in agro-allied industries
• professionals in food security and sustainable agriculture sectors

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64011

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Senior Certificate (SC):

• Matric exemption or equivalent qualification
• Minimum: SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and English
• A candidate may qualify if they have at most one SG (E) or HG (F) symbol in these subjects

• National Senior Certificate (NSC):

• Must indicate eligibility for admission to a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum achievement:
  • Level 4 (50%) in Mathematics, Physical Science, English and Life Sciences
• A candidate with one Level 3 in these subjects may still be considered
• A candidate with Level 3 in two subjects may be considered for the Extended Programme

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4:

• Must meet statutory requirements
• 60% pass in at least three fundamental subjects (including English) OR
• 70% pass in at least four vocational subjects
• Minimum 50% in Life Sciences

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Applicants with at least three years’ work experience in Biological Sciences may be considered
• Must have attempted English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences at NSC level
• Must complete an aptitude test
• Must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of key biological science disciplines, including the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, ecology, microbiology, conservation biology, and biochemistry.

Students will further develop knowledge in areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, plant and animal development, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and homeostasis.

The programme equips students with:
• practical laboratory and field skills, including dissection, specimen analysis and organism classification
• the ability to generate, assess and interpret scientific knowledge
• critical cross-cutting skills such as problem-solving, communication and computer literacy
• foundational research skills and application of scientific methods
• ethical awareness and professional values necessary for academic and career growth

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can pursue careers as:
• biologists and ecologists
• conservation scientists
• microbiologists
• laboratory or research assistants
• environmental practitioners
• professionals in biotechnology and related industries

They may also pursue postgraduate studies in specialised biological science fields.

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64017

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science in Geography/Environmental Sciences

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Senior Certificate (SC):

• Matric exemption or equivalent qualification
• Minimum: SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in:
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Physical Science
  • One of: Geography / Life Sciences / Agricultural Science / Tourism
• A candidate may qualify if they have at most one SG (E) or HG (F) symbol in these subjects

• National Senior Certificate (NSC):

• Must indicate eligibility for admission to a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum achievement:
  • Level 4 (50%) in Mathematics, English, Physical Science and one of: Geography / Life Sciences / Agricultural Science / Tourism
• A candidate with one Level 3 may still be considered
• A candidate with Level 3 in two subjects may be considered for the Extended Programme

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4:

• Must meet statutory requirements
• 60% pass in at least three fundamental subjects (including Language of Teaching and Learning) OR
• 70% pass in at least four vocational subjects
• Minimum 50% in Geography

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Applicants with at least three years’ work experience in Environmental Studies/Management/Affairs/Science may be considered
• Must have attempted English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography and/or Life Sciences at NSC level
• Must complete an aptitude test
• Must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide graduates with specialised knowledge, research skills and applied competence in environmental and earth sciences, enabling them to develop as recognised natural scientists in South Africa and beyond.

The programme exposes students to real-life physical, socio-economic, civil and infrastructural challenges, equipping them to contribute to solutions for contemporary environmental issues at local, regional and national levels.

Graduates will:
• understand the Earth as an integrated system
• manage and utilise natural resources (aquatic, terrestrial, rural and urban) sustainably
• apply principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and environmental legislation
• develop research skills to address real-world environmental challenges

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can work as:
• environmental and social impact analysts/practitioners
• environmental officers or managers
• environmental planners or consultants
• GIS specialists
• researchers in environmental and earth sciences
• land surveyors, foresters, hydrologists, cartographers, geologists and geographers

They may also pursue postgraduate studies in environmental and geographical sciences.

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64025

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Entry is by selection

• A Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Studies/Geography or an equivalent qualification

• Minimum average of 60% in third-year Botany, Zoology or Environmental Sciences courses

• Applicants who do not meet the above requirement may be considered and will be required to undergo a departmental assessment to determine their potential to undertake the programme

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal RPL processes
• Candidates must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format
• Additional evidence from other areas of learning may be considered if relevant to Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs)

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

• Note: Each application will be evaluated on its own merit by the Head of Department in consultation with relevant lecturers

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

This programme is designed to develop highly skilled graduates in plant sciences and related fields. It equips students with advanced knowledge and research capabilities to address socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The programme aims to:
• train biotechnologists, plant taxonomists, community developers, researchers and estuarine botanists
• develop strategies to improve crop production and contribute to poverty alleviation
• promote innovative research to address challenges faced by historically disadvantaged communities
• train ethno-botanists, marine botanists and ecologists focused on biodiversity conservation, drug development and climate change mitigation
• prepare graduates to contribute to national priorities such as the South African National Development Plan (NDP)
• support land rehabilitation initiatives
• strengthen capacity in the education sector to promote awareness of natural resource management across different scales

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can pursue careers as:
• botanists and plant scientists
• biotechnologists
• conservation scientists and ecologists
• environmental and land rehabilitation specialists
• researchers in academic and scientific institutions
• educators and lecturers in biological sciences
• professionals in government and non-governmental organisations

Graduates may also proceed to Master’s and Doctoral studies in specialised fields.

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64028

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Entry is by selection

• A Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Studies/Geography or an equivalent qualification

• Minimum average of 60% in third-year Botany, Zoology or Environmental Sciences courses

• Applicants who do not meet the above requirement may be considered and will be required to undergo a departmental assessment to determine their potential to undertake the programme

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal RPL processes
• Candidates must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format
• Additional evidence from other areas of learning may be considered if relevant to Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs)

Refer to:
General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

• Note: Each application will be evaluated on its own merit by the Head of Department in consultation with relevant lecturers

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

Due to its multidisciplinary nature, this qualification provides graduates with specialised knowledge, research skills and applied competence in environmental and earth sciences, enabling them to develop into recognised natural scientists in South Africa and beyond.

The programme:
• exposes students to real-life physical, socio-economic and built environment challenges
• equips graduates with skills to address environmental issues at local, regional and national levels
• develops competent environmental managers with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• promotes critical evaluation, analysis and solution of complex environmental challenges
• provides both theoretical and practical knowledge in geography, including sustainable management and conservation of natural resources
• encourages creativity, independent thinking and collaboration across environmental sectors
• promotes community engagement and participation in rural development
• prepares graduates for roles in education and environmental awareness

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates can pursue careers as:
• environmental managers and consultants
• geographers and spatial analysts
• GIS specialists
• researchers in environmental and geographical sciences
• planners and policy advisors
• educators and lecturers
• professionals in government, private sector and non-governmental organisations

Graduates may also proceed to Master’s and Doctoral studies in Geography and related fields.