Bachelor’s Degree in Geography/Environmental Sciences

Programme Objective

Entry Requirements

The purpose of this qualification is to: • provide generic BSc graduates with specialized knowledge, research skills and applied competence in the field of environmental or earth sciences that will assist them to further develop as recognized natural scientists in South Africa and beyond. expose graduates to real-life physical, socio-economic, civil and infrastructural challenges that will enable them to participate in finding solutions to contemporary environmental issues. This in turn will compel them to develop appropriate skills to address these challenges at local, regional, and national scales. • afford graduates an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the earth as a system, earth’s natural resources (e.g., aquatic, terrestrial, rural/urban) and the ability to utilize and manage them in a sustainable manner. • afford graduates an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the principles and legislation of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), research and how these can be applied to solve real life/environmental challenges.

Senior Certificate with Matric exemption or equivalent qualification with a minimum SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in Mathematics, English, Physical Science and either Geography, Life Sciences, Agricultural Science or Tourism. A student may qualify for admission if s/he has attained at most one SG-E or HG-F symbol in any of these major subjects. Using the National Senior Certificate, the certificate must indicate that “the candidate has met the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelors’ degree study.” Additional requirements include a minimum achievement rating of Level 4 (50%) in Mathematics, English, Physical Science and either Geography, Life Sciences, Agricultural Science or Tourism. A student may qualify for admission if s/he has attained at most one Level 3 in any of these major subjects. A student who has attained SG-E or HG-F or Level 3 in any two of these major subjects may qualify for admission into the Extended programme. Candidates holding a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 certificate must meet the statutory requirements and attain a 60% pass in at least three fundamental subjects including LOTL or 70% pass in at least four vocational subjects and at least 50% in Geography.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements i.e., without a matriculation endorsement but have at least three years of work experience in the field of Environmental Studies/Management/Affairs/Science may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). They must however have attempted the following subjects at NSC level: English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography and/or Life Sciences. Such applicants will write an aptitude test to establish interest and commitment to the profession and service. Candidates will then be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed university format. If the courses to be assessed are primarily university-based, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).