Among the newly introduced programmes is 13 postgraduate courses, two undergraduate qualifications: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), the Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 2023, and a Higher Certificate in Event Management.
The Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Bachelor of Social Work are four-year programmes offered full time at Mbombela Campus. These programmes promote the principles of excellence and academic integrity.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) focuses on sociology, psychology and social work modules in the first, second and third year of study. In the fourth year, students are exposed to the practical and professional components of the degree.
The course prepares students to work as professional social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). Graduates may choose to work in the public service as social workers, or the private sector in the human resources division.
Graduates may work as employee assistance programme officers. Social workers may be employed in the corporate world to improve employee welfare and benefits. In non-governmental organisations, social workers design, implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention programmes.
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
The programme seeks to develop professionals and specialists with sound knowledge and technical skills required to work in the forestry sector. The curriculum is structured across five learning areas: foundational science, forestry production science, forest economics and entrepreneurship, natural resource management, and forest extension (with an emphasis on innovation).
It also focuses on other key areas, such as Forest Biometrics and Remote Sensing; Forest Soils; Forest Biology; Silviculture; Forestry Ecology and Conservation, Wood Science and Forest Economics/Entrepreneurship and Management.
The programme includes the development of broader competencies, including leadership, writing and communication, the use of technology innovation as part of their learning tools, problem solving, and honesty and integrity. It will contribute towards increasing the qualification and skill-base of graduates from which lecturers, trainers, researchers and other forestry related professionals can be selected.
Head of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Funsu Kutu, notes that graduates from the programme will be able to register and continue postgraduate studies at UMP (or another university) or enter the workplace.
Career opportunities for graduates from the programme will include the forestry industry, government departments (national and provincial), non-governmental or non-profit organisations, and training institutions as lecturer.
Graduates may also continue to undertake research-based master and doctorate degrees in the areas relevant to their field of specialisation.
Higher Certificate in Events Management
This one year course offered by the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is aimed at equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes required of an event manager. Through the provision of academic and simulated work-integrated learning opportunities the programme equips graduates with the appropriate foundational knowledge and understanding of the general principles related to the event management field.
Graduates acquire the competencies required to fulfil a variety of entry level roles in the Events, Conferencing, Tourism and Hospitality sectors. The Certificate will allow the students to enter the workplace in roles such as event co-ordinator, event manager, event project manager, conference organiser, assistant venue manager, and many others.
The University of Mpumalanga is committed to offering its students a life-changing experience through high-quality curricula and co-curricula programmes.
The newly introduced postgraduate programmes include:
- Advanced Diploma in Animal Production
- Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture
- BA Hons in Gender Studies
- Bachelor of Education Honours in Teaching and Learning
- Bachelor of Administration Honours
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management
- Master of Arts in English Language and Literature
- Master of Arts in siSwati Language and Literature
- Master of Arts in Industrial Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Geography
- PhD Humanities (Sociology)
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