Programme description
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography is to provide advanced academic and research training in Geography, which will equip students to proceed with a Master’s degree in any of the structured professional fields of Geography, including: Water related issues- e.g. water managers, water scientists; Climatology and meteorology; Planning departments- e.g. in Municipalities; Policy development; Tourism industries and conservation; Educators, and Administrators. Students will develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to work in a variety of contexts and enable them to contribute to society. The need for quality trained Geographers, in all of the professional fields, is fundamental not only to the Mpumalanga Province but the entire country.
The core modules of Research Methodology (15 credits), Philosophy of Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (15 credits), and the independent (year-long) Research Project (30 credits) are common to all Honours programmes offered by the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences. Students will then select three specialist theory modules to bring their total credit count to 120 (Table 1). The theory modules will allow students to develop in depth and current knowledge and skills in important areas of Geography including remote sensing, climatology and integrated environmental management.
The research project and theory modules will be in the area of specialisation and will amount to 75% of the 120 credits. The modules on research methodology and on the philosophy of science and IKS represent essential foundational knowledge, albeit it at level 8, and amount to 25% of the 120 credits.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission are:
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7) with a minimum average mark of 60% in Geography modules at third year.
Students will be considered on a monthly basis and students who meet or exceed the minimum entrance requirements will be offered places.
Duration
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography is at exit level 8 on the HEQSF, with a requirement of 120 credits as a minimum. The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography is offered over 1 year, full time.
Curriculum and Credits
Module |
Year |
Credits |
Level |
Core/
Elective |
Core Modules |
|
|
|
|
Research Methodology |
1 |
15 |
8 |
C |
Philosophy of Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems |
1 |
15 |
8 |
C |
Research Project |
1 |
30 |
8 |
C |
Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Advanced Climatology and meteorology |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Advanced Environmental Processes and landscapes in southern Africa |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Integrated Environmental Management |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Advanced Urban Studies |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Advanced Environmental Economic Relationships |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Advanced Systems of the Physical Environment |
1 |
20 |
8 |
E |
Teaching will be by contact and will include lectures, tutorials, practicals, field trips, group work and online learning. Throughout the year, there will be an emphasis on independent research, and the Programme includes at least 30 credits for research.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT)
The University accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the University accepts the challenge to assess prior learning that is aligned to programmes and award credit (through CAT) to promote lifelong learning. The purpose of the University of Mpumalanga’s RPL and CAT policy, is to recognize prior learning in order to provide for admission to programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules using the principles and processes that serve as basis for RPL practices.
Articulation
Graduates from the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography will be able to continue into an MSc programme in Geography.