Purpose statement
The primary purpose of these qualifications is to provide Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours graduates with systematic knowledge, specialised skills and theoretical competence in environmental management. The second purpose of this qualifications is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with professional environmental management graduates with appropriate skills, managerial and leadership acumen to reach sound and responsible environmental decision making; in keeping with the precautionary principle and sustainable development principles. Such graduates can serve the country in a variety of important ways, in both the public and private sectors. The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who will make valuable contributions to society in terms of monitoring the quality and state of the environment. Graduates are expected to understand and apply the principles and methods they learn in order to investigate and solve environmental problems as well as make responsible environmental decisions. Furthermore, this qualification aims to enable students to specialise in the field of Environmental Science, providing them with the appropriate knowledge and competencies to register as a Candidate Natural Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
| Qualification code: | 98103 |
| NQF level: | 8 |
| Total credits: | 120 |
| SAQA ID: | 101038 |
| APS/AS: | 60 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 3 years |
Please note:
An appropriate NQF 7 qualification from an accredited provider of higher education with a minimum of 60% average in the disciplines of Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences or Physical Sciences (or related fields) in the final year,
or
applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they are at least 30 years old with a minimum of five years' current, relevant working and research experience in line with the approved qualification's RPL requirements. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Unsuccessful applicants may submit an appeal on the application portal at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission.
The motivation must incorporate the following:
* academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification,
* work experience relevant to the qualification and courses completed since graduating with a Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma.
These appeals will only be considered if the enrolment target of the qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.
Pay the application fee of R160 once you've received your student number.
Please note:
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for an honours degree or postgraduate diploma between 17 August and 9 October 2026.
Please note:
Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2027 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register