Why Study Nature Conservation?
Our nature parks and game reserves are world-famous and attract millions of visitors. They are also crucial carbon sinks, wildlife preserves,, and water catchments. So they need conservators to look after them. A nature conservation officer needs to understand how nature works, as well as the role of humans in nature. They will be dealing with landscapes, plants, animals, people, human-built infrastructure and weather, sometimes all at the same time. Their work involves short-term management of people and the environment as well as long-term planning and development. MUT produces most of the rangers working in the parks of our province.
Career Opportunities
You will be able to get a job in nature conservation, with specialisation in the following fields: resource control, alien species control, environmental compliance, environmental education, research, field guiding and eco-tourism.
About This Course
Diploma in Nature Conservation
NQF Level: 6
SAQA Qualification ID: 96864
Rationale for the Qualification
To cater for the manpower needs of the various conservation organisations, and to provide for self-employment opportunities by providing students with both a theoretical and practical background in the various fields of expertise. This background will enhance the student’s competence as a Conservator and improve the productive worth to potential employers, to the natural environment and to the country. This is a functional and well recognised qualification, which is a prerequisite for appointment and promotion as a Nature Conservator.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with competent Nature Conservators and Resource Managers who are able to manage a conservation team efficiently. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent to manage natural resources sustainably, interpret the environment, enforce the appropriate legislation and demonstrate basic knowledge of research.
Admission Requirements
Selection criteria for admission to the Diploma: Nature Conservation are based on both academic prowess and field experience. Co-ordinator: Ms S. Nkosi (Sithembile@mut.ac.za)
i) National Senior Certificate with minimum rating codes:
- Life Sciences (4)
- English Home Language (4)
- or English First Additional Language (4)
In addition, an achievement rating of 3 or better will be required in additional two NSC 20 credit subjects. Furthermore, in addition to (i) above, a total of 28 points and above will be considered.
ii) Senior Certificate (or equivalent), with a minimum
- English D (HG)
- Biology D (HG)
iii) A pass mark in Mathematics, Physical Science, or History/Geography will be a recommendation.
iv) In addition, a student’s completed application form must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae detailing interests, hobbies, field experience and references indicating the candidate’s enthusiasm and suitability for the course.
Duration of Study
The duration of the course is a minimum of three years, beginning with at least four semesters (two years) of attendance at the University, followed by a further two semesters (one year) of appropriate work integrated learning with a recognised conservation or associated body.
Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation
NQF Level: 7
SAQA Qualification ID: 93617
Rationale for the Qualification
The global community is faced with the depletion of natural resources. There is a significant need for measures to be put in place to deal with such problems. Individuals with knowledge of how to conserve nature for a sustainable future are in demand. These individuals will also impact positively through taking a leading role in research that will have the potential to inform future decisions in relation to nature conservation. The qualification objective is to develop a career path for qualified Nature Conservators by developing their skills in management fields aimed specifically at management within Protected Areas and developing research skills to prepare them for Postgraduate study.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with competent nature conservators and resource managers who are able to manage a conservation team efficiently. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent to perform advanced management of natural resources and biological diversity.
Admission Requirements
Diploma or National Diploma: Nature Conservation or an equivalent 3 year qualification in the same or similar field, with a 60% aggregate in final level major subjects. Co-ordinator: Dr. DS Nadasan (Nadasan@mut.ac.za) Candidates who do not have these qualifications, but who are of the opinion that they possess sufficient formal, informal and non-formal training and/or have developed sufficient skills in the area of expertise required may apply for admission in terms of the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (RPL).
Duration of Study
The duration of the course is a minimum of two semesters (one year), with a compulsory attendance of two weeks per semester at set times during each year, online e-Learning and video-conferencing, and a series of projects requiring self-study and the timeous submission of scientifically written reports. These reports may be discussed at compulsory seminars to be held at a predetermined date in each year.
Post Graduate Diploma in Nature Conservation
NQF Level: 8
SAQA Qualification ID: 93614
Rationale for the Qualification
The Qualification objective is to develop a post graduate career path for diplomates and qualified Nature Conservators by developing their skills in management fields aimed specifically at management within Protected Areas and developing research skills to prepare them for further post graduate study.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with competent Nature Conservators and Resource Managers who are able to manage a conservation team efficiently. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent to manage natural resources sustainably, interpret the environment, enforce the appropriate legislation and demonstrate basic knowledge of research.
Admission Requirements
Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Bachelor of Technology: Nature Conservation or an equivalent 3-year qualification in the same or similar field, with a 60% aggregate in final level major subjects. Co-ordinator: Dr. T Mutanda (mutanda.taurai@mut.ac.za).
Duration of Study
The duration of the course is a minimum of two semesters (one year), with a compulsory attendance of two weeks per semester at set times during each year, online e-Learning and video-conferencing, and a series of projects requiring self-study and the timeous submission of scientifically written reports. These reports may be discussed at compulsory seminars to be held at a predetermined date in each year.
Master of Nature Conservation
NQF Level: 9
SAQA Qualification ID: 98830
Rationale for the Qualification
The purpose of this qualification is to develop the knowledge and skills in strategic management and relevant research of Nature Conservators. The Professional Masters in Nature Conservation will equip learners with the academic ability to apply scientific methods in supervised research and/or problem solving and the communication and/or effective implementation of investigative research findings. It focuses on strategic level management, advanced research methods and significant relevant research. The qualification is aimed at generating new knowledge within the industry and developing a career path for graduates.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to develop the knowledge and skills in strategic management and relevant research of Nature Conservators. Learners will be able to:
- Understand the importance of planning, policy and legislation in the conservation of natural resources.
- Apply knowledge of ecology in natural resource management.
- Understand climate change and the approaches being used to address climate change and its impacts.
- Identify, plan, conduct interpret and present an applied research project.
Admission Requirements
The selection criterion for admission to the Master of Nature Conservation is based on both academic prowess and field experience. Students wishing to be admitted to this qualification are required to be in possession of a Post Graduate Diploma in Nature Conservation, or a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences or an equivalent four-year qualification in the same or similar field. In addition, the student must have attained an aggregate of 60% in their final level major subjects. Anyone wishing to apply to study this programme must submit the title of the proposed mini dissertation, plus the research proposal to the Head of Department: Nature Conservation before the end of October of each year.
Contact details for the (Acting) Head of Department are: Prof. K K Naidoo, P O Box 12363, Jacobs, 4026; kuben@mut.ac.za or 031-9077626. The Departmental postgraduate committee will evaluate each application on academic merit and ascertain whether a suitable supervisor is available, and whether suitable resources are available either within the University or could be arranged elsewhere. All recommended applications will serve before the Research Ethics Committee in January and be recommended for approval by the Faculty of Natural Sciences Research Committee which meets later in January. All admissions approved by the Faculty Research Committee will register for the programme in early February.
Duration of Study
The duration of the course is a minimum of two semesters (one year), with a compulsory attendance of two weeks per semester at set times during each year, online e-Learning and video-conferencing, and a series of projects requiring self-study and the timeous submission of scientifically written reports. In addition, a research project must be undertaken and a mini-dissertation submitted. These assessments may be discussed at compulsory seminars to be held at a predetermined date in each year.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Nature Conservation
NQF Level: 7
SAQA Qualification ID: 111264
Rationale for the Qualification
The institution has developed a centre of excellence within the nature conservation industry and caters very strongly for supplying Nature Conservators (the technological staff) within the industry. However, employment within the industry also caters for Nature Conservation Scientists with a minimum employment criterion of a Bachelor’s Degree. Currently this niche is catered for by traditional Universities with a general biological sciences Degree. The institution believes that it can provide a service to the industry with a focused Applied Science Degree, leading to an Honour’s equivalent and then research Master’s and Doctorate. This would be run in parallel with the current suite of Diplomas and the Master’s programme.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the nature conservation industry with competent nature conservation scientists to identify, investigate and evaluate biodiversity issues.
Admission Requirements
Students wishing to be admitted to this qualification are required to be in possession of a National Senior Certificate with a degree endorsement and with a substantial achievement (level 5) in both Life Sciences and English (either Home Language or First Additional Language) and a pass mark in Mathematics. In addition to the above, a minimum of 32 points in the matriculation examination must be obtained.
Duration of Study
The duration of the course is a minimum of three years consisting of six semesters.