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Programme: BSocSciHons (Geography) Geography and Environmental Science

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Code Faculty Department
01243029 Faculty of Humanities Department: Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 135 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Closing date for applications: 30 September annually.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s degree with specialisation in Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geographical Sciences or Planning Sciences or a directly related major in the field of social sciences
  2. A weighted average of at least 60% at final-year level

General information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 135

Fundamental credits: 25
Core credits:        80
Elective credits:    30

Additional information:
Students are advised to choose 30 elective credits from the following groups:

  • Applied geography: GGY 701, GGY 718.
  • GIS and remote sensing: GMA 705, GIS 707, GIS 708.
  • Communication and Information: INY 713, INY 715, INY 716, INY 722, AGC 713.
  • Media: IMY 771, IMY 773, IMY 779, VKK 756.
  • Development and Society: SOC 756, SOC 757, SOC 762, TBE 715.

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    The module introduces students to contemporary debates about the role of policy, discourse and communication in achieving environmental sustainability. The outcomes of development interventions and projects on different scales (global, national and community) are used to demonstrate and reflect on the contested nature of environmental policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. Ultimately, students are encouraged to critically engage with the politics of policy formulation and implementation; and the discursive tactics used to communicate policy-related objectives, outcomes and interventions.

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  • Module content:

    The aim of this module is to understand the principles and processes behind environmental assessments. The module will give an overview of the history of assessments, compare assessment processes internationally, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, provide an overview of the South African regulatory context and the environmental authorisation process.

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  • Module content:

    An approved individual research project on an environmental/geography topic within the social sciences. The project is carried out under the guidance of a lecturer. The project culminates in a research report in the format of a research paper and presentation. The student is expected to obtain the respective skills (theoretical and practical research techniques, data analysis, communication and computer skills) necessary for the research topic.

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  • Module content:

    The module provides a critical review of the structures and paradigms in which the geographical and environmental sciences are practised. Particular reference is made to the development and impact of paradigms and the interdependence of systems within space and time.

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  • Module content:

    The main themes of the module include: overview of global urbanisation theories and processes; urban morphology and change; the administrative structure and functions of African cities and; the quality of urban life in the developing world.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Introduction to the Communication Process, its role and importance.  Communication and perception - role of Extension in AKIS.  Clarification of principles and definitions; theory of  communication;  Strategies for communication and Extension methods.  Key elements and channels of communication;  credibility;  persuasion;  public speaking;  audio visual aids; mass media and their effect;  new reporting;  articles and newsletters.  Designing communication interventions.  Impact assessment approaches and tools.  Appreciative Communication Inquiry:  5-D Approach.

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  • Module content:

    A self-study module on an aspect or aspects of geographical or environmental science selected in consultation with the head of the department from: (a) themes not covered in existing options; or (b) educational subjects.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on processes and applications of geomorphology. Topics that may be studied include: soil erosion and conservation, weathering, geomorphic response to environmental change, slope processes and geomorphological hazards. The module includes practical fieldwork and field assessments.

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  • Module content:

    A special topic in Geoinformatics linked to research specialisation in the department and/or visiting lecturers. For example, research trends and advances in a specific topic or field of specialisation in Geoinformatics.The module is presented in the form of guided advanced readings, seminars and/or discussion sessions.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced topics in GIS application, such as principal component analysis, multi-criteria evaluation and other geospatial analysis methods, and their application relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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  • Module content:

    The aim of the module is to provide knowledge and understanding of image analysis and information extraction methods in remote sensing.  The emphasis is on equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary to process imagery to extract diverse biophysical and geospatial information.  The course gives insight into the possibilities and limitations of the application of modern remote sensing/image acquisition systems for Earth and atmosphere research purposes at different levels of detail.

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  • Module content:

    History of multimedia ideas and technology; current trends in multimedia, latest technologies and future trends of multimedia.

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  • Module content:

    In this module students will research and discuss a current topic which can change from year to year. The topic for a specific year can be obtained from the departmental website. The topic is related to the creative use of Multimedia Technologies. An understanding of the current multimedia trends is required together with the knowledge of its usage.

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  • Module content:

    In this module, students are exposed to research topics and methodologies within the HCI discipline. Students then apply their understanding by proposing and delivering a research paper.

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  • Module content:

    This module consists of two main sections. A theoretical framework of information and knowledge management will be addressed in section one. Section two covers the enablers of information and knowledge management. These include: leadership, corporate culture, organisational learning, strategy, laws and policies, measurement and information technology.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the main moral ethical issues pertaining to information and ICT, globalisation, privacy and knowledge flow. It covers amongst others the following fields: information and computer ethics; cyber warfare and terrorism; information philosophy; information security; privacy and the right to information; digital identity management; cyber law; e-waste; globalisation and the impact on society.

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  • Module content:

    This module offers students the opportunity to become conversant with various knowledge management programmes as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of knowledge management strategies. It introduces students to traditional and advanced knowledge management models and frameworks, a selection of knowledge management theories, knowledge management’s resiliency management role, and trending issues in the field of knowledge management.

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  • Module content:

    This module evaluates the evolution of previous industrial revolutions to the fourth industrial revolution. It compares and critiques the fourth industrial revolution in the light of concepts of the information and knowledge societies, and examines relevant themes in the literature. It also discusses the implications for knowledge workers.

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  • Module content:

    This module introduces students to key conceptual vocabularies, as well as selected theoretical paradigms and scholarly works in order to facilitate an understanding of some of the current debates, innovations and controversies in the field. A balance is struck between classic and contemporary social theory, and an emphasis is placed on questions of textuality, canonicity and interdisciplinarity in shaping conversations about social theory and its significance for research, thought and politics. 

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  • Module content:

    This module examines theoretical explanations of globalisation. In doing so its primary goal is to explore ways in which capital in the era of the end of history is compelling us to rethink sociology as a science of the present. The module begins with theoretical discussions in order to lay the ground for talk about development as a process of incorporating (in this case) Africa into the global world system. The module further studies changes brought about by globalisation to the nation-state system, work and gender relations. It also examines nationalism and ethnicity as specific features of capitalism in the era of the end of history.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the relationship between the personal and social and how these two domains are intricately related, simultaneously implying sameness and difference in the process of identification. It considers how societal structures and institutions shape and construct identities historically, whilst being shaped by individual agency, in turn. Human experience reveals a range of cross-cutting affiliations, based on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexuality and generation, amongst others, implying a multiplicity in belonging, suggesting a relational process, rather than an essence. The social, contingent and constructed nature of identities is highlighted against experiences of dislocation within a context of globalisation.

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  • Module content:

    The module equips the learner with responsible tourism management values and requires the learner to develop a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to conduct research, compile and write different research and/or tourism documents/reports, present to audiences and solve tourism-related strategic problems. One of the projects in the module involves community engagement activities where community partners are assisted with tourism-related knowledge and/or activities.

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  • Module content:

    This module exposes students to the latest visual and digital humanities tools and scholarship. These may include photo diaries, interactive web documentaries, social media analysis, as well as the mapping and visualisation of data . A three-tiered analysis of images across media is followed, namely the site of production, the image itself and the meanings negotiated in specific social contexts.

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Regulations and rules
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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