Postgraduate - Environmental Science

Updated February 2012

We offer a flexible suite of advanced study options

• A full-time MSc programme, by coursework and research report, completed over one year (registration for February each year).
• A part-time MSc programme by coursework and research report over two years.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Science awarded for course-work alone completed in one year (longer time allowed if being done part-time).
• Registration is allowed for individual short courses for non-degree purposes, space permitting.Registration for each course should be confirmed 4 weeks before the starting date.

The courses offered cover various aspects of environmental sciences, including conservation of biodiversity, air quality management, environmental chemistry, environmental management, environmental law, climate change and mitigation, environmental impact assessments as well as remote sensing and GIS. These courses are spread over three Faculties: Science, Engineering & the Built Environment and Commerce, Law & Management.

Entrance requirements

A BSc Honours or BSc Eng or equivalent four year degree. Acceptance into certain courses may be restricted to applicants with relevant undergraduate course credits.

Coursework content

• The courses are usually presented as short courses over 2 weeks.
• he coursework component for the one-year programme would normally be completed in the first six months of study, but this may not be possible given a particular choice of topics. The coursework component for the two-year programme extends over the entire academic year (from February to November) and courses can be done in either first or second year of MSc study, with the latter periods of study being concentrated on the research project.
• Point Structure: Each course = 20 points. The research report is equal to 120 points.
• For the MSc or the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, six courses must be completed. At leastfour of the courses MUST be from those offered in the Faculty of Science (course codes APES, CHEM, GEOG, GEOL, STAT). Please refer to the Rules and Syllabus booklet for the Faculty of Science for more detail; it is available from the Faculty of Science office.

Here is a list of the courses currently on offer.

Research report

The research report is based on investigations extending over the equivalent of six months of full time work. Each student will be required to confirm selection of the research project and supervisor four months from the date of registration. The Post Graduate Diploma in Science can be converted into an MSc by subsequent completion of a research report. Potential research projects must be discussed with the course co-ordinator prior to registration. Research topics in other fields may be arranged on request.

Further information

The closing date for applications for first semester registration is 15 September, Late applications may be considered, but only if space and funding are available.

For enquiries and applications write to the course coordinator:

Dr Ute Schwaibold
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag X3
WITS 2050
Fax: 27 11 717 6400
Email: Ute.Schwaibold@wits.ac.za

Your application should include the following:

• A letter of motivation stating the reasons why you want to take this course and explaining your field of special interest.
• A comprehensive CV, including academic transcripts and the names and contact addresses of three referees. It is acceptable to send certified copies of your academic transcripts, but you will be required to bring the originals of your documents to registration.
• Indicate whether you would require accommodation and financial aid application forms. The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone individual courses should an insufficient number of students register for that module. Occasional students should confirm not later than four weeks before scheduled start date.