Program Overview

Hydrogeology Program

The MSc by coursework and research report in the field of Hydrogeology is offered over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. It aims to increase the scale and focus of groundwater research to promote an environmentally sustainable use of groundwater, including in mining and irrigation areas.

Overview

The concern about the availability of fresh water to meet the needs of future generations in South Africa has significantly increased owing to increased population demands, prolonged drought, and the threat of long-term climate change. In South Africa, surface water resources are nearly 100% allocated, but only between a quarter and a half of our groundwater resources are utilized. Quantification of the important role groundwater plays in the overall water budget and water management strategies in water-stressed areas is crucial for future food security and sustained economic growth in the country.

The main objectives of this programme are to:

• increase the scale and focus of groundwater research to promote an environmentally sustainable use of groundwater, including in mining and irrigation areas
• build capacity among the South African groundwater professionals by providing both high-quality postgraduate and post-doctoral training environments and short bridging courses for professionals working in the water sector
• establish the School as a point of interaction among higher education institutions, government, industry, and the private sector in the country in the groundwater sector

Curriculum

A Master of Science (MSc) in Hydrogeology by Course Work and Research Report involving 4 core courses and 2 elective courses can be completed either full-time (one year) or part-time (2 years).

Core Courses

• GEOL7029 Hydrological Processes
• GEOL7022 Hydrogeochemistry
• GEOL7023 Environmental Isotopes
• GEOL7024 Physical Hydrogeology

Elective Courses

• GEOL7027 Contaminant Hydrogeology
• GEOL7025 Hydrogeophysics
• GEOL7026 Geochemical Toolbox for Hydrology
• GEOL7030 Water Resources Management
• GEOL7031 Applied Structural Geology

The selection of elective courses needs approval by the programme coordinator.

Research Report

• GEOL7028 Research Report (Full Time)
• GEOL 7051 Research Report Part 1 (Part-time year 1)
• GEOL7052 Research Report Part 2 (Part-time year 2)

Full-time applicants should register for 4 core courses, 2 elective courses, and Research Report (Geol7028). Part-time students should register for 4 courses and Research Report Part 1 (GEOL7051) in year 1 and for the remaining two courses and Research Report Part 2 (GEOL7052) in year 2.

Each course is worth 15 credits within the HEQSF framework. Candidates are required to complete 90 credits by course work and 90 credits via the research project (180 credits).

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this programme must have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree (4 years) in Geology and Hydrogeology. The course is limited to 10 students. Acceptance into certain courses may be restricted to applicants with relevant undergraduate course credits and field experience.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally. Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to postgraduate students.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: SCA00
• Faculty: Science
• School: Geosciences
• Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 1 - 2 years
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time
• Closing Date: 30 November
• Programme Coordinator: Prof. Tamiru Abiye