Program Overview

Environmental & Geographical Science Program

The Environmental & Geographical Science (EGS) program is an attractive major for students registered in either the Science or Humanities faculties who wish to learn about the connections and relationships that characterise the interface between the environment and society.

Admission Requirements

The minimum admission and subject requirements for selecting EGS as a major from the Humanities faculty are:

• FPS of 380
• English (HL) 50% or English (FAL) 60%
• NBT in AL at Intermediate level

The minimum admission and subject requirements for selecting EGS as a major from the Science faculty are:

• FPS of 550 (but admission only guaranteed at FPS above 660)
• Mathematics 70% & Physical Science 60% or Life Sciences 60%
• NBT in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written

Program Structure

To complete a major in EGS, students must take both first year courses, both second year courses and two third year courses. Students not taking EGS as a major are able to take EGS courses, if they have the pre-requisites.

Assessment and Participation

All students attending courses in EGS are required to participate in lectures, take part in fieldwork arranged during the year, submit assignments and practicals as outlined in course outlines, write tests throughout the semester, and exams at the end of semester.

Research Areas

The EGS program is associated with several research units and initiatives, including:

• Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
• Bio-Economy Research Chair
• African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI)
• African Centre for Cities (ACC)

Academic Staff

The EGS program has a diverse range of academic staff, including:

• HOD: Dept of Environmental & Geographical Science
• Assoc Prof Pippin Anderson
• Professor Frank Eckardt
• Prof. Babatunde J. Abiodun
• Prof Bruce Hewitson
• Prof Mark New
• Prof Maano Ramutsindela
• Professor Rachel Wynberg
• Associate Prof Jane Battersby
• Assoc Prof Zarina Patel
• Dr Philile Mbatha
• Dr Phindile Sabela-Rikhotso
• Dr Suraya Scheba
• Dr Johanna von Holdt
• Professor Gina Ziervogel
• Assoc Prof. Shari Daya
• Dr Olivier Crespo
• Dr Peter Johnston
• Dr Daniel Kibirige
• Dr Phikolomzi Matikinca
• Dr Marieke Norton

Degrees and Courses

The EGS program offers a range of degrees and courses, including:

• Undergraduate
• Honours
• Masters by Coursework and Minor Dissertation
• Dissertation Masters and PhD

Frequently Asked Questions

The program has a range of frequently asked questions, including:

• Undergraduate Major
• Honours
• Masters
  • Dissertation Masters
  • MPhil Degree in Environment, Society and Sustainability (ESS)
  • Masters in Climate Change and Sustainable Development
    • Course Modules: Masters in Climate Change & Development
• Doctoral Degrees