MPhil/PhD Degrees in Environmental Science

1.0 Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programmes

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of the MPhil and PhD Degree

Programmes in Environmental Science are as follows:

a) To provide a deeper understanding of the inter-relationship between biophysical and socioeconomic environmental processes;

b) To impart advanced research and analytical skills and knowledge for competent enquiry within selected fields of specialisation;

c) To develop in the student the ability to provide leadership in academic pursuits and on research and policy-making teams.

1.2 Justification

Leaders in various aspects of Environmental Science in the country and throughout the Southern African region are still in great demand as issues on the environment are expanding in importance. The MPhil and PhD Programmes produce scientists with the ability to provide this leadership in both academic and professional fields.

1.3 Career Opportunities

The fields in which graduates of the MPhil and PhD Programmes have the opportunity to be employed in are similar to those listed above for the Master of Science Programme. The graduates of this Programme, however, have a higher ability to provide leadership in the same fields.

2.0 Departmental Regulations for MPhil and PhD Degree Programmes in Environmental Science

The Department of Environmental Science offers MPhil and PhD Degrees by supervised research only. General Regulations 50.0 shall apply.

2.1 Entrance Requirements

2.1.1 For eligibility to apply for admission to the MPhil and PhD Programmes in Environmental Science, General Regulation 50.1 and 50.2 shall apply.

2.1.2 In accordance with General Regulation 50.1 and 50.2, to be admitted to the MPhil or PhD Programmes, applicants must have completed a Major/Minor, Combined Major/Major, or Single Major Degree Programme in Environmental Science or a cognate discipline (e.g. Geography, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, Forestry, etc.) of the University of Botswana or equivalent institution. Applicants must also have obtained at least a second class (upper division). Candidates whose degrees are not Single Major must attain an upper second grade in the portion of the Degree that is relevant to Environmental Science.

2.1.3 In accordance with General Regulation 50.2, all applicants who do not possess an MPhil in Environmental Science or a cognate discipline (e.g. Geography, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry) from the University of Botswana or any other recognised university, or equivalent academic institution, must initially register for that Degree and subsequently transfer registration from the MPhil to the PhD degree after satisfying the requirements for such a transfer in accordance with General Regulation 2. Possession of the minimum qualification, however, does not guarantee ad-mission into either the MPhil or PhD Programme, and the Board of the Department of Environmental Science reserves the right not to recommend an applicant for admission. The Department may require any applicant to submit to an interview before admission to the MPhil or PhD Programmes. In addition, depending on the applicant’s area of interest, the interview panel may include persons from outside the Department.

2.2 Application and Registration

Application and registration procedures for this Programme shall be in accordance with the provisions of General Regulation 50.3.

2.3 Programme Structure

In accordance with General Regulation 50.0, the MPhil and PhD Programmes are offered primarily through supervised research.

The courses are:

ENV 800 Supervised Research and Thesis in Environmental Science (MPhil)

ENV 900 Supervised Research and Thesis in Environmental Sciences (PhD)

In pursuit of academic excellence