UNISA Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences Course Module and Curriculum

UNISA Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences Course Module and Curriculum

Qualification code: 98366
NQF level: 5
Total credits: 120
This qualification will be presented using both online and distance learning modes.

Who can register?

Successful applicants and re-registering students must register to study through Unisa in 2016. Applicants can only begin the registration process if they have received an official approval of their application from Unisa. Re-registering students can begin the registration process after receiving their registration details from Unisa. Should you wish to change to an alternative qualification, please apply for the alternative qualification during the next application period.

How to choose your modules

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that you need to pass a certain number of modules within a certain amount of time in order to graduate. You must pass a minimum number of credits / modules annually so that you are able to re-register and continue with your qualification:


  • At least 36 NQF credits (3 modules of 12 credits each) in your first year of study;
  • At least 48 NQF credits (4 modules of 12 credits each) in your second or further years of study.

You may not register for more than the allowed maximum number of credits / modules per semester:

  • At least 60 NQF credits (5 modules of 12 credits each) in a semester;
  • At least 120 NQF credits (10 modules of 12 credits each) per year for year modules.

The maximum number of credits do not include supplementary and/or aegrotat examinations from a previous semester. Modules taken for non-degree/non-diploma purposes also count towards the maximum number of credits allowed.
You must take your available time into consideration when choosing your modules, as this will impact your academic performance. You need approximately:

  • 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules;
  • 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules.

Click here for more information on managing your studies.

Curriculum for this qualification

As you are deciding on the modules you will be registering for, remember to write down the module names and codes so that you have something that you can refer to when completing your registration.

First level

Module Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation
Group A. Compulsory
BNU1501 – Basic Numeracy
CSP1501 – Introduction to Applied Sciences
ENL1501 – Environmental Literacy
ENN103F – English for Academic Purposes
EUP1501 – Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions
GEL1503 – Environmental Geology
GGH1502 – World Issues: a Geographical Perspective
INS1502 – Developing Information Skills for Lifelong Learning
PTP1501 – Introduction to Plant Production
QMI1500 – Elementary Quantitative Methods Recommendation:Should be taken together with or follow on BNU1501 (Only applicable to 98237)

List of All UNISA Course Modules