Graduate Programs
The Institute offers two Postgraduate diplomas (Environmental Impact Assessment, and Environmental Information Management), Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources, PhDs, and other postgraduate training programmes. All courses are geared towards developing critical and independent thinking and comprehension of the processes of environmental science. Emphasis is also put on effective application of scientific and professional procedures aimed at the attainment of proficiency in the current level of knowledge in natural resources for human benefit and environmental protection.
Phd Programme
The PhD programme embraces all aspects of environment and natural resources. A Master’s degree of any environmental or natural resources background is required to enroll.
Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources
The MSc programme is well established with a two-year curriculum consisting of one year of course work followed by a research project in the second year. Student research projects are diverse and include topics such as: Water and wetlands resources, monitoring, assessment and management, forest and wildlife management projects, fuel wood needs assessments, remote sensing applications for land use surveys, GIS applications for community land use planning and management, economics of natural resource use, biodiversity studies of plants, animals and ecosystems, including the use of molecular techniques in wildlife genetics, analysis of biodiversity data for conservation planning and solid waste management or any other emerging topic.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to possess a good honours degree from Makerere University, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized University/Institution.
Duration
(i) The programme covers two academic years divided into four semesters.
(ii) Students are required to have both theoretical and practical experiences in most of the courses.
This two-year programme and the syllabus is cast in three parts: Part I consists of compulsory courses, all of which must be taken, Part II consists of optional courses and Part III of a research project. Currently, the options fall into three streams; each student selects three options from one stream or two options from one stream and one option from another.
Research and Graduation Requirements
Students to be awarded a masters degree of Master of Science in Environment and natural Resources should have completed their research and submitted their theses and done their viva to the faction of the school of postgraduate studies of Makerere University. The curriculum is currently under review to take care of the academic and professional interests of the different stakeholders.
Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment
This is another one year course designed to train professionals in the art and science of assessment of the impacts of developmental activities; one of the key requirements for achieving sustainable development. The overall aim of this programme is to build an environmental management capacity with practical orientation needed to conduct different levels of environmental impact assessment and to ensure sustainable development in Uganda and the region.
Regulations
The syllabus, examinations and organization of courses for the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment are subject to the general regulations governing post-graduate programmes in Makerere University.
Admission Requirements
A candidate is admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma Course if he/she possesses a University degree or its equivalent in the physical, biological, health or social/human sciences from Makerere or any other recognized institution of higher learning. Previous experience in environmental or natural resources management sector is an added advantage.
Course Format
The programme covers one academic year divided into two semesters, each of 17 weeks and a recess term of ten weeks. Fifteen weeks of the normal semesters are reserved for teaching and two for examinations. Each course consists of credit units. A credit unit is defined as one contact hour per week per semester. A contact hour is calculated as being equivalent to either:
Students are required to have both theoretical and practical experiences in most of the courses.
During the second semester, each student is required to participate in the formulation and execution of a project under the supervision of a member of staff. This project is carried out and finished during the second semester and the results presented.
Course Outline
The programme consists of 14 courses, one of which is a project and four are optional. Candidates are expected to take all ten core courses and two electives. The courses are outlined below:
Examinations
Progressive Assessment
Progressive Assessment consists of assignments as well as practical work evaluation, where applicable. Progressive Assessment contributes 40% of the total mark for each course.
Scheme of University Examinations
Semester one and two: At the end of the first and second semester, there are five and four written papers respectively, each of three hours duration.
Recess Semester: At the end of the recess term, there are two written papers of three hours duration and presentation of project reports. The project report and its presentation is marked out of 100%.
Pass Mark
A candidate is deemed to have passed the course examination if he/she obtains a mark of 50% (Grade point 2.0) in each paper individually.
Award
After satisfactory completion of the programme, candidates are awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment of Makerere University.
Postgraduate diploma in Environmental Information Management
This one-year course equips students with skills to use in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems in natural resource management.
Admission Requirements
A candidate is admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma Course if he/she possesses a good honours degree or its equivalent from Makerere University or any other recognised institution of higher learning. Knowledge of computing is an added advantage.
Programme Structure
The programme covers one academic year divided into two semesters. Each course consists of credit units. A credit unit is defined as one contact hour per week per semester. One hour of lecture or seminar is one contact hour. Two hours of tutorial, practical or fieldwork are equivalent to one contact hour.
Curriculum
Students are required to have both theoretical and practical experiences in most of the courses.
During the second half of the first semester, each student is expected to formulate an individual project under the supervision of a member of staff. This project is carried out and finished during the second semester and the results presented.
Course Outline
The programme consists of 7 courses, one of which is an individual project. Course participants are expected to take ALL courses as outlined below:
