Discipline of

Geography

Geography is the dynamic study of Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the complex relationships between people and their surroundings. At UKZN, our Geography programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global challenges—from climate change and urban development to food security and sustainable resource management.

Through a blend of classroom learning, cutting-edge geospatial technologies (GIS/remote sensing), and hands-on fieldwork in South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, you’ll gain practical experience in analyzing spatial patterns and solving real-world problems. Our graduates emerge as skilled professionals ready for careers in environmental consulting, urban planning, disaster management, and geospatial analysis—prepared to make meaningful contributions to both local communities and global sustainability efforts.

Why Study Geography at UKZN?

Geography bridges the physical and social sciences to address critical global challenges like climate change, urbanization, and sustainable development.

At UKZN, you’ll explore dynamic interactions between humans and the environment through cutting-edge GIS technology, fieldwork in Africa’s diverse landscapes, and research on pressing issues like water scarcity or spatial inequality.

This degree opens doors to careers in environmental management, urban planning, disaster risk reduction, and geospatial analysis—equipping you to solve real-world problems while shaping policies for a more resilient future.

Study

Hydrology studies the complex water systems of the planet, the occurrence, distribution, movement, quality and properties of the waters of the Earth and their relationship with the environment.

Sub-Discipline

Hydrology

At UKZN, our Environmental Science programme offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates to become leaders in environmental conservation, resource management, and policy development.

Sub-Discipline

Environmental Science

Research

RESEARCH GROUPS

 

We have a number of research groups that specialise in areas of research in Geography.

STUDENT DISSERTATIONS

 

UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.

CASSE – Alternative Access Programme

The Centre for the Advancement of Science and Engineering (CASSE) provides alternative access to students, predominantly from disadvantaged educational backgrounds, who do not meet the standard entry requirements for science and engineering qualifications.

How the Programme Works

  • Students complete their degree over one additional year.
  • Augmented modules are taken during the first two years.
  • Thereafter, students join mainstream students and continue with standard modules within the School.

 

This structured approach provides academic support while ensuring students graduate with the same qualification as their mainstream peers.

Entry Requirements

  • NSC degree pass with Maths, English, Life Orientation and Physical Science Level 4 (50%)
  • Application Perfomace Score (APS) range: 26-48

Programmes

Bachelor of Science (Geography major)

SAQA ID: 84728

NQF Level:07

Bachelor of Science (Hydrology major)

SAQA ID: 84728

NQF Level:07

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

SAQA ID: 81784

NQF Level:07

Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation

SAQA ID: 118136

NQF Level:07

Bachelor of Science Honours – Hydrology

SAQA ID: 84749

NQF Level:08

Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science

SAQA ID: 81108

NQF Level:08

Master of Science – Environmental Science

SAQA ID: 74127

NQF Level:09

Masters of Science – Geography

SAQA ID: 74127

NQF Level:09

Masters of Science – Hydrology

SAQA ID: 74127

NQF Level:09

Doctor of Philosophy – Environmental Science

SAQA ID: 74120

NQF Level:10

Doctor of Philosophy – Geography

SAQA ID: 74120

NQF Level:10

Doctor of Philosophy – Hydrology

SAQA ID: 74120

NQF Level:10

Academics

Prof Trevor Hill

Head of Research and Higher Degrees: Geography
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof John Odindi

Head of Discipline: Geography
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof Romano Lottering

Associate Professor, Head of Teaching and Learning: Geography
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

PROF MICHAEL GEBRESLASIE

Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Ms Duduzile Diza

(nGAP) Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Sifiso Xulu

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Mthembeni Mngadi

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Ntombifuthi Nzimande

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Howard College

Dr Zoleka Ncoyini

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof Alistair Clulow

Associate Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Erwin Sieben

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Prof Serban Proches

Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Srinivasan Pillay

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Sphumelele Nkomo

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Howard College

Dr Sibonakaliso Nhlabathi

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Njoya Ngetar

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Howard College

Prof Adrian Nel 

Associate Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof Sagie Narsiah

Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Howard College

Prof Onisimo Mutanga

Professor and SARChI Chair in Landuse
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Miss Feroza Morris

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Shenelle Lottering

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Mr Sizwe Hlatshwayo 

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Amanda Gumede

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof Jemma Finch

Associate Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Lawrence Dube

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Sumaiya Desai

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Dr Bass Orli 

Senior Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Howard College

Dr Fathima Ahmed

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Westville

Prof Roland Schulze

Professor Emeritus of Hydrology
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Mr Simphiwe Ngcobo

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Dr Maqsooda Mahomed

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Mr Richard Kunz

Researcher
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Prof Seifu Kebede Gurmessa

Associate Professor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Mr Mark Horan

Senior Tutor
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg

Ms Tinisha Chetty

Lecturer
Discipline: Geography
Campus: Pietermaritzburg