Environmental and Occupational Studies

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, popularly known as DEOS, is among the best-performing departments in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Established in 2005, DEOS has two programmes: Environmental Health and Environmental Management. We are committed to providing high-quality education to our students.

Why study Environmental Health (EH)?

Our programme is considered one of the best programmes in Africa. The programme is affiliated with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a professional body that regulates health professions in South Africa. Students are equipped with the prerequisite knowledge required to understand the links between environmental hazards and human health. EH has a workplace component that allows students to gain much-needed practical experience in environmental health. Our graduates are employed in government departments, municipalities, and private institutions. Environmental Health Practitioners are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation.

Why study Environmental Management (EM)?

Our programme provides students with knowledge, skills, and experiential training to understand how to assess, manage and monitor environmental impacts caused by human activities and natural phenomena. EM has a work-integrated learning component that allows students to gain workplace experience in their field. Our graduates are employed in government departments such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, municipalities, consulting companies and the world’s leading research institutions, including CSIR. Environmental Management professionals work in a range of areas, including, but not limited to, water management, climate change and sustainability, biodiversity management, resource efficiency and cleaner production.