School of Environmental Sciences
Institute of Land Resources Management
Bachelor of Science with Honours in
Land Resources Management
Degree Designation: B.Sc. (Hons) Land Resources Management
Introduction
Land Resources Management (LRM) is an interdisciplinary field that addresses the sustainable use, administration, and governance of land and its associated resources. It integrates principles from soil science, hydrology, land use planning, geographic information systems (GIS), land law, and environmental management to ensure that land is used efficiently and equitably in ways that meet current needs without compromising future generations.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Land Resources Management at Njala University equips students with theoretical and applied competencies in land evaluation, spatial data management, land administration, and natural resource assessment. Graduates are prepared to work in land use planning, land tenure administration, agricultural resource management, and geospatial services.
Land is one of Sierra Leone's most vital resources. Its sustainable management is central to agricultural productivity, urban planning, environmental conservation, and equitable development across the country.
Rationale
Rapid population growth, urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and climate variability are placing unprecedented pressure on Sierra Leone's land resources. Poorly managed land use contributes to soil erosion, deforestation, water stress, and land tenure conflicts. Trained land resource managers are essential to address these challenges with scientific and policy-informed solutions.
This programme responds to the urgent need for professionals who can manage land data systems, conduct land evaluations, support sustainable land use planning, and advise government agencies such as the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment on land governance and tenure reform.
Aims, Goals & Objectives
The programme aims to produce graduates with comprehensive knowledge in land resources science and management, GIS applications, land administration, and policy — enabling them to contribute effectively to sustainable land use across Sierra Leone.
Land Evaluation
Students learn to assess and classify land for agricultural, urban, and conservation purposes.
GIS & Spatial Analysis
Students apply GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial tools to land resource mapping and planning.
Land Administration
Students study land tenure systems, land registration, and land policy frameworks.
Soil and Water Resources
Students manage soil fertility, land degradation, watershed management, and irrigation planning.
Sustainable Land Use Planning
Students develop land use plans that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives.
Target Group
This programme is ideal for students with backgrounds in the natural sciences, geography, agriculture, and engineering who wish to specialise in the management and governance of land resources.
Intended career pathways:
- Land use planners and land administrators
- Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment
- GIS and geospatial data analysts
- Agricultural land management and soil conservation
- Urban and peri-urban land development agencies
- Postgraduate studies in land administration and GIS
Entry Requirements
General University Requirements:
Five credits at GCE "O" Level or WASSCE, including English Language, in not more than two (2) sittings.
Departmental Requirements:
At least grade 6 or better in five subjects, including at least two from: Mathematics, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, or Engineering Science.
Programme Structure
The programme is organised into eight semesters with a minimum of 126 credit hours for graduation, distributed as follows:
📅 First Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology & Microbiology | 3 | BIOL 102 | Introduction to Botany and Zoology | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3 | CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| MATHS 121 | Pre-Calculus | 3 | MATHS 122 | Introduction to Calculus, Applied Maths & Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | Forces, Motion and Thermal Physics | 3 | PHYS 102 | Radiation and Optics | 3 |
| GEOG 101 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 | GEOG 102 | Intro. to Human Geography & Geography of Sierra Leone | 3 |
| GEST 111 | English Language | 2 | GEST 112 | English Language | 2 |
| ICT 121 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 | ICT 122 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Second Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRM 211 | Introduction to Land Resources Science | 3 | LRM 217 | Remote Sensing Fundamentals | 3 |
| LRM 212 | Soil Science and Land Evaluation | 3 | LRM 218 | Land Use Planning and Zoning | 3 |
| LRM 213 | Introduction to GIS and Cartography | 3 | LRM 219 | Surveying Principles | 3 |
| LRM 214 | Land Tenure and Administration | 3 | LRM 2110 | Soil Degradation and Conservation | 3 |
| LRM 215 | Hydrology and Water Resources | 3 | LRM 2111 | Agro-Ecosystem Analysis | 3 |
| LRM 216 | Introduction to Environmental Management | 3 | LRM 2112 | Land Law and Property Rights | 3 |
| ENG 201 | English Language | 2 | ENG 202 | English Language | 2 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Third Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRM 3113 | Advanced GIS for Land Management | 3 | LRM 3220 | Spatial Data Infrastructure and Land Information Systems | 3 |
| LRM 3114 | Research Methods in Land Sciences | 3 | LRM 3221 | Urban Land Management and Real Estate | 3 |
| LRM 3115 | Watershed Management and Irrigation | 3 | LRM 3222 | Community-Based Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| LRM 3116 | Land Degradation Assessment and Remediation | 3 | LRM 3223 | Land Policy and Governance | 3 |
| LRM 3117 | Climate Change and Land Resources | 3 | LRM 3224 | Photogrammetry and Topographic Mapping | 3 |
| LRM 3118 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 | LRM 3225 | Land Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 |
| LRM 3119 | Land Economics and Valuation | 3 | LRM 3226 | Group Seminar and Scientific Writing | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 21 | Semester 2 Total | 21 | ||
📅 Fourth Year Courses
Semester 1 — Taught Courses
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| LRM 4127 | Land Legislation and Property Law | 3 |
| LRM 4128 | Geospatial Data Management and Analysis | 3 |
| LRM 4129 | Land Suitability Assessment and Planning | 3 |
| LRM 4130 | Natural Resources Economics and Policy | 3 |
| LRM 4131 | Sustainable Agriculture and Land Productivity | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Semester 2 — Completion Requirements
- Industrial Attachment
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Directed Readings
- Final Comprehensive Examinations
Assessment & Grading System
A five-point letter grading system is used in assessing students, following the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) guidelines. Continuous assessment includes class attendance and participation, assignments, field projects, presentations, and written examinations.
Grading Scale
| Marks (%) | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 75 and above | A | 5.0 |
| 65 – 74 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 64 | C | 3.0 |
| 40 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 30 – 39 | E | 1.0 |
| Below 30 | F | 0.0 |
Honours Classification (FGPA)
| Class | FGPA Range |
|---|---|
| First Class | 4.3 and above |
| Second Class (Upper) | 4.00 – 4.29 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 3.60 – 3.99 |
| Third Class | 3.00 – 3.59 |
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, including the capacity to:
Assess and classify land resources using scientific evaluation tools and geospatial analysis for planning purposes.
Design and implement land use plans that balance agricultural, urban, and conservation objectives at community and national scales.
Apply GIS and remote sensing technologies to land resource mapping, monitoring, and spatial decision-support.
Understand and administer land tenure systems, land registration, and property rights within Sierra Leone's legal framework.
Contribute to land governance and policy by providing technical advice on land reform, valuation, and dispute resolution.
Teaching & Learning
A learner-centred approach incorporating theoretical instruction and practical hands-on exercises, including field group projects, seminars, laboratory work, and simulation exercises.
Resources Required
At least three core lecturers with specialised expertise in the programme disciplines. Essential physical resources include classrooms, laboratories, and field survey equipment.
Monitoring & Review
The programme is monitored according to Njala University and TEC Quality Assurance guidelines, and reviewed every five years to address the evolving needs of academia and industry.
📥 Programme Documents & Downloads
The following documents are available for download, providing full details of the programme specification, course descriptions, and institutional requirements.
Progression Requirement
To advance from one year to the next, students must achieve a Sessional Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no outstanding course requirements.