SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Horticulture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100746  Diploma in Horticulture 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Horticulture is to provide horticulture graduates who will be equipped with technical, horticultural sciences/technologies and applied managerial skills within a range of horticultural establishments such as a nurseries, garden centres and or horticultural/agriculture research stations.

Graduates will be trained in ornamental plant propagation, production, sales, and maintenance of public amenities, conservation and sustainability of the environment in applying knowledge of functional and aesthetic uses of plants to promote human and social well-being of communities.
An increase in the theoretical content will provide students with a better scientific understanding of plant functions, which is vital for success in the advanced and Post Diploma programmes.

Rationale:
The horticulture industry has changed significantly over the past decade or more. Adaptions due to water scarcity have placed more emphasis on growing and planting indigenous ornamental species. The large and diverse Green Industry requirements for ornamental plant production, propagation, sales, landscaping and design establishment, the maintenance of public amenities and the conservation and sustainability of the environment were also considered in aligning the Diploma with these requirements. The Diploma in Horticulture is also the only offering in Ornamental Horticulture in the Western Cape. Focus has been placed on improvement of vocational knowledge in providing employees who are more equipped with technical, horticultural sciences/technologies and applicable managerial skills for the industry.

The consumer has placed a greater awareness on the quality and price of products. The focus of the qualification is build knowledge over time of the various functional and aesthetic uses of plants which, when fully exploited, can serve to promote human and social well-being of communities. Graduates will acquire a range of horticultural technologies and applicable management skills within a range of horticultural establishments such as a nurseries, garden centres or horticultural research stations.

An increase in the theoretical content with regards to botany provides students with a better scientific understanding of plant functions, which is vital for success in the Post Diploma programmes.

Benefits on completion of the qualification will ensure lifelong learning, professional development and personal enrichment of graduates in the Horticulture field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
National Senior Certificate: In keeping with the Minimum Admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree programmes requiring a National Senior Certificate (NSC)as specified in legislation, the following admission requirements will be applicable to this qualification:
  • English Home or First Additional Language (rating 4).
  • Mathematics (rating 3) or Mathematical Literacy (rating 5).
  • Life Sciences (rating 3) or Physical Sciences (rating 3).

    National Certificate Vocational: In keeping with the Minimum Admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree programmes requiring a National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) as specified in legislation, the following admission requirements will be applicable to this programme:
  • At least 60-69% in three of the following fundamental subjects, including the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the institution.
  • English (official language at first additional language level, 20 Credits) at Level 4.
  • Mathematics (20 credits) at Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy (20 Credits) requiring a pass rate of at least 60%.
  • Life Orientation (10 Credits) at Level 4.
  • At least 60% in four vocational subjects (20 Credits each), chosen from the NC (V) Level 4 subjects as stipulated in legislation that align closely to the field of study and the purpose of the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a total of 360 number of credits, sub-divided into the following NQF levels:
    Level 5 subjects consisting of:
  • Greenhouse Technology (15 Credits) (Core).
  • Communication (10 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Computer Skills (10 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Botany 1a (15 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticultural Sciences (10 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Horticulture 1(13 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticultural Management 1(8 Credits) (Core).
  • Botany 1b (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Plant Material Studies 1(13 Credits) (Core).
  • Growth Media Technology (13 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Environmental Studies (8 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Plant Pests (13 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Horticultural Mechanisation (13 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 2a (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Turfgrass Culture (11 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Plant Diseases (11 Credits) (Fundamental).

    Level 6 subjects consisting of:
  • Plant Material Studies (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticulture 2 (12 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticulture Management 2 (7 Credits) (Core).
  • Environmental Studies 2b (7 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 2b (12 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticulture 3 (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticultural Management 3 (8 Credits) (Core).
  • Plant Physiology (13 Credits) (Fundamental).
  • Plant Material Studies 3 (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 3 (13 Credits) (Core).
  • Horticulture Workplace-Based Learning (60 Credits) (Core).

    Rules of combination within the qualification relate to different stream streams within the qualification (if applicable). Pre-requisite and co-requisite subject combinations as defined by the academic department and approved by Senate will be published in official documentation of the institution. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of ornamental plants and plant organisms of the plant kingdom to various horticultural practices.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and the relevance thereof in relation to different growth conditions.
    3. Select and utilise plant material appropriate/suitable for various horticultural purposes under specific conditions/situations.
    4. Utilise appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the maintenance and care of plant material to ensure optimum functionality in various horticultural situations.
    5. Apply appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the multiplication, propagation and production of plant materials for use in horticulture and landscaping.
    6. Apply appropriate ethical business, entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving and management skills in a horticultural enterprise.
    7. Communicate effectively with clients and personnel. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A comprehensive grounding in application of knowledge on ornamental plants and plant organisms relevant to various horticultural practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide students with skills that demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and the relevance thereof in relation to different growth conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Preparation of students with skills to select and utilise plant material appropriate/suitable for various horticultural purposes under specific conditions/situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Utilise appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the maintenance and care of plants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the multiplication, propagation and production of plant materials for use in horticulture and landscaping.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply appropriate ethical business, entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving and management skills in a horticultural enterprise.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Develop students that communicate effectively with clients and personnel.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, student centred-learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance student engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

    Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing student learning and provides students with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study.

    In this qualification it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discussions, quizzes, field trip reports and poster design.

    Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing students' attainment against the learning outcomes of the programme and subject(s). Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, reports and examination.

    In this qualification it will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests and examination conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year.

    Integrated assessment often cuts across a number of subjects/modules of a programme and is aimed at the holistic development of students and contributes to students' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence.

    Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place at the third year of study and students will be assessed holistically by means of project reports, a portfolio of evidence and an oral presentation related to the needs and requirements of the industry and field of study. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    National and international benchmarking was conducted to determine the extent programme and subject structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international benchmarking exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education (HE) institutions internationally (and nationally); the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

    In terms of this qualification, the national benchmarking exercise included the following institutions: The revised diploma compares favourably at a national level with Durban University of Technology (DUT), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and University of South Africa (UNISA) in South Africa with a focus on ornamental plant species. Universities of Technology (UoT's) are ideally positioned to offer both disciplinary and applied knowledge with the further underpinning of the various work-integrated learning modalities. The term Horticulture incorporates agricultural and Ornamental Horticulture techniques. Aspects of both are covered in the proposed qualification. Retaining the term Horticulture in the qualification title also broadens the spectrum of interest in future applicants. In South Africa general Degree programmes in Horticulture: Agriculture are offered by Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria. Their programmes are designed to train graduates for the agriculture sectors of vegetable and fruit production, whereas the UoT's programmes are focused on Ornamental Horticulture.

    Internationally Diploma and Degree programmes are found at: RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand; University of Leeds in Great Britain; Iowa State University, Texas State University and Bluffton University in Ohio, United Sates of America, amongst others.

    Benchmarking, in terms of the purpose of the qualification and subject structures, was done with the following international institutions offering qualifications in Horticultural Science:
    United Kingdom: Horticultural Correspondence College (HCC) - RHS Diploma; ACS Distance Education (Royal Horticultural Society) Diploma in Horticulture; Scottish Agricultural College - SAC Diploma in Horticulture; Nottingham Trent University - Foundation Degree in Horticulture.

    Australia: TAFE Diplomas at Challenger TAFE in Perth, the University of Melbourne and Swinburne University in Melbourne.

    New Zealand: National Advanced Certificate in Horticulture as offered at a variety of New Zealand educational institutions.

    United States of America: Undergraduate academic programme in Horticulture at the University of Georgia; Ferris State University, Michigan - Associate Degree in Horticultural Technology; Degree in Horticulture, Landscape and Turf Sciences at the University of Arkansas; Two year Diploma in Horticulture at the School of Professional Horticulture of the New York Botanical Garden.

    Ontario, Canada: University of Guelph - Diploma in Horticulture.

    Other International institutions that the revised Diploma was benchmarked against were: Warnborough College (Ireland), Waterford Institute (Ireland), University of Wisconsin, United States of America (USA) Oregon State University (USA), Cornell University (USA), University of California, Davis (USA), Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary), Charles Strutt University (Australia). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation possibilities:
  • Diplomas in Agriculture, Forestry or Nature Conservation, (Level 6) to Diploma in Horticulture (Level 6).

    Vertical articulation possibilities:
  • Diploma in Horticulture (Level 6) to Advanced Diploma in Horticulture (Level7) or Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction Management (Level 7).

    Diagonal articulation possibilities:
  • Diploma in Horticulture (Level 6) to Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction Management (Level 7) or Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (Level 7). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.