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 Equine Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100975  Diploma in Equine Science 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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  Secondary Agriculture 
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 qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as competent equine technicians in a variety of equestrian environments including stud farms, competitive and/or instructional stable Yards, leisure organisations, equine health care facilities and therapeutic riding centres. Graduates are equipped with the necessary applied competencies and technologies for entering operational and managerial positions, to engage with the diversity of stakeholders and contributors within the equestrian industry and to function independently demonstrating social, ethical and environmental awareness. Management practice and entrepreneurial skills render qualified learners employable in small to medium businesses or allow them to start their own equestrian enterprise, in an industry which is by nature client based, in turn creating further employment opportunities. Graduates will be able to use progressive and innovative approaches aligned with modern equine management practices, to meet the demands of producing and managing horses for equestrian sports, ecotourism, recreation and armed services while still prioritising the welfare of the animals. The Diploma will articulate vertically to the Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences with specialisation in Equine Science.

Rationale:
The equine industry in South Africa is broad based with an estimated total horse population of approximately 350 000. The racing and Thoroughbred breeding industries together make a significant contribution to the South African economy and have a work force of an estimated 35 000 people. The Various equestrian disciplines are growing in popularity as sport and recreation activities. A large number of horses are registered to participate in events organised by the various provincial societies and national Associations. The increasing number of horse safaris and trekking centres make a meaningful contribution to ecotourism attracting both local and international tourists. Horses also fulfil important functions in the South African Defence Force and the South African Police Services, including mounted policing law enforcement, crowd management and rural operational duties. The use of horses for sport and recreational purposes and economic gain carries an innate moral and ethical obligation. For this reason, the training of technicians for work in the equine industry is highly specialised and requires an in-depth scientific approach, which is the focus of this qualification. Modern equine management practices must meet the demands of producing horses for sport, recreation and the armed services while still prioritising the welfare of the animals and safety of handlers and trainers. The qualification is aimed at individuals entering operational positions in the equine industry as junior managers or technicians. Such individuals will operate as a link between labourers and managers or business owners. For these individuals to be successful they will have to demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the enterprises and be able to apply the theoretical knowledge obtained. They will also have to communicate actions between different levels of management, and implement decisions in an organised way to achieve the best results. The nature of the equine industry is such that it is client based. This implies there are extensive opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop small to medium size businesses providing goods and services in a growing industry, in turn contributing to the creation of further educational and job opportunities. The qualified learner will have the choice of the following career paths: horse farm/Stud manager; commercial equestrian enterprise manager; equine consultant; equestrian sports management; equine welfare services; ecotourism; feed and tack merchant and entrepreneur. This qualification also makes provision for qualifying learners to further their development by providing an extensive foundation for specialising in related equine study fields such as, but not limited to, farriery, equine dentistry, equine alternative therapies and equine assisted physiotherapy. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Institutional requirements and policies are followed with RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules 1, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology I, 24 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship I, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Breeding and Genetics I, 12 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Pasture Science I, 12 Credits.
  • Science for Occupational Purpose I, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
  • Stable Management I, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Life Skills I, 2 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Farriery II, 12 Credits.
  • Equestrian Coaching and Instruction II, 12 Credits.
  • Mare and Foal Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Equine Nutrition II ,12 Credits.
  • Equine Veterinary Care II, 24 Credits.
  • Equine Exercise Physiology II, 12 Credits.
  • Stallion Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Equine Applied Zoo technology II, 24 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Equine Sciences. 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and an understanding in the fields of equine stud management, commercial stable yard management including administrative, financial and personnel requirements pertaining to equestrian enterprises, as well as the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principals, rules and theories of the fields named above.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different sources of information in the field of equine science and to apply well-developed processes of analysis and synthesis. Graduates should also be able to interact with all stakeholders either in the industry, communicating information reliably, accurately and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in writing, verbally or in practical demonstration.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of investigation or application within a defined context pertaining to equine healthcare.
    4. Management, nutrition, stable routines, training, and handling practices.
    5. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a supervisory role as well as in a team or group and to take responsibility for his or her decisions and actions, including accountability for implementing best practice management ethics, equine welfare and the use of resources where applicable.
    6. Demonstrate detailed knowledge in the fields of equestrian sport, recreation, ecotourism, instruction and coaching. They should demonstrate an ability to apply entrepreneurial skills in the development of equestrian enterprises and be able to identify, analyse and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts within the equine industry, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the field.
    7. Demonstrate promotion of lifelong learning and sound welfare practices within the equine industry and provide support to the learning needs of others.
    8. Demonstrate ethical and professional practice in Animal Sciences based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the natural resources and the importance of veldt pastures.
  • Use anatomical terminology effectively.
  • Perform basic calculations that underpin animal production.
  • Use appropriate economic terminology effectively.
  • Determine farm animals' nutritional requirements.
  • Describe the current South African poultry industry.
  • Describe the current South African pig industry.
  • Describe the current South African small stock industry.
  • Describe the current South African beef industry.
  • Describe the current South African dairy industry.
  • Interpret, present and apply current research.
  • Be aware of the legal aspects affecting human resource management.
  • Apply a range of communication techniques in the context of managing an animal production unit.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. At key exit points on the programme, students are required to demonstrate their learning achievements through Integrated Assessment methods that draw on a range of knowledge and skills learnt from across the modules of the programme. These include written tests and examinations, group and individual projects and assignments and practical examinations. Continuously Integrated Assessment strategies enable students to achieve applied Competence in vocational oriented subject and modules.

    Formative Assessment: learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes class tests and assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes. Summative Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Equine Science was compared to qualifications, outcomes and purposes for equine science courses in higher education institutions in: America, Australia, Holland and the United Kingdom. The qualifications that have been selected for the comparison are closely aligned in terms of the duration of the qualification and with comparable outcomes. The qualifications have similar themes, purposes and contents as the Diploma Equine Science (referred to in text as this qualification) but seem to differ in the way the qualifications are structured and the available facilities for offering on campus practical training. America: There are a number of Universities and Colleges across the United States, which offer equine science related qualifications at Diploma and Degree level. The courses Offered at Colleges including for example, but not limited to: Otterbein, Rocky Mountain and Lake Erie Colleges tend to focus on equine business management, administration and marketing. This is consistent with the course content of other institutions in Europe and Australia described below and highlights the importance of training in this field of study. The Colorado State University Equine Science Program is more diverse in its content and offers more than 27 equine-specific courses.

    The University has extensive Equestrian Federation of Australia National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) scheme. The degree compares favourably with this qualification regarding specified learning and assessment activities. The University of Queensland offers an Equine Science Extended Major as part of their Bachelor of Applied Science Program. The course has more elective type units of competency to service specific sub-fields. This qualification follows a broader approach to allow graduates to enter into a wider spectrum of career opportunities within the equine industry in South Africa. The Bachelor of Equine Studies course presented at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) in Australia is very comprehensive. Subject areas covered include all aspects of horse husbandry (anatomy, health, nutrition, behaviour, reproduction) and business management (administration, accounting, entrepreneurship, Equine legislation). This qualification is aimed at following the same holistic approach of preparing the learner for entering a career in the equine industry.

    United Kingdom: Another qualification that compares favourably is The Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Honours) Equine Studies presented at Warwickshire College. The degree offered by the College can either be studied purely academically as a three-year program with core study modules and the opportunity to choose optional and elective modules from other study areas. Alternatively, a four-year Degree is offered that requires a minimum 48-week work placement. This qualification follows the same approach as the latter in the form of work-integrated learning in the third year, aimed at developing the learner Practical skills to complement their academic study. Future employers in the equine Industry the world over view this combined approach as a necessity. The Royal Agricultural College offers a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Honours) Equine Management qualification. The course follows two Pathways namely business or science. Some of the core subjects are similar to those offered in this qualification such as equine anatomy and animal Science. The electives are however more specialised, for example equine Finance and taxation in the second year and world agricultural developments in the third.

    Holland: Dronten University of Applied Science offers a Degree program in the equine field of study that focuses exclusively on equine Business management. The qualification is aimed at occupational profiles such as innovation and risk taking in equine business, advertising Entrepreneurs in the equine sector and policy formulation. While this qualification is generically more cantered on equine husbandry and management, a comparison with the Degree course offered at Dronten highlights the importance of the inclusion of equine business management Practices in the course content.

    Africa and Southern African Development Community (SADC): A qualification in equine science is currently not offered at any other higher education institution in Africa or SADC countries. In conclusion, the content of the Diploma in Equine Science is in line with international practices. Predominantly learning programs offer courses in applied equine management, horse Husbandry, animal science and business management. The approach of balancing theory and practice is considered vital to the success of learners and this is reflected both in international qualifications and in the Diploma in Equine Science proposed by the institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Animal Sciences, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences with specialisation in Equine Science, 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.