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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Horticulture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100983  Diploma in Horticulture 
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  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:
This qualification will equip horticultural employees, supervisors and managers with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to propagate, grow, maintain and sell a variety of ornamental plants and turf in order to create green spaces in communities and business environments to enhance the quality of life in such environments, and contribute towards the conservation of South Africa's plant resources. The qualified learner will be competent to use a variety of methods and technologies to propagate, grow and maintain plants, to supervise work activities and the labour force, and to start and manage horticultural businesses and/or sections thereof. Qualifying learners will be multi-skilled and able to work independently in a horticultural setting. They will have the academic skills to continue to learn new techniques and keep in touch with progress and trends within the green industry, and progress through the professional career path of the horticultural field.

Rationale:
The qualification will provide learners with practical experience underpinned by thorough theoretical knowledge and ensuring that they are employable at a variety of businesses within the green industry. Due to the practical and applied nature of this qualification, learners will be immediately employable. They will be able to contribute to the development of the green industry with their scientific and management knowledge. This qualification will equip learners who wish to develop skills to propagate, grow, maintain and sell ornamental plants, and want to gain knowledge on horticultural management and entrepreneurship. Knowledge and skills obtained can be used in the management of horticultural businesses, garden centres, nurseries, city councils and government departments, and as assistants at research institutions like botanical gardens and the Agricultural Research Council. In addition, the knowledge gained in entrepreneurship and management will enable learners to start their own businesses and create jobs in communities. Since more emphasis is placed on greening and preserving the environment, it is envisaged that the qualification will continue to be important to communities and employers. Learners can progress through the professional career path by continuing with their formal studies. After completing the qualification learners can register for Advanced Diploma(Level 7) followed by a Postgraduate Diploma(Level 8), a Master's qualification(Level 9) and a Doctoral qualification(Level 10). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to this qualification is applied for those who do not meet the formal entry requirements for admission and is made possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning through informal, non-formal or experiential learning or experience as a practitioner in the field of Horticulture. Learners need to submit a portfolio of evidence (POE) and the POE will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the principles of currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. However, it should be noted that in terms of the policy, credits and/or access towards the qualification may only be awarded for knowledge and skills acquired through experience and not for experience alone. RPL will be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the institution.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Horticulture and Nursery Practice I, 24 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Environmental Practices I, 24 Credits.
  • Botany I, 24 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
  • Science for Occupational Purpose I, 12 Credits.
  • Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Environmental Practices II, 24 Credits.
  • Management in Agricultural Sciences I, 12 Credits.
  • Horticulture and Nursery Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Horticulture and Nursery Practice II, 36 Credits.
  • Landscape Maintenance I, 24 Credits.
  • Plant Studies II, 24 Credits.
  • Horticulture and Nursery Practice III, 24 Credits.
  • Plant Studies III, 24 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Horticulture, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of plants, methods and technologies to propagate, grow and maintain plants, management, the environmental impact and related legislation as well as the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the fields named above. They should also be able to demonstrate understanding of different forms of knowledge, schools of thought of the main areas of study involved.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate plants and plant cultivation methods and to manage and supervise personnel and work activities in a familiar horticultural environment, using entrepreneurial skills in management of a horticultural business and/or sections thereof. Also demonstrate the ability to investigate and solve environmental and plant cultivation problems in an unfamiliar context through personal competencies, management principles and an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different sources of information in the field of horticultural projects involved and to apply well-developed processes of analysis and synthesis. They should also be able to present and communicate such information using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, formats and technologies.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions in familiar and new horticultural contexts as well as an understanding of horticulture projects and how actions, ideas or developments involved impact on environmental and horticultural systems.
    5. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a team or group, and to take responsibility for his/her decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of others within well-defined contexts, including the responsibility for the use of resources where appropriate. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Recognise, identify and describe the structure, function, classification, physiology and terminology of higher plants that are basic to a good understanding of plant science.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of plant propagation, maintenance and explain the environmental impact in a related working environment.

    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • List, select and apply appropriate plants and plant cultivation and maintenance methods, and solve problems by applying management principles in an ethical manner.
  • Manage and supervise personnel and business activities in a familiar horticultural environment.

    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate different sources of information in the field of horticultural projects involved and to apply well-developed processes of analysis and synthesis.
  • Present and communicate such information using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, formats and technologies.

    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Make decisions in familiar and new horticultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of horticulture projects and how actions, ideas or developments involved impact on environmental and horticultural systems.

    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Work effectively in a team or group.
  • Take responsibility for own decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of others within well-defined contexts, including the responsibility for the use of resources where appropriate.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners in the qualification will be assessed in various ways to ensure that the learner will be competent to enter the work field. Assessment will be done on theoretical as well as practical knowledge throughout the years of study. Integrated assessment will be achieved through a variety of strategies. These include written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments presented in written and oral form, practical examinations and various class learning activities. Formative assessment will occur on a continuous basis through written tests and assignments to evaluate the progress of the learner. Class learning activities will be part of each subject/module, with the purpose of helping the learner understand the content dealt with in class and to assess whether the instructor has achieved the outcomes of a particular learning unit. Summative assessment strategies will include semester tests, theoretical and practical examination and portfolios of evidence, where applicable. At least two tests should be included per semester, and written and practical examination will be done once at the end of the registration period for the subject/module. A portfolio of evidence will also be handed in once at the end of the registration period for the particular subject/module.

    Formative assessment includes:
  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Practical work
  • Informal assessment

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment refers to assessment that takes place at the end of a learning experience. Results are expressed in marks in terms of level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This assessment is also used for promotional purposes. Summative assessment includes:
  • Formal tests.
  • Examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The course was compared to universities in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. Courses presented can be classified into two categories: Those focusing on theoretical content only, and those which are Career-orientated. Some courses are stand-alone horticultural courses, while other forms part of a course in either agriculture or plant sciences. Diploma and Degree courses exist. Theoretical content courses include pure science subjects like mathematics and chemistry, and various subjects focusing on the study of different plant categories, like woody plant production, viticulture, urban forestry etc. Career-orientated courses may include pure science subjects like mathematics and chemistry for horticulture but presented at lower levels. They also include subjects focusing on the study of different plant categories, but also include a wider variety of subjects like communication skills, business management, entrepreneurship, mechanisation, environmental law etc. It is clear that such subjects are presented to suit the horticultural industry.

    United States of America:
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is offering Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. Admission into the qualification requires applicants to be in the top 18 percent of SAT test takers. Learners can specialise in various facets of horticulture: producing floriculture and nursery plants, growing sustainable fruits and vegetables, landscape design and management, and other areas of plant science. The Horticulture Minor is a popular choice for learners, it is especially appropriate for learners in Landscape Architecture, Turfgrass Management, Urban Planning, and Urban Forestry.

    United Kingdom:
    Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Urban forestry offered by the University of California Davis is similar to the institution's qualification in terms of Learners majoring in Environmental Horticulture & Urban Forestry learn how plants improve the environment and the quality of our lives. The major focuses on the biological and physical concepts and horticultural principles of plant production, management of plants and plant ecosystems in landscape settings and sociological aspects of plant/people interactions in the urban environment. Plants are used to revegetate and restore disturbed landscapes, control erosion and reduce energy and water consumption. The ornamental use of plants to improve the aesthetic quality of urban and rural landscapes, recreational areas, interior scapes and commercial sites is an important aspect of this major.

    Learners may select one or more of the following three areas of specialisation: Floriculture/ Nursery, Plant Biodiversity/Restoration, or Urban Landscape Management. As an environmental horticulture and urban forestry major, you have many field study options: urban landscape management, floriculture/nursery, or plant biodiversity and restoration. Depending on your specialisation, you'll receive training in landscape design and managing urban outdoor spaces, greenhouse cultivation or replanting damaged landscapes. In addition to excellent teaching facilities, UC Davis boasts an arboretum, computer-controlled greenhouses, an outdoor nursery and access to nearby restoration projects.

    Career-orientated courses were found to be similar to the current National Diploma in Horticulture. Universities which were found to offer horticultural courses and which were scrutinised included the following: United States of America: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; University of California Davis. United Kingdom: Hadlow College. Australia and New Zealand: Charles Sturt University; University of New England; Otago Polytechnic. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, Level 7. 
    		•

    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.