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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Landscape Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100984  Diploma in Landscape Technology 
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 equips learners with knowledge, skills and applied competencies to design residential and commercial landscape projects using manual, computer aided design programmes and other digital technologies. In line with local context, the learner will be equipped to promote sustainable landscape principles and apply critical thinking in resolving landscape problems. Learners will have appropriate management and entrepreneurial skills to independently plan, cost, implement and maintain landscape projects Learners will also be able to innovatively create green spaces in communities and business environments to enhance the quality of life and contribute towards the conservation and sustainability of South Africa's plant resources and landscapes.

Rationale:
The qualification is an area of study which prepares individuals to manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plans and groundcovers and related conceptual design established by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients. The qualification will prepare learners to integrate knowledge and skills related to gardening, plant and soil irrigation and nutrition, turf maintenance, plant maintenance, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel supervision and purchasing. Learner qualifying with this qualification will be able to be employed in the following sectors: Assistant Green keepers on golf courses; Environmental consultants; Landscape Designers; Landscape construction and Educators. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL):
As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (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:
  • Environmental Practices, 18 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Information Literacy, 2 Credits.
  • Maths and Statistics, 12 Credits.
  • Construction in Landscape Technology, 15 Credits.
  • Design in Landscape Technology, 15 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Science for Occupational Purpose I, 12 Credits.
  • Botany, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Construction in Landscape Technology II, 18 Credits.
  • Design in Landscape Technology II, 24 Credits.
  • Environmental Practices II, 18 Credits.
  • Plant Studies II, 24 Credits.
  • Management in Agricultural Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Landscape Maintenance I, 24 Credits.
  • Construction in Landscape Technology III, 18 Credits.
  • Design in Landscape Technology III, 18 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Landscape Technology, 60 Credits.
  • Environmental Practices III, 24 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 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. Learners should 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 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Record the site information accurately.
  • Utilised the graphic representation techniques accurately and effectively in illustrating the requirements of the relevant design stages.
  • Utilise botanical keys are correctly in order to identify and categorise a selected range of plants.
  • Apply plant characteristics correctly to classify plants according to their environmental and aesthetic potential.
  • Use the graphic presentation techniques effectively.
  • Selected soil samples have been collected, analysed and graded correctly and modified to obtain optimal growing conditions.
  • Identify and classify soil amendments and fertilisers correctly.
  • Maintain plant quality to ensure a predetermined standard.
  • Identify pests and weeds correctly and select and apply most effective control measures within the framework of environmental influences and safety precautions.
  • Select, use and maintain machinery and equipment correctly following prescribed safety guidelines.
  • Identify correctly different types of irrigation equipment and the most effective system selected, installed and maintained.
  • Identify environmental influences and effective reclamation and sustainable practices to optimise plant growth.
  • Demonstrate methods and techniques for drafting budgets, costing, implementation projects and time utilisation have been validly demonstrated.
  • Use appropriate communication methods efficiently in communicating with personnel and clients.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner entering this qualification needs to be assessed on various fields to ensure that the student will be competent to enter the work field. Assessment needs to be done on theory as well as on practical knowledge throughout the years of study. Integrated assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. These include written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments, practical examinations and various design projects and the actual implementation of their design projects. Formative assessment will occur on a continuous basis through written tests and assignments to evaluate the progress of the student. Design projects also contribute to the formative assessment mark that will be done by hand or AUTOCAD. The learners will be assessed on the application of their theoretical knowledge into practical situations such as design work on a continuous basis. Summative assessment will be reflected in various subjects on how the learner will manage and solve various design as well as environmental problems in a work situation, analyse and organise data in the landscape field. The means of how it will be done is through orals and case studies that will be developed. The final assessment in the diploma level will be a combination of formative and summative, with the application of theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge on a large scale design work. In concluding, for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, written practical tests, Practical skills tests, Class tests, semester tests, Presentations, Examinations will be used as assessment methods. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is approached as continuous assessment to inform students of their progress and is used to direct the students for the summative assessment in the form of the final report covering all work covered throughout the WIL training period. This assessment determines whether the student has met all outcomes for the WIL component of the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    No universities abroad can be compared with this unique program. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has a Horticulture programme that offers a section called Landscape Contracting that covers a small amount similar to this qualification. Other universities abroad teach programs such as urban built environment or landscape architecture. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This allows qualification for vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Level 7.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Landscape Architecture, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping, Level 6. 
    		•

    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.