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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103086  Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 this qualification is to equip the learner with the skill of solving environmental problems by making use of various design techniques and applications, identifying the benefits of the environment for mental/physical wellbeing of human population and the role that it could play in sustaining the environment. Candidates that complete this Advanced Diploma will be able to supervise and manage a variety of tasks in the related field of Landscape Technology, by designing interesting yet functional open spaces or be equipped to start their own enterprise and employ people. The graduate will have the opportunity to register at the professional body SACLAP (South African Council of Landscape Architecture). The benefit of becoming part of such boards and councils is to promote quality and professional work ethics.

Furthermore, the learner will have the skill to do research in the related field of Landscape Technology and this could benefit the South African region in terms of being more sustainable in the environment and having the necessary skills to increase social responsibility that directly enhances the greening of the environment. The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology at Level 7 will articulate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology at Level 8.

The qualified learner will be:
  • Able to apply integrated knowledge to design advanced residential and commercial landscape projects, and have the ability to evaluate, cost, implement and maintain projects, with appropriate management principles.
  • Equipped to understand and manage sustainable landscape principles and apply critical thinking in resolving landscape problems.
  • To understand industry related project management and marketing principles in order to develop strategies and strategic plans on a competitive business basis.
  • Multi-skilled and able to work independently, demonstrating an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in a landscape setting.
  • Understand and apply appropriate research methodology techniques in resolving relevant landscape problems and be able to demonstrate an ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use; and independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information, demonstrating scientific writing skills.

    Rationale:
    Landscape Technology deals with the art, technology and science of creating a well-designed open space into a tranquil yet functional area. Landscape Technology by itself is a practical and applied science whereby the designer incorporates various design techniques to address the mental/physical health of the human being and address sustainable solutions for various environmental problems. By means of the design component in itself it promotes biodiversity and the incorporation of indigenous planting. As a result, landscape technology enhances and promotes social responsibility, economical value to open spaces and the ability to apply a skill to promote a sustainable living.

    The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology is designed to fall within the vocational pathway at Level 7, and to fulfil the current need of application of design techniques in the environment with solutions and creative ideas in the Landscape industry in South Africa. The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology is career based and focuses not only on the design ability of the learner, but also the role of a supervisor and or the middle management of a construction site within the landscape field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Landscape Technology. A structured means for the assessment will be developed for individual learners 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 student, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement to the qualification is a:
  • A 360 Credit Diploma, Level 6.
    Or
  • National Diploma, Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Landscape Technology or related fields, Level 6.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree in related fields, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Design and Construction in Landscape Technology, 60 Credits.
  • Landscape Project Principles, 30 Credits.
  • Landscape Technology Management, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and integrate applied design principles and practices to solve environmental problems and contribute to urban greening.
    2. Function as an independent technologist engaging in all ethical aspects required within the field of landscape construction management.
    3. Apply entrepreneurial, supervisory management and communication skills within a multidisciplinary landscape construction and design environment.
    4. Design, formulate and apply various design methodologies for a social responsible sustainable environment.
    5. Identify, evaluate and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Recognise and apply integrated and detailed knowledge of landscape design principles in a design orientated manner to solve environmental problems as required in the field of Landscape Technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and facilitate activities, decisions and actions regarding the construction management section in an ethical yet moral manner.
  • Make ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice with regards to decisions and actions made can be defended.
  • Justify decisions and actions taken by ethical values and approaches appropriate to the landscape construction management settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use appropriate visual and language skills in all oral and/or written communication.
  • Communicate complex problem solving reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised landscape design techniques and processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and facilitate Activities and actions regarding the various design methodologies in a respectful manner.
  • Design and apply appropriate techniques to broaden the scope of a sustainable environment.

    Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome Criteria 5:
  • Take responsibility for own work decisions taken and the use of resources.
  • Display team communication and interpersonal skills in working and communication in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Identify and address tasks and specific needs are identified and addressed appropriately.
  • Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety procedures to in the landscape technology field.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

    The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competencies it will assess whether learners are able to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of research in landscape technology or related fields of study. Learners will be able to conduct a literature search and process information to formulate a background and justification, objectives, hypothesis and/or research question of a research topic. A learner will furthermore be able to design an experimental layout and/or questionnaire, to address the hypothesis/research question and relevant data collection/sampling methodology according to acceptable ethical research practices. The acquired skills will be used to formulate a complete research proposal on a selected topic in the landscape technology or related field of study according to sound research principles. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology is comparable to similar national and international qualifications at tertiary institutions. The majority of these national and international qualifications are aimed at the preparation of a student to work as a specialist in the field of Landscape Technology (including related fields through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge). The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology is offered at an NQF Level 7, according to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) Framework to continue development through imprinting deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology, in the field of Landscape Technology. The equivalence of the Advanced Diploma is not offered internationally, therefore information about the Bachelor Degrees are provided which would include the National Diploma/Diploma and the Advanced Diploma. Some of the institutions (nationally and internationally) surveyed, accept diplomas to certain programmes similar to the proposed Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology, therefore it should be possible for our students to study at and articulate with other institutions locally as well as globally.

    The following international qualifications are considered comparable to this qualification:
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture offered at Melbourne University of Technology in Australia.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture offered at the University of Georgia in the United States of America.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture offered at Birmingham city University in the United Kingdom.
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Urban design and landscape architecture offered at Bilkent University in Turkey. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction Management on NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.