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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101902  Postgraduate Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 primary purpose of the qualification is closely tied to the rationale, which serves to deepen the students' knowledge and skills in the various areas of ornamental horticulture, landscaping and management, as mentioned in the rationale.

Furthermore, this vocationally-orientated qualification will provide students with specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of greenhouse crop production using advanced techniques and integrated production management systems, sustainable landscapes in urban green space, landscape project and contract management, Green Industry business management, and conducting research.

Qualifying students will have a well-rounded knowledge base and specialised skills in:
  • Advanced greenhouse crop production.
  • Sustainable landscapes in urban green space.
  • Landscape project and contract management.
  • Green Industry business management.
  • Writing a horticultural research proposal.

    Rationale:
    Environmental degradation in both rural and urban areas is a worldwide phenomenon and is particularly prevalent in South Africa, where many natural environments are challenged by threats such as global warming and climate change, pollution and habitat destruction, large-scale industrial and urban development which results in the loss of urban green space. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of awareness of how to use plants to create and restore urban green spaces, thus a lack of understanding of how to promote human and social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

    The demand for these skills is driven by the:
  • Current shortage of horticulturists in the Green Industry with specialised skills.
  • Need for more urban green space such as landscapes and parks, fuelled by urban development.
  • Need to improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of urban green space.
  • Need for middle management skills, such as project management, contract management and advanced communication skills such as report-writing.

    The Green Industry will benefit by having horticulturists that can fulfil the needs for specialised skills in the workplace. In addition, this qualification will prepare the students for further Postgraduate studies in a Masters (MSc) in Horticulture and later a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in the environmental sciences. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In addition to the institution's formal admission pathways, the University also recognises prior learning which may provide opportunities for admission. All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University's RPL Policy, RPL procedures manual and Admission Policy.

    This qualification can be achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Prospective students may apply for admission using the Senate approved processes for Recognition of Prior Learning. The RPL office can supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma studies are:
  • Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture, Level 7 or a similar qualification, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Advanced greenhouse crop production, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable landscapes in urban green space, 12 Credits.
  • Landscape contract management, 12 Credits.
  • Green Industry business management, 24 Credits.
  • Landscape project management, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Research Proposal Development, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use specialised techniques and plant production facilities to produce.
    2. Use sustainable horticulture principles and practices to enhance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of landscapes in urban green spaces.
    3. Create landscape project plans and contracts; and manage landscape projects, tendering procedures, contracts, contractors and suppliers.
    4. Manage Green Industry businesses using specialised skills and practices.
    5. Compile and present a comprehensive literature review and a scientifically acceptable research project proposal in the field of ornamental and landscape horticulture. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Produce ornamental plants using specialised techniques, in specialised plant production facilities.
  • Modify and optimise plant growth using techniques for: greenhouse forcing, plant breeding and selection, genetic engineering and post-harvest quality improvement for ornamental plant crops.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Investigate the influence of horticulture in the protection of the environment, biosphere and biodiversity, and strategies for the conservation and sustainable development of urban green space are suggested.
  • Integrate economic and socio-economic principles and practices into the design and development of landscapes to ensure the sustainability of urban green space.
  • Apply site rehabilitation principles and practices during both landscape development projects and the rehabilitation of damaged/degraded landscapes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Manage landscape projects and contractors on site using project and contract management principles and practices.
  • Create and manage various types of landscaping project-related plans, contracts and tenders, in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Manage contractors and suppliers using appropriate procedures, documentation and communications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement best management practices for all business activities; including managing multiple projects across different sections of the business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explore different types of research in ornamental and landscape horticulture, and apply related skills in research methodology and proposal writing.
  • Identify a research topic and formulate a research problem.
  • Compile and present a comprehensive literature review and a scientifically acceptable research project proposal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For the qualification to be awarded, a candidate must have successfully achieved the outcomes of each of the compulsory/core modules that constitute the qualification. Evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills, attitudes and expertise) and of the candidate's ability to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time that the qualification is awarded is required by means of comprehensive and integrated assessment (constituting a range of formative and summative assessments). Continuous formative and summative assessment methods are used in the form of written assignments and exams.

    Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. The student's summative assessment mark will comprise a year mark that will be gained from the specified number of compulsory assignments and a written examination in each module. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both continuous and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio; 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction.

    Assessors will assess and give credit for evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

    Lecturers responsible for the module and external markers (assessors) will act as assessor practitioners in accordance with the institution's Assessment Policy. Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. Student support will be provided in accordance with the university's and Learner Support policies and guidelines. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component modules have been compared with similar qualifications (Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees) from the following countries, in terms of the content of the graduate qualifications:
  • The United Kingdom (UK).
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • The United States of America (USA) and Canada.

    In general, this qualification and its component modules compares well with its international counterparts. While the modular structure of curricula differs, most of the essential knowledge and skills taught in these qualifications is also contained in this Postgraduate Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture.

    The major difference between this qualification and similar international ones is that the qualifications in these countries involve early specialisation in subfields of horticulture and landscape design, whereas this qualification takes a more generalist approach. For example, this Postgraduate Diploma has modules on greenhouse crop production and landscape management, while some international qualifications will have separate qualifications for these. The horticulture industries in countries like the United States of America (U.S.A) and the UK are massive compared to the South African industry, and therefore there is room for graduates to specialise. Given the smaller size of the local industry, students are taught a broader range of specialist skills to equip them to work in a variety of horticultural industries. Individuals can acquire further specialised skills within their particular work situations.

    This qualification is fairly unique in that it addresses the industry's needs for project, contract and business management skills in the greenhouse crop production and landscape construction and management fields.

    In the United Kingdom the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) offers a full range of Degrees from Higher National Diploma through to Master of Science (MSc). They work in partnership with the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), to offer a range of internationally recognised botanical and horticultural courses:
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)/Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (Hons) in Horticulture with Plantsmanship.
  • Taught MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.

    The taught Degrees emphasise biodiversity and the work of the RBGE in plantsmanship. Although this Postgraduate Diploma addresses plantsmanship, it does not only focus on this topic, like the BSc (Hons) from the RBGE does. It also covers: greenhouse crop production; sustainable landscapes in urban green space; and management of projects, contracts and businesses.

    In Australia the Bachelor of Environments at the University of Melbourne is similiar to this Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), as it provides entrance to the Master of Urban Horticulture. The Melbourne qualification focuses on the urban environment and urban horticulture. This Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) has a broader horticultural context, but like the Melbourne qualification it also covers the role of horticulture in the urban environment, specifically in terms of the sustainability of landscapes in urban green spaces. In addition, this qualification includes the management of projects, contracts and businesses.

    The qualification compares with Lincoln University's Postgraduate Diploma in Horticultural Science in New Zealand has a Bachelor's Degree as its entry level, and is therefore similar to this Postgraduate Diploma. Lincoln's PGD addresses: horticultural management, plant science, horticultural science, and horticultural systems. This is similar to this qualification's modules on advanced greenhouse crop production, and the management modules. The rest of the Lincoln qualification is more agricultural in nature (biological husbandry, viticulture, oenology, agronomy, soil science), whereas this qualification focuses on the urban environment.

    In the United States at the University of California, horticulture students major in Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry. Areas of specialisation within the major are: Floriculture/Nursery, Urban Landscape Management, and Plant Biodiversity/Restoration. In comparison, these topics are covered in this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Horticulture, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation or Agriculture, Level 8.
  • An appropriate Bachelor of Science Honours degree, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Horticulture or Environmental Sciences, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.