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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Food Security 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110897  Postgraduate Diploma in Food Security 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 11 - Services  Consumer Services 
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 qualification aims to prepare trans-disciplinary practitioners and researchers in the areas that address all dimensions of food security. It also seeks to equip Food Security practitioners in social, environmental, development and economic spheres with the knowledge and skills to develop, plan and review food security interventions and to address the challenges related to food insecurity.

Rationale:
The qualification will enable the learners to generate knowledge by conducting and applying trans-disciplinary research that addresses complex, context-based issues, under the guidance of the supervisory team. The qualification aims to provide graduates with specialised knowledge and competence in food security. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in any of the following: Agriculture, Animal Production, Plant Breeding, Horticultural Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Food Science and Consumer Science, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of both compulsory and Elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 112 Credits:
  • Project Design and Management, 16 Credits.
  • Public Policy Analysis, 32 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Methods, 8 Credits.
  • Food Security Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Food Security Dissertation for Diploma, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 8 Credits (Choose one):
  • Food Access for Food Security, 8 Credits.
  • Sustainable Livelihood Options, 8 Credits.
  • Food Security Internship, 40 Credits.
  • Food Storage for Food Security, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Define, describe, critically review, analyse, evaluate and apply the main concepts of Food Security.
    2. Identify issues and solve practical food security problems at national, regional and international level.
    3. Review food security and agricultural related policies through analytical thinking.
    4. Explain and show linkages between and contributions of food production, access to food and nutrition, agrarian reform and environmental issues, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) HIV/AIDS, food security and sustainable livelihoods systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Understand policy implications for food security issues and suggests policy options.
  • Design and plan programme to improve the food security situation.
  • Facilitate seminars and public meetings.
  • Integrate specialist knowledge with food security.
  • Independently collect, analyse and evaluate food security information.
  • Report on independent research.
  • Use computers for reporting and analysis.
  • Understand research as a tool (ethics, limitations, etc.).
  • Understand and use appropriate research methods.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through formative assessment in most of the modules contributing 33% towards the final marks. The 33% is usually marks from seminars, assignments and presentations. Summative assessment carrying a weighting between 67% and 100%, where students submit posters; project proposals; reports; case studies and or research papers determine whether the learning outcomes are achieved or not. The major assignments in each module will be externally moderated to comply with the Senate norms of the university. At least 50% of all assessments within each module will be sent for external review. Work not sent for external review will be subject to peer review and reporting to the schools Teaching and Learning Committee. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, group/individual assignments, posters, project proposals, research reports, case studies, quizzes, computer-based practicals and research paper will form part of assessment methods. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Nutrition and Food Science, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Food Security, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.