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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111400  Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
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 purpose of this Postgraduate qualification is to equip learners with advanced knowledge of agricultural extension themes, such as Agricultural Technology transfer, marketing, project appraisal and management, land reform and development and basic research skills, which will enable them to contribute to the socio-economic development of society and promote food security nationally and internationally.

Rationale:
South Africa is still a developing country in need of land management and rural development specialists who can focus on the enhancement of the quality of work life of its citizens. The rationale of this Postgraduate qualification is to meet the need in South Africa for agricultural extensionists, who can contribute to planning that land development is balanced with food security. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification.

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural extension, Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8, totalling 136 Credits:
  • Leadership Development in Agricultural Extension, 16 Credits.
  • Agriculture and Economic Development, 16 Credits.
  • Rural Community Development, 16 Credits.
  • Essentials of Agricultural Extension, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural Project Appraisal, 16 Credits.
  • Elements of Communication in Agricultural Extension, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Project, 24 Credits.
  • Change in Agriculture, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of agricultural extension and a fundamental knowledge of its principles and apply them to agricultural, resource, economic, rural and related issues.
    2. Appraise research problems, conduct research and interpret findings within the context of current scientific knowledge.
    3. Assist farmers and rural communities in drawing up business plans for specific farming enterprises.
    4. Demonstrate the ability of continuous learning in the field of agricultural economics at higher academic levels.
    5. Demonstrate an appropriate level of problem identification and conceptualization skills to focus on realistic and relevant research problems.
    6. Effectively disseminate research and technical information, including the practical implications of research findings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
  • Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.
  • Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
  • Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
  • Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
  • Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods.
  • Practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous Formative Assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests, etc. are employed as well as Integrated Summative Assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-research project and report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:
    Horizontal articulation
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8.

    Vertical articulation
  • Master of Science in Agriculture, 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.