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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115400	Doctor of Philosophy in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping
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
Doctoral Degree	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Horticulture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 10	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-12-17	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to compile a theoretically correct, scientific sound and ethically approved research plan. Learners present a research proposal detailing the research process in line with academically recognised standards. Learners will only be allowed to proceed with a qualification after the successful completion and acceptance of the research. Also, this qualification allows learners to demonstrate the capacity of applying advanced research knowledge and skills in the execution of research into an aspect of ornamental horticulture.

Rationale:
Environmental degradation in both rural and urban areas is a worldwide phenomenon and is particularly prevalent in South Africa. Threats such as global warming, desertification, and large-scale industrial and urban development challenges many natural environments. The threats are due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of the potential capacity of plants to create and restore environmental health, and of the principles of environmental sustainability. There is also insufficient awareness of the various functional and aesthetic uses of plants which, when fully exploited, can serve to promote human and social well-being. The "green industry" in South Africa has recognised these needs, and many of its activities aim at improving this situation. The industry is vast and diverse, involving activities such as plant production and propagation, the import, export, marketing and sale of plants, landscaping, plant and landscape maintenance, the design, establishment and maintenance of public amenities, urban agriculture, and the rehabilitation of damaged areas. This burgeoning industry has a good supply of lower-level skills. The industry experiences a shortage of staff with the necessary technical knowledge to apply horticultural principles in a way that will maximise the functional and aesthetic uses of plants. In particular, there is a need for specialists with knowledge of advanced horticultural techniques and technology, for example, advanced plant propagation and improvement techniques and integrated production management systems.

There is also a need for people who can manage complex horticultural projects successfully, and who can research to produce new knowledge in the field. The qualification has the potential to meet these needs of the green industry by producing qualified learners who will be able to work in these specialist areas, as well as to research in the field.

This qualification allows learners to manage complex horticultural projects, to ensure that effectively and efficiently the activities. Learners will use specialised horticultural software technology to promote environmental responsibility in encouraging the practice of these activities in environmentally sustainable ways. This qualification concentrate on the following:

Core areas of the application,

Advanced ornamental horticultural technology,

Ornamental horticultural management,
and

Research.

This qualification promotes redress of past inequities through empowering learners with knowledge, skills and values that will make them employable in a fast-developing industry or as horticultural entrepreneurs. The qualification will thus benefit individuals as well as support economic development. Furthermore, through emphasis is on environmental awareness and the specialist application of plants for economic and social purposes, it also has the potential ultimately to play a role in promoting general social well-being.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is as an alternative method for admission into this qualification. The institution has an RPL procedures manual that guides the RPL strategy to implement the RPL policy.

The RPL policy has three categories: pre-assessment and application; assessment and post-assessment, and it specifies the function of all role players. Learners will be assisted for assessment to prepare for the process.

The process may include direct credit award, challenge exams or further forms of assessment such as portfolios, site visits or practical demonstrations, personal interviews; whereupon an academic recommendation may be made. College management will then verify and ratify the process outcomes to their satisfaction.

Learners need to produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Assessment criteria evaluate the learners who have applied for RPL to gain access to a PhD need to comply with the following criteria:

Must be active in the relevant working environment in making contributions to the industry.

Have obtained the necessary relevant working experience and competency (knowledge and skills).

Obtained relevant qualifications for the industry by the attendance and completion of short certified courses presented by the industry.

Need to provide proof of the ability to communicate contributions in the industry via accredited or non-accredited outputs.

Need to provide references concerning competencies in the industry.

Exhibit the ability to do research independently and solve problems.

Critical thinking skills.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture, NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level NQF Level 10, 360 Credits:

Compulsory Module, Level 10:

Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge of ornamental horticulture and conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
2. Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of ornamental horticulture or practice.
3. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts.
4. Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
5. Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
6. Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, information or issues.
7. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards and make a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practise; and develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemically change; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.
9. Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field or practice.
10. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and, where appropriate, act as a leader and oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Display a coherent and critical understanding of the research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in the field of Ornamental Horticulture.

Apply these technologies, techniques in the execution of their experimental work to obtain sound research results.

Conceptualise the findings of research results obtained to contribute and create new knowledge concerning Ornamental Horticultural aspects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Rigorously critique and evaluate current research in their field of expertise in Ornamental Horticulture.

Select an appropriate, relevant research topic.

Identify gaps in literature will be able to formulate key research questions and hypothesis and to design, plan and execute experimental work to obtain relevant results to answer the key questions identified.

Contribute new novel information to the pool of ornamental horticulture knowledge literacy.

Present and defend in public these findings to peers and experts in the field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate through the development and implementation of new and novel methods, ideas, techniques and technologies to solve complex problems and answer key questions concerning Ornamental Horticulture matters.

Make use of modern techniques and instruments to obtain the necessary results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Acquire and demonstrate the relevant knowledge to systematically and critically analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and through the application of specialist knowledge and theory exhibit the capability to solve and address problems in a unique new manner or by making use of alternative strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Identify ethical issues concerning the research project that they are planning on executing.

Implement ethical sound policies and practises when executing research and will take full responsibility for decisions made concerning their research projects.

Obtain ethical approval from the ethics committee of UNISA for the execution of the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Critically evaluate, manage and judge incomplete and inconsistent information and data.

Formulate novel ideas and through the implementation and development of such manners will solve these complex matters and abstract ideas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Present and communicate their research findings and progress to their peers as well as other parties of interest to evaluate their research.

Provide valuable inputs through research group meetings, presentation at conferences nationally and internationally.

Publish their findings in accredited scientific journals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Develop an understanding of the managing of complex horticultural system.

Design, sustain and manage changes in ornamental horticultural systems by applying basic theoretical knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Do research independently, act as a leader as well as develop and manage novel research methodologies appropriate for the field of study.

Identify their week and strong points concerning the execution of their research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Take responsibility as well as the accountability concerning his/her research project.

Research independently (under the guidance of a supervisor) and will take responsibility for all decisions made.

Exhibit and take the necessary leadership when and where necessary.

Integrated Assessment:
Summative Assessment: Research Proposal Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with similar qualifications at tertiary institutions in the United States of America (USA) and Hungary, in general, this qualification compares well with its international counterparts. The doctoral qualification has specialisations the, which include:

Ornamental horticulture;

Floriculture;

Turf Grass;

Arboriculture;

Amenity horticulture; and

The propagation of medicinal plants.

The horticulture industry in places like the U.S.A has a room for qualified learners to specialise. Due to the smaller size of the local industry, teaching involves a broader range of specialist skills aiming to equip, learners, working in a variety of horticultural industries.

International qualifications similar to this one include:
Kansas State University, Manhattan, United States of America the Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources graduate program at the Kansas State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy qualification in diverse horticultural and interdisciplinary areas.

Specialisations at doctoral level include:

Ornamental horticulture;

Floriculture;

Turfgrass;

Vegetable crops;

Fruit crops;

Horticultural;

Therapy and public horticulture;

Horticultural disciplines;

Including environmental stress physiology, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, food and human health, tissue culture, and sustainable production.
The expectation is for the learners to excel in research, teaching, extension activities and develop professionally. Independent and original research is an integral part of the graduate program and forms a basis for a graduate thesis.

Research can be conducted within the department or in other cooperating departments. University of Georgia: the United States of America, the Department of the Horticulture University of Georgia offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy Degrees.
The qualification allows for active teaching and research to take place.

Learners can focus on areas of specialisation that include plant breeding, physiology, plant development, and biotechnology, postharvest physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, integrated pest management, weed control, water relations, crop production and management, and product utilisation.

The department has strong interdisciplinary research programs with other departments in the University. Cooperative work is available with three federal research laboratories:

Colorado State University: United States of America.

The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at the Colorado State University encourages human engagement with the landscape; and;
Demonstrate a focus to solve problems for people, agriculture, and the environment through scholarship and creativity fostered by teamwork and individual diversity.

Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture areas of study include:

Bioactive plant components;

Dietary intervention/cancer prevention;

Ecophysiology Enology;

Environmental and stress physiology;

Floriculture;

Fruit/vegetables Germplasm conservation;

Greenhouse technology;

Landscape ecology;

Landscape/ornamental plants;

Landscape water conservation/xeriscapes;

Organic/sustainable production;

Plant antioxidants; Plant tissue culture;

Potato breeding and Potato production management;

Potato storage physiology;

Rhizosphere biology/ecology Turfgrass science;

Viticulture University of Debrecen;

Kerpely Kalman Doctoral School of Crop Sciences and Horticulture Hungary the Kerpely K�lm�n Doctoral School of Crop;

Horticultural and Regional Sciences.

University of Debrecen, Hungary has doctoral programs in crop production, horticultural and regional sciences. The Crop Production and Horticultural Doctoral Program investigates the impact of land-use systems and agriculture on the state and changes of natural resources (water, soil, air). In the Regional Sciences doctoral qualification, the discipline of regional sciences investigates the various regional aspects of social and economic processes, and the national and international questions of regional and settlement development predominantly in a regional context.

Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences:
Research focuses on the multifactor field experiments:

(crop rotation - tillage - fertilisation - irrigation - number of plants - genotype). Unique and acknowledged throughout Europe with 30 years of history.
During their studies, learners attend three types of courses. These are compulsory (3 courses), compulsorily optional (25 courses) and optional (55 courses). The qualification develops broad competencies in each of three core areas:

Horticulture Biology;

Horticultural Production and Management;
and

Horticultural Methods during their course of study or show evidence of having attained that competence previously.

Learners can specialise in one of the following fields of study:

Urban horticulture;

Woody landscape plants;

Landscape management;

Plant propagation;

Cornell Structural Soil;

Ornamental plant breeding;

Cell and tissue culture;

Greenhouse floriculture;

Greenhouse horticulture;

Floriculture, greenhouse and;

Nursery crops;

Physiology;

Post-harvest management;

Flower bulbs;

Plants and human wellbeing;

Indigenous agriculture;

Public garden management; turfgrass science;

Public garden management;

School & youth gardening;

Adult education;

Environmental psychology;

Human-environment interaction;

School gardens;

Ecological literacy;

Urban ecology;

Restoration ecology;

Ecosystem services;

Plant physiological ecology.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers possibilities of horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management, NQF Level 10.

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.

1.	University of South Africa