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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115438	Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Nature Conservation
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
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 Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation is a one-year NQF Level 7 qualification. Learners will gain a focused, systematic and specialised understanding of current theory and practice in the field of Nature Conservation. This qualification will prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in specific academic disciplines and fields, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

The qualification aims to prepare learners both academically and professionally in the selected fields to manage nature conservation operations and systems successfully. Learners will also be prepared for appropriate planning, organising, directing and controlling of functions and processes. They will be able to have cognisance of the economic, social and environmental considerations of the conservation industry.

Learners will be able to collect, analyse and critically review information and data for effective nature conservation management and decision-making, and communicate such decisions and relevant information coherently and reliably. Learners will also be able to integrate the general theories, principles, key concepts, practices and techniques of Nature Conservation Management. Successful learners will be able to work independently and as members of a team. The qualification provides for six specialist modules, all of which are compulsory.

In order for learners to contribute purposefully to the Exit Level Outcomes, the qualification as a whole, as well as each module, in particular, are designed in such a way to equip learners with specialised and integrated knowledge of conservation management, a high level of intellectual independence and a systematic understanding of managerial theory and practice. They will become familiar with management practices and methodology as it pertains to managerial decision-making as well as policy and strategy development. Learners will be able to integrate and apply for the latest advances in strategic and operational conservation management theory, principles, concepts, practices and techniques. They will be able to make functional operational and managerial decisions based on relevant data, both independently and as a member of a team, and determine the impact of such decisions on other aspects or areas of the nature conservation, and wildlife management industries, including the relationship with stakeholders. They will also plan, manage and conclude applied research activities. Learners will be able to apply relevant scientific research principles, and present findings and conclusions coherently, using appropriate academic and professional discourse conventions.

Rationale:
South Africa is a world leader in the discipline of nature conservation and wildlife management. These industries not only play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy natural environment but also make a significant contribution to the local economy. The complexity of the industry requires highly skilled, trained employees in the management of complex nature as well as socio-ecological systems. These complexities have resulted in job profile differentiation at middle and higher-level management. The Advanced Diploma will, therefore, play an important role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable conservation and wildlife industry.

The rationale of this qualification is to allow learners the opportunity to specialise in a selected spectrum of disciplines. To enable learners to prepare them for middle-level management functions in the nature conservation and natural resource management industries.

The Advanced Diploma also serves to prepare learners for Postgraduate studies at Honours level.

The modules developed for the Advanced Diploma focuses on the industry demand, qualification strengths and regional opportunities.

In a dynamic working environment like the South African nature conservation and wildlife management industries, the qualification became a highly sought-after qualification and became the norm amongst employees at middle management level. However, the Advanced Diploma replaces this qualification; with the intention is to continue this norm.

The diverse nature of the nature conservation industry allows learners to specialise in their career progression. Such careers include conservation management, resource management, wildlife management, environmental education. Thus, necessitates the availability of a qualification that provides the opportunity for specialisation. Nature Conservation managers are in great demand not only in the Garden Route region but also in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, and Africa, and the rest of the world. Learners will make a critical contribution to sustainable conservation management as well as natural resource management in the broad sense.

Given the above, the specialisation is dependent on a previous knowledge base related to nature conservation, and therefore the specialisation will be focused on learners with nature conservation-related qualification. However, learners with a cognate qualification in the fields of ecology and natural resource management (e.g. BSc with majors Botany, Zoology or Ecology) can access this qualification.

The qualification will provide vocational or professional preparation or specialisation for a Bachelor's qualification. Thus, learners will gain an intensive, focused and applied specialisation, which meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution often receives applications from learners who studied in a related field of natural resource management, and they have extensive working experience of the nature conservation industry. In such cases, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for access to the qualification according to the relevant institutional policy. Learners will submit a detailed written portfolio for evaluation. The portfolio needs to include a motivation for consideration to access the qualification; full academic record; employment history; as well as a portfolio of evidence of experience and exposure to the specific academic outcomes which the learners did not complete as part of formal training.

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

Diploma in Game Ranch Management, NQF Level 7.
Or

Diploma in Wildlife Management, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits:

Resource Management, 20 Credits.

Research Methodology, 20 Credits.

Conservation Management, 20 Credits.

Animal Studies, 20 Credits.

Plant Studies, 20 Credits.

Community Conservation, Level 7, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply contested knowledge of ecological, strategic and operational aspects of nature conservation.
2. Evaluate developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.
3. Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations in conservation management.
4. Access, process, manage and evaluate the information for effective evidence-based conservation management.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Acquire relevant ecological, strategic and operational information.

Interpret ecological, strategic and operational information meaningful.

Apply ecological, strategic and operational information to inform conservation management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identified developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.

Analyse developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management to ensure practicality, ecological suitability and cost-effectiveness.

Evaluate developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.

Develop conservation planning and management guidelines for implementation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify, analyse, and evaluate social, economic and environmental considerations.

Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations in conservation management planning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Conduct literature searches to obtain relevant information.

Process information obtained appropriately.

Evaluate the processed information for effective evidence-based conservation management.

Use evaluated information to propose conservation management solutions.

Integrated Assessment:
The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical, hands-on approach.

The assessment tasks will require learners to demonstrate the ability to:

Identify, collect and integrate information effectively.

Identify and analyse complex, rapidly changing situations.

Take action appropriate to the context and justify such courses of action.

Present information in a range of oral and written modes appropriate to audience and task.

Reflect on and evaluate their own and others' performances.

Apply what they have learned to analyse a specific professional nature conservation environment and recommend changes as required.

Work together as part of a team to collect information and develop strategies and approaches to addressing specific problems.

Formative assessment will comprise a mixture of assignments during the year, ranging from informal and formal presentations to informal tests and progress checks during contact sessions. The institution will use the outcomes of these assessments to provide feedback to learners and enable lecturers to facilitate improved learning.

The formal assignments and tests, and examinations (summative assessment) assesses the learners' ability to communicate and integrate the knowledge. It will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes, as indicated in the module descriptors.

For learners to gain the practical experience, they need to spend time simulating typical day-to-day managerial tasks and duties required of managers. Also, level-appropriate research projects, which may include fieldwork, in each specialisation will be purposefully assigned, organised and monitored by lecturers based on the module learning outcomes. It might include the analyses of case studies that incorporate elements of the socio-ecological as well as business environments of the nature conservation industry.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification structures in the discipline of Nature Conservation vary internationally. Although there are many different Bachelor's qualifications on offer, very few qualifications are directly comparable with the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation. Some career-orientated qualifications that are comparable from are in Australia and Europe.

Country: Australia.

Institution: Murdoch University (Perth, Australia).

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Wildlife Biology.

Country: Sydney, Australia.

Institution: Macquarie University.

Qualification Title: Bachelor's Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation.

Country: Australia.

Institution: University of Stirling.

Qualification Title: 3-year Bachelor in Conservation Biology and Management.

Country: Manchester, England.

Institution: University of Salford.

Qualification Title: Bachelor in Wildlife Conservation.

This qualification is similar to the international qualifications cited in terms of the following:

These qualifications include modules on:

Conservation and Environmental Biology.

Fundamentals of Environmental Science.

Sustainable Natural Resource Management.

Applied Ecology and Wildlife Management.
These modules will strengthen career-orientated focus. However, none of these international qualifications contains workplace-based experiential training that is comparable to the one year of experiential training built into the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation.

The listed qualifications all articulate either with an Honours qualifications or in the case of four-year BSc Degrees, articulate with Master's Degrees. The listed qualifications are likely to have a stronger foundation in theoretic and academic learning, and learners would have had more exposure to the scientific method. The Research Methodology module in the Advanced Diploma addresses the possible shortfall of learners with a Diploma background. It intends to bring Diploma learners on par with BSc learners in preparation for potential Postgraduate (Honours) studies.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Game Ranch Management, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, 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.

1.	Nelson Mandela University