SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117921	Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
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		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
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-11-20	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 the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture is to enable working specialists to undertake advanced reflection and development through a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in horticulture. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts to undertake specialist or highly skilled work. Learners will be required to conduct and report research under supervision.

Rationale:
With the current challenges of diminishing water resources and increasing food insecurity, there is an urgent demand for skilled qualified learners to create and conserve rich bio-diverse landscapes and engage in intensive growing techniques. The qualification is inter-disciplinary and serves to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge and competences to manage and lead innovation within the Horticulture Industry. The Millennium Development Goals (South Africa 2013) demand the integration of the principles of sustainable development into developmental policies and qualifications and reverse the loss of environmental resources. The qualification offers the opportunity for the country to meet this goal. This qualification will also function as a pathway to Masters in Horticulture, Master of Applied Sciences in Horticulture, Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology and Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology.

One of the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 is to increase investment in new agricultural technologies, research and the development of adaptation strategies for the protection of rural livelihoods and the expansion of commercial agriculture (https://www.gov.za/issues/national-development-plan-2030 - accessed 08/08/2019). Additionally, the plan aims to put in place a regulatory framework for land use, to ensure the conservation and restoration of protected areas.

AgriSETA Scarce Skills (2010) indicated that there was a shortage of qualified production managers in the Horticultural sector. The qualification will contribute to capacity building in this sector.

The qualification is designed to produce qualifying learners with the much-needed skills in the fields of advanced and specialised plant production, cultivation, nursery practice and business management to create and maintain sustainable environments within the various strata of South African society while ensuring sustainable and effective use of natural resources. Further, to support postgraduate studies in advancing research in horticulture techniques that are necessary for fields such as developing new cultivars, product development, solving challenges facing the industry, and the conservation of rare and endangered indigenous and medicinal plants through propagation cultivation.

The content for the qualification was developed taking into consideration the current industry needs, in consultation with members from the various sectors of the Horticultural and Landscaping Industry, including but not limited to members from the South African Nurseries Association, the South African Landscape Institute, the Intensive Growers Association and the Parks Department.

The Horticulture sub-sector contributes significantly to the agricultural sector in South Africa, with the Province being among key players, together with two other Provinces. One of the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 is increased investment in skills development in youth for them to become exceptional innovators and make a meaningful contribution to economic growth (NDP, 2012). AgriSETA Scarce Skills (2016) indicated a shortage of qualified horticultural production managers and inspectors, conservationists, and environmental researchers in the sector. The qualification will contribute to building capacity in these lacking areas of the sector.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) possible and applies to all prospective learners. This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal learning and work experience. If the prospective learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits would be assigned to the prospective learner.

The institution's RPL Policy will apply, the purpose of which is to:

Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.

Facilitate access and admission to qualifications within education and training and career paths.

Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.

The institution recognises prior learning by assessing the learner's prior knowledge, skills and professional experience in the context of non-formal, informal and experiential learning to determine the extent to which the learner has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a specified level of study for a qualification. RPL assessments undertaken are evidence-based against qualification learning outcomes as outlined in the qualification. A variety of assessment methods will be used to determine the relevance, depth and extent of the learner's prior learning. RPL assessment will result in a competent/not yet competent outcome being registered on the learner's records.

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

Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture, NQF Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma Horticulture, NQF Level 7.
Or

Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 124 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 8, 124 Credits:

Sustainable Horticulture 5A, 16 Credits.

Horticultural Management 5A, 12 Credits.

Conservation Horticulture 5A, 16 Credits.

Horticulture Research Techniques, 12 Credits.

Sustainable Horticulture 5B, 16 Credits.

Horticultural Management 5B, 12 Credits.

Conservation Horticulture 5B, 16 Credits.

Horticulture Research Project, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Analyse current trends and technologies within the commercial horticultural sector, particularly within the fields of intensive plant production, in line with sustainable Best Management Practice (BMP).
2. Critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on current theories about operations management within the horticultural sector, and transfer this knowledge in the workplace.
3. Research, analyse and critically evaluate current practices within the emerging field of conservation horticulture to conceptualise and solve complex environmental problems within dynamic and diverse ecosystems.
4. Select and apply accepted and appropriate research methodologies to conceptualise, frame and respond to current environmental challenges facing the horticulture sector.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain advanced genetics and molecular tools including marker-assisted breeding (MAS).

Discuss advanced tissue culture techniques and their application to sustainable horticulture production.

Evaluate modern and advanced greenhouse production techniques, including hydroponic and aquaponics.

Evaluate advanced techniques for natural resource mapping, using Remote Sensing and GIS.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Evaluate tools of Project Management applicable to complex Horticultural projects and enterprises.

Examine and communicate skills of horticultural consulting.

Evaluate various strategic leadership styles.

Apply advanced techniques, approaches and strategies in the management of horticultural productivity and examine management issues relating to capital, labour and equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Examine current trends and the conservation status of plant genetic resources.

Evaluate tissue culture techniques applicable to conservation.

Examine appropriate molecular tools of plant germplasm mapping and conservation.

Examine national and international regulatory frameworks of biological invasions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Evaluate alternative solutions to resolving horticultural research problems.

Review current trends, relevant literature and secondary data to solve a research problem.

Assess identification and understanding of different data management tools applicable to different research problems.

Develop a research proposal.

Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research associated with the horticulture and associated industries, practically apply theory on literature review and data collection.

Analyse data and synthesise research findings.

Communicate research findings clearly and comprehensively.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment is according to the institution's assessment policy for postgraduate studies.

The assessments will be aligned with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification;

Appropriate assessment tools will be used to establish that learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;

Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and

The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever;

The assessment of the fundamental modules will be integrated into the core modules, and the assessment of several core modules will be integrated into the practical assessments.

The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies, and include: simulations; practicals; written assignments; written tests; case studies and case presentations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Globally educational institutions offer the Postgraduate Diploma qualifications as a single entity or components thereof in higher degree offerings such as Masters. Such qualifications offer specialised knowledge in a specific subject to prepare learners for careers in their desired fields. The qualification focus and duration varies, as does academic requirements for admission. The learning outcomes, assessment methods and purpose of the qualification were evaluated to ensure that the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture to be offered at the institution is comparable to qualifications offered at some of the leading horticultural institutions globally. Qualifications outlined below were evaluated and the best practices adopted and contextualised for the South African context.

Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture (BSAgr) at the University of Queensland, Australia:
The final year of this qualification is comparable to the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture. The modules offered in this qualification such as Plant Production Principles and Technologies, Agricultural Microbiology and Gene Technology, Production Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Health and Participatory Research, Development and Extension Practice have topics very similar to those of the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture.

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Horticulture at the University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, USA:
The final year of this qualification is comparable to the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture. Topics covered in their Environmental Biology and Permaculture are similar to our Sustainable Horticulture 5A. The topics on Business Management are comparable to the institution's Horticultural Management 5A. The following topics Biology, Genetics, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Propagation, Environment and Plant Growth are similar to the topics covered in the institution's Conservation Horticulture 5A & 5B. The University of Massachusetts offers Introduction to resource economics, which has topics very similar to our Horticultural Management 5B. Topics covered in the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture are comparable to their Organic Farming and Gardening.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya:
The final year of this qualification is comparable to the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture. Their Social, Legal and Environmental Ethics has some topics similar to those covered in Sustainable Horticulture. The Greenhouse and Nursery Management has topics that are covered in the institution's Horticultural Management 5A. The Plant Biotechnology, Genetics and Cytogenetics are main topics covered in DUT's Conservation Horticulture 5A and 5B. Jomo Kenyatta University offers a Research Project II and Research Project III modules, which are equivalent to our Horticulture Research Techniques and Horticulture Research Project respectively.

In conclusion, the institution's Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture is comparable to the above-mentioned international qualifications in terms of similar topics covered in some modules.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Horticulture, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Horticulture, NQF Level 9.

Master of Agriculture in Horticulture, NQF 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.

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