SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118317	Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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	2021-08-03	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 Horticulture is to provide graduates with an opportunity to develop a career path to obtain a postgraduate qualification in Horticulture with a higher level of theoretical knowledge and a path of advancement with research articulation to higher-level horticulture qualifications.
The qualification will develop learners with a deeper knowledge of theoretical information and practical engagement while exposed to industry situations in solving problems and advancing scientific research. The overall aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to contribute to the enhancement of quality and standards of the green industries with highly qualified graduates.

Rationale:
South Africa is experiencing severe droughts which are affecting the horticulture and green industries. These industries are in constant flux due to environmental influences and customer behaviours. Research indicates that there is a lack of interest worldwide in the growing of plants including general food production. The National Policy on Food Security, the National Development Plan 2030 and the Province Provisional Strategic Objectives all indicate that the provision of higher quality products and food production is a priority.

Various stakeholders and the local industry such as government departments, municipalities and garden centres revealed that a shortage of horticultural knowledge and skills exists and there is a need to focus on future research to improve the quality of products, using fewer resources such as water, and growing local and export indigenous products for a competitive market. The demand for quality plant products needs to be aligned with many national and international organisations, such as the International Standards Organisation (ISO), Global Good Agricultural Practice (Globalgap), Plant Breeders Rights (PBR), Fair Trade (FT), Green Choice (GC) and Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP).

The qualification will assist to develop graduates with the knowledge and skills to support the development and improvement of indigenous species and to advance their future commercial potential nationally and internationally. It is aimed at supporting the national and regional needs of various sectors of the green industries to enhance the production, sales and research of green products.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture will provide an important level between the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture and the Master of Horticulture Science qualification to equip learners with the required skills to complete their studies successfully.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognitions of Prior Learning (RPL) will be promoted in keeping with national policy frameworks and the institution's mission and vision and widening of access by identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against a qualification or part thereof.

The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/ or formal learning.

RPL can be used to grant access to the qualification to those learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission and or credits towards the qualification based on their previous learning, but who can demonstrate that they effectively meet the learning expected to be in place prior to admission. The principle is to widen access to the qualification for those who have sufficient industry experience or knowledge in related fields, to be granted admission or partial credit exemption.

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

Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 7
Or

Bachelor of Technology: Horticulture, NQF Level 7
Or

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, NQF Level 7

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits:

Advanced Research Techniques A, 24 Credits

Advanced Research Techniques B, 24 Credits

Advanced Plant Physiology, 24 Credits

Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits (Choose/Select electives per group):

Group A:

Plantsmanship Conservation Proposal, 24 Credits

Plantsmanship Conservation Project, 24 Credits

Group B:

New Plant Development Proposal, 24 Credits

New Plant Development Project, 24 Credits

Group C:

Plant Tissue Culture Proposal, 24 Credits

Plant Tissue Culture Project, 24 Credits

Group D:

Horticulture Enterprise Proposal, 24 Credits

Horticulture Enterprise Project, 24 Credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Evaluate and converse the science discipline in the field of horticulture practice.
2. Collect, interpret and process scientific data for horticultural research.
3. Understand advanced theory to apply appropriate methods in the field of horticulture.
4. Access, summarise and collate available peer-reviewed scientific knowledge in a selected horticulture science field into a comprehensive literature review.
5. Plan, execute and write up a scientific/technical report on a selected horticulture science topic.
6. Make use of effective tools to communicate scientific information in both formal and popular contexts.
7. Conduct ethical and accountable multi-and/or interdisciplinary research under supervision to address various local, regional and global conservation issues.
8. Define the development of a learning strategy through critical thinking and professional development.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the science of horticulture.

Demonstrate appreciation of the relationship between the science of horticulture and its related technology.

Show critical evaluation and application of horticultural technologies in the context of the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Interpret data using the appropriate statistical tests are correctly.

Demonstrate access, process and manage information.

Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts is demonstrated.

Develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate application of advanced theory and appropriate methods and procedures in the field of horticulture.

Understand complexities and uncertainties of selecting horticulture projects.

Apply transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised horticultural field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Demonstrate integrated scope of knowledge of one or more fields of horticulture.

Understand applications and evaluation of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialization.

Interrogate and understand multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Understand access, process and management of information.

Demonstrate a critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management process in specialized contexts.

Develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Communicate and produce communication information.

Develop academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 7:

Evaluate various research methodologies in terms of ethics and suitability of application.

Use applicable research methods in collecting, analysing and interpreting data.

Discuss theories within the context of topical horticultural issues.

Present research results in both written and oral formats, adhering to the ethical and professional decorum of the Discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 8

Demonstrate examples of management learning in knowledge obtained, meeting deadlines, and conducting learning in a professional, accountable manner.

Learned strategies, problem-solving and self-critical thinking requested and reflected in the assessments and outcomes.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international comparability exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally (and nationally); the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of qualification design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution. In terms of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture, the international comparability exercise was based on institutions with a similar NQF level, mode of teaching, content and structure of the qualifications.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Writtle University College
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture
The qualification focuses on production horticulture in an expanding industry with vast amounts of fresh food and flowers being transported around the world. The industries which support this expansion rely on the latest technologies and have seen great change in recent years in production techniques and how and where crops are grown. Similar modules on production for food crops will be covered in the new qualification, however, more emphasis will be on the ornamental horticulture industry.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: Lincoln University
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Horticultural Science
The qualification provides an opportunity for graduates from a range of backgrounds to study in the area of horticultural production, processing, marketing, science and horticultural research. Similar modules will be offered in the new qualification to ensure that the needs of the ornamental horticulture industry are addressed.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: Massey University
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Horticultural Science)
The qualification provides the opportunity to show analytical thinking and high-level research capability on fruit and vegetable innovation, high-value plant products and services, applied plant and horticultural science and seed science and technology. Similar modules on research and innovation will be as for food crops, however this will also be applied to the ornamental horticulture industry.

Country: Ireland
Institution: The Technological University of Dublin
Qualification Title: Batchelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture
This is an NQF Level 8 qualification. It delivers a blended mode of online learning and practical on-campus work. Some modules are also offered as elective choices. This qualification includes a research project generating a hypothesis from identification from a problem in the horticultural industry. The new qualification has aligned to adopt a similar concept of blended mode offering of research project with a research project to address the needs of the South African ornamental horticultural industry.

The new qualification adopts a similar concept however it is aligned with the South African horticultural industry needs. The qualification will focus on sectors of ornamental, medicinal, food, and green industries, specifically aimed at indigenous species of the Western Cape, drawing on common themes and universal knowledge in horticulture that are found in similar qualifications at international institutions.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of 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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