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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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
118458 | Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Stellenbosch University | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Advanced Diploma | Field 07 - Human and Social Studies | Environmental Relations | ||
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 | 2021-11-18 | 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 Sustainable development is primarily aimed at empowering learners interested in starting their professional careers as social entrepreneurs in the sustainable development field. The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners to establish social enterprises that will attract 'impact investors' or investors committed to 'responsible investing'. Learners will be actively involved in a qualification of applied learning within a working-and-living context of sustainable development, innovation and implementation. Through the development of learner knowledge base, skill sets and values this qualification will equip learners: The qualification is designed to produce well-rounded, professional, engaged and enquiring learners. Learners will be able to demonstrate integrated knowledge of business and entrepreneurship within the context of sustainable development. The qualification develops learners' literacy in sustainable development, research methodologies, information and communication technologies (ICTs), business development and entrepreneurship. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to: The proposed qualification is designed to empower a new generation of responsible entrepreneurs that are focused on future social impact and ecological restoration. The qualification places a high value on creative problem solving, systems thinking, personal leadership development, critical reflection and collaboration. Qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: The South African National Government has implemented a wide range of sustainable development strategies since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 to achieve the inter-linked goals of poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, job creation, sustainable economic growth, while at the same time reducing negative environmental impacts. The Government has therefore adopted several policies, frameworks and reports that have the explicit aim of promoting a transition to sustainable development and more specifically a green economy, including the R1.1 billion Rand Green Fund to finance this transition (www.sagreenfund.org.za). The proposed qualification aims to address the gap between responsible impact investment opportunities and eligible projects by producing learners who know how to set up businesses that align with the principles of CRISA and/or the requirements of impact investors. Qualified learners will ensure that an increasing number of future investments align with the sustainability direction aimed by national and global policy commitments. Progress is being made to build institutionalised research capacity within South Africa to support policy and decision-makers in the field of sustainable development, for instance, the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition (CST) and Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at Stellenbosch University). Most education and research happen at a postgraduate level, with the postgraduate qualifications in Sustainable Development and Environmental Management presented by the School of Public Leadership (SPL) at Stellenbosch University) leading the way nationally and on the African continent. The qualification offers an integrated and focused vocational pathway for the increasing number of learners interested in sustainable development. Poverty and accelerating environmental change created a demand for a qualification that has a very specific intellectual and pedagogic focus on preparing young people for professional careers in the sustainable development field. The proposed qualification builds on the undergraduate Diploma Sustainable Development by providing further opportunities for inter-and transdisciplinary study of sustainable development that draws on all the necessary individual disciplines within a context that exposes young people to the practical realities of sustainable development. This qualification provides graduates from the Diploma in Sustainable Development with the fourth year of study which, in turn, qualifies them to proceed with their studies at the postgraduate level, specifically the SPL's Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development that has been running since 2003. The qualification addresses the gap between the commitments made by the business community to "responsible investing" embodied in the Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA) or by "impact investing", and where the large bulk of investments end up in practice. This gap cannot be bridged by putting pressure on investors if the demand for viable 'responsible/impact investments' hardly exists. Therefore, the qualification will contribute to the supply of learners who understand sustainable development initiatives. The majority of applicants are first-generation students, who do not meet the admission requirements of Bachelor Degrees but satisfy the requirements for Diploma studies. The qualification promotes access to university education. The qualification adopts the transformative pedagogy demonstrated in the undergraduate and postgraduate Diplomas in Sustainable Development. The qualification will be presented at the Sustainability Institute. The Lynedoch Eco Village, and the surrounding activities, provide a 'living laboratory' for sustainable development where learners will conduct experiential learning. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. RPL will allow a learner to gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status. The learner needs to apply formally for RPL. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 07 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Demonstrate the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the sustainable development field; and detailed knowledge of areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.
2. Attain the skills required to initiate a start-up enterprise by drawing on conceptual knowledge. 3. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within sustainable development practice. 4. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems and apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments. 5. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The proposed qualification has been compared to three international institutions. The focus of the comparison was mostly on the degree of similarity in the purpose and rationale.
Country: United States of America Institution: Aquinas College Qualification Title: Bachelor in Sustainable Business Purpose: The qualification is interdisciplinary in nature, integrating science, business, and environmental studies. Sustainable business practices improve long-term profitability, the health of natural systems, and the human component of our world community. Upon completing the qualification, learners will be prepared for a career in private industry, non-profit organizations, government, or for graduate-level studies in sustainable business or a related discipline. Qualifying learners will be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Qualification Structure: Learners must obtain a grade of C or higher in each required course to count toward a major or minor concentration in Sustainable Business. To complete Sustainable Business on a Major level, the requirements are as follows: Compulsory modules: Elective Modules (Select any two): Country: Canada Institution: York University Qualification Title: Bachelor in Sustainable Environmental Management Purpose: This qualification addresses natural resource management and transitions to more sustainable systems through innovation and holistic strategies. It covers policy, social dynamics and economics with applied aspects of environmental science and technology. The qualification also includes practical learning through community engagement, educational work placements and place-based learning (Las Nubes Eco Campus in Costa Rica). Focus areas include: Modules include: Comparison: In general, the proposed qualification compares favourably with the above-mentioned qualifications in that they share similar purpose and qualification structure. They all address the challenge of sustainable development and the challenges of new technologies. They also all have a focus on the implications for business practice and development. However, what is distinctive about the proposed qualification is the very specific focus on social entrepreneurship (i.e., not business in general) and the practical skills for initiating a start-up in the space created by the global and South African commitment to 'responsible/impact investing'. The practical orientation is what is unique about the proposed qualification. In addition, the proposed qualification is unique to other qualifications offered as it is a one-year qualification focused on building on previous knowledge and potentially other disciplines to enable a student the capability of becoming "sustainability business-minded". The majority of other institutions globally offers a focus either via short courses, or, as per the above-mentioned qualifications, as a focus on qualifications with a minimum duration of two to four years. The aforementioned qualifications were selected for comparison purposes as they are well-renowned in the field of Sustainability in addressing sustainable development challenges and the implications thereof in business development and practice, which is relevant for consideration in the entrepreneurship focus on sustainable development. Conclusion: The proposed qualification is comparable to the above-mentioned international qualifications in terms of similar purpose and topics covered in some modules. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. |