SAQA 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 Landscape Architecture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118633  Advanced Diploma in Landscape Architecture 
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
Advanced Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
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
Registered  SAQA 137/22  2022-02-03  2025-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-03   2029-02-03  

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 Advanced Diploma in Landscape Architecture is to train individuals that are expected to have a general awareness of all of the core competencies of the landscape profession. The main area of involvement in the office and on projects is to assist with the working drawings and documentation phase of landscape design projects and to have well developed technical skills.
The proposed curriculum will contribute towards the intended outcomes by producing qualifying learners that will be able to register professionally and play a role in creating sustainable urban landscape spaces for all.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Advance the scope of integrated knowledge in the landscape architectural field.
  • Demonstrate understanding and evaluate knowledge literacy in Landscape Architecture.
  • Apply and select appropriate Landscape Architectural methods and procedures.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethics and professional practice in Landscape Architecture.
  • Access, process and manage information.
  • Produce and communicate information.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Diploma in Landscape Architecture aims to produce professional landscape technologists, registered with the statutory professional body The South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP).
    Further, the Advanced Diploma in Landscape Architecture has been recognized by the Department of Public works to play a national role in transformation and job creation within the landscape industry.
    SACLAP is mandated to accredit all tertiary academic qualifications in the Landscape Architecture, Landscape Construction Management and Horticultural streams nationally.

    The landscape architecture profession has been mandated to transform qualifications and professional registration with statutory bodies. The South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) was established as a statutory council in terms of Section 2 of the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession Act - Act 45 of 2000. SACLAP strives to establish, direct, sustain and ensure a high level of professional responsibilities and ethical conduct within the art and science of landscape architecture with honesty, dignity, and integrity in the broad interest of public health, safety, and welfare of the community. SACLAP is mandated to accredit all tertiary academic qualifications in Landscape Architecture.
    Landscape Architecture has been identified as a scarce skill within the built environment of South Africa (List of Occupations in High Demand: 2015. Government Gazette No. 39604, 19 January 2016. DHET: Pretoria. pp. 4 - 19.
    SACLAP identified an imbalance in the ratio between professional landscape architects and professional landscape technologists. Professional Landscape Technologists may undertake projects of low complexity under the supervision of a Professional Landscape Architect. There is a significant demand in private practice for registered professional landscape technologists. SACLAP and the Department of Public Works have approached the institution to develop and offer this qualification - that have already been approved and align with national strategies to widen access, create jobs and transform the landscape profession.
    The blended learning approach will enable learners to study part-time while working to fund their studies. There are limited Landscape Architectural study opportunities in Africa, and blended learning unlocks access to this field of study. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Landscape Architecture, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Landscape Technology, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:
  • Cultural Landscapes Studio, 15 Credits.
  • Resilient Landscapes Studio, 15 Credits.
  • Ecological Landscapes Studio, 15 Credits.
  • Tectonic Landscapes Studio, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Professional Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Applied Horticulture, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced scope of integrated knowledge in the landscape architectural field.
    2. Demonstrate understanding and evaluate knowledge literacy in Landscape Architecture.
    3. Identify landscape analysis and design methods through problem-based learning scenarios.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within the landscape professional environment.
    5.Ability to access, process and manage information.
    6. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse, such as maintenance manuals, landscape drawings and technical specifications, work schedules, bills of quantities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the landscape architectural field, including an understanding of professional practice, environmental management, and applied horticulture in urban and natural settings.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of study or practice, through best-practice landscape architectural case studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select and apply a range of landscape analysis and design methods.
  • Identify the natural and urban systems that affect the implementation and construction of a project and select the appropriate landscape design methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within the landscape professional environment.
  • Prepare tender and contractual documentation.
  • Estimate costs and undertake financial management of landscape construction projects by creating a cash flow diagram, pricing schedule and cost estimate.
  • Identify the natural and urban systems that affect the implementation and construction of a project and select the appropriate landscape construction methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop appropriate processes of information gathering (such as AutoCAD) for a given context or use; and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
  • Compare the landscape design intent with the construction process, final product, and maintenance practices by creating a checklist.
  • Prepare a detailed risk assessment report for a landscape construction site.
  • Determine a list of work tasks to be undertaken on a landscape construction site.
  • Use specialist computer software for planning and project scheduling.
  • Select individual as well as groups of plants to satisfy site conditions and required engineering roles to be achieved with the landscape function by creating planting palettes and specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Graphically communicate through technical landscape drawing conventions, the interface between natural systems and urban engineered systems.
  • Write and draw landscape construction details and specifications.
  • Demonstrate sustainable environmental construction and management solutions through report writing and diagrams.
  • Demonstrate professional communication with construction and design professionals concerning spatial concepts, financial aspects, and construction problems. Including:
    > Letters
    > E-mails
    > Reports
    > Formal meeting procedures (verbal and written e.g. minutes)
  • Describe with a drawing or plan, how plants are installed in conjunction with mechanical methods in an urban area to perform an engineering function. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparison was conducted with similar offerings at similar institutions:
  • Higher Diploma in Landscape Architecture (Hong Kong Design Institute).
  • Advanced Diploma in Landscape Design (Fanshawe).
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (University of Canberra).

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Fanshawe College
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Landscape Design
    Duration: Three years
    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification will equip learners to survey and analyze planting sites, select the vegetation and landscape materials, and plan the location of structures, roads, pathways, trees, shrubs, flower beds and decorative features. Learners will also learn about design theory, plant identification, drafting, landscape and building materials and technologies. Learners will get plenty of experience using industry software to create detailed site plans.

    The qualification will also give learners great hands-on experience through two paid co-op work terms, plus, learners will have the opportunity for academic-based international experiences and study in some of the world's most historic cities.

    The qualifying learners will have a huge job market to choose from, including:
  • Residential and commercial property developers.
  • Municipalities.
  • Landscape architects.
  • Design-build firms.
  • Nurseries.
  • Start your own landscape consultant business.

    Landscape Design graduates have obtained positions with landscape architects, design/build landscape contractors, nurseries, government agencies and sales. A high percentage of students aspire to operate their own businesses.

    Graduates of this qualification may be eligible for advanced standing credit to the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning Degree.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Craft landscape designs that successfully integrate people into outdoor environments.
  • Apply principles of site engineering to complete a landscape design.
  • Use the computer as a tool to communicate all aspects of the landscape design process.
  • Utilize appropriate communication tools to convey design ideas.
  • Recognize the importance of landscape maintenance and management in design.
  • Prepare accurate quantity and cost estimates for a project.
  • Plan, execute and conclude a wide range of landscape projects.
  • Identify environmental effects of projects and take appropriate steps to avoid environmental damage and promote healthy ecosystems.
  • Act in a professional manner, maintain professional relationships and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and career opportunities and to keep pace with industry changes.

    Qualification structure:
    This is a three-year program with co-op work terms. Learners who fulfil both the academic and co-op requirements of the qualification will be eligible to graduate with a Co-op Endorsed Diploma. The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules:

    Both qualifications offer the Horticulture, Landscape Design Studio and Ecology modules.

    Program Residency
    Learners must Complete a Minimum of 28 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program.

    Country: Hong Kong
    Institution: Hong Kong Design Institute
    Qualification Title: Higher Diploma (HD) in Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design
    Duration: Two years
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification aims primarily at learners who have completed their secondary school education and expect to take up specialist spatial and environmental design studies. It is designed to reflect the context of basic design and creative knowledge and skills which serve as an introduction to, and preparation for, the first-year learners for the next four to five-semester study in their respective professional design programmes.

    Architectural knowledge is the basis of extensive areas of creative industries. Even if the learners prefer not to further study architecture, the job prospects for graduates from this programme remain promising. Potentially interesting, challenging and rewarding positions include architectural assistant, architectural draftsman, architectural visualiser, architectural renderer, project manager, project coordinator, contractor, interior draftsman, interior designer, furniture designer, exhibition designer, retail designer, window display designer, set designer, stage designer, game designer, curator for museums, exhibition or gallery, installation artist, painter, and sculptor, etc.

    Possible careers for graduates of the HD in Landscape Architecture include landscape architectural assistants, project assistants and technical officers in landscape architectural firms, contractors, developers, and governmental sectors.

    Comparison:
    The international comparison exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the comparison exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally; the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

    In terms of this qualification, the international comparison exercise revealed a focus on indigenous heritage and landscapes, history of landscape theory, intensive design studios, advanced planting design and visual communication. There is also a strong emphasis on knowledge and interpersonal skills at a professional technologist level to ensure careers in landscape architecture. The comparison showed that other institutions aim for a holistic approach to design education that includes developing learners' conceptually and professionally while encouraging independent decision-making.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and address the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology, 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.
     
    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.