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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119094  Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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  Primary Agriculture 
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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Animal Sciences is to develop learners who will be able to generate, interpret, disseminate, and apply disciplinary knowledge across various contexts, inciting the growth and production of animals.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Address multiple resources and critically review factors needed for research planning and process, research design and apply different research techniques and strategies, utilised in practice.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront in the field of Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying, or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in Animal Sciences.
  • Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the livestock industries.
  • Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Animal Sciences and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the livestock industries.
  • Present and communicate 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 livestock environments.
  • Review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in the livestock context to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies, which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
  • Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the livestock sectors.
  • Identify complex and abstract problems in unfamiliar working or industry-related settings, conduct literature search, research and process information to contribute to the growth, production and general well-being of animals,

    Qualifying learners will function in occupations such as research assistants, animal scientists and practitioners, and will be able to work, amongst others, in research institutions, government departments, non-government organisations and the agricultural-related industry at large. Furthermore, learners will be able to function at the forefront of related fields in Animal Sciences within the context of developmental and innovative approaches.

    Rationale:
    In South Africa, 80% of the agricultural land is suitable for livestock production with the sector contributing approximately 40% to the agricultural income. According to the Livestock Development Strategy for South Africa (2006), the importance of the livestock industry is evident from various perspectives, including the following:
  • From a food and income security point of view, animal agriculture is the primary income generator in the majority of rural areas, with projections indicating that by 2020 it will be the most important contributor to sustenance, poverty relief and agribusiness development in the global context,
  • Animal food products are a major contributor to a balanced diet because of the high biological value of their protein and significant quantities of high bioavailable minerals and vitamins; in addition, animal fibre products quantitatively contribute significantly to the clothing, leather, housing, and decorative industries,
  • Livestock earnings amount to about 10% of agricultural export and through import plays a significant role in stabilizing the economies of SADC countries,
  • It is a major employer and employment generator in the economy.

    The South African economy is to a large extent based on agriculture and the majority of rural communities are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Qualifying learners will thus be able to contribute to the developmental needs of society and the economy within the context of agricultural development at large. Qualifying learners will have the option to register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and related industry bodies.

    The National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 of South Africa asserts that Agriculture has a central role to play in building a strong economy and, in the process, reducing inequalities by increasing incomes and employment opportunities for the poor while nurturing the country's inheritance of natural resources. Agriculture is central to the key deliverables of the NDP such as an inclusive and integrated rural economy by creating jobs in agriculture and related sector. The NDP calls for increased investment in new agricultural technologies, research, and the development of adaptation strategies for the protection of rural livelihoods and expansion of commercial agriculture.
    According to the South African Society for Animal Sciences (SASAS), animal production is one of the major sectors in South African agriculture and contributes substantially to the economy of the country. SASAS further states that Animal science deals mainly with the three basic disciplines, namely breeding, physiology and nutrition.

    The Advisory Committee of the Department of Animal Sciences, comprising of industrial and other stakeholders, provided input into the development of the qualification, to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. The purpose of their involvement was to ensure the design of a qualification, which would be of high quality, relevant to and aligned with the latest developments and technologies in the profession, related business and industry. 
    		•

    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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Applied Animal Nutrition, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Animal Breeding and Genetics, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Animal Reproductive Physiology, 30 Credits.
  • Animal Science Research, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront in the field of Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in Animal Sciences.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Animal Sciences and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the livestock industries.
    5. Present and communicate 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 livestock environments.
    6. Demonstrate an ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in the livestock context in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
    7. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the livestock sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply knowledge of animal sciences for efficacy and value according to relevant evaluation criteria and to ensure that these relate to other applied sciences disciplines, as well as to understand how knowledge is dependent upon African and International scientific theories.
  • Evaluate and critique animal sciences related theories, research methodologies, methods, and techniques relevant to the field, discipline or practice to understand the role of animal sciences in the applied sciences environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Investigate complex methods of enquiry and their suitability to solve animal sciences related problems by drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the livestock industries.
  • Identify evidence-based solutions by selecting, applying, or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques and relevant research to introduce change within animal sciences settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate appropriate knowledge and process of knowledge production in animal sciences.
  • Examine multiple sources of knowledge to independently validate its significance in the field of animal sciences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate professional and ethical values and approaches based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the livestock industries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the livestock environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in the livestock context in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Apply self-critical manner and learning strategies to effectively address learners' professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Justify decisions and actions within the animal sciences environment through practice, reading, lectures, and communication with industries and peers.
  • Justify decisions and actions within the animal sciences environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment modes for the various modules in this qualification are as follows:
    Formative assessment will include class exercises and assignments, while summative assessment will include written tests and assignments. Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark of 40%. The predicate mark and examination mark will then each contribute 50% to the year mark.

    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessments that test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the exit level outcomes as a whole.
    Examinations, projects, practical's reports, or equivalent assessments such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were found to be comparable with this qualification:

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Auburn University
    Qualification Title: Animal Science in Agriculture
    This Qualification is a 4-year degree (Animal Science). The South African (SA) qualification is equivalent to 4th year level of this qualification. Equivalent Modules include modern concepts, ideas, and methodology associated with the application of technology to reproduction, breeding, and nutrition.
    Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Breeding.
  • Reproduction.
  • Nutrition.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: The University of Melbourne
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management
    Credits: 100 Credits points

    Similarities:
    The University of Melbourne (UM) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.

    Duration:
    Both the UM and SA qualifications are studies over one-year full-time study or two years of part-time study.

    Entry Requirements:
    The UM qualification share similar entry requirements with the SA qualification since both qualifications require the following:
  • An Honours degree or equivalent qualification.
    Or
  • Undergraduate tertiary qualification with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year of study.
    Or
  • Successful completion of a Graduate / Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of both the UM and SA qualifications are to further develop an understanding of the biology of domestic and captive animals, their care, management and use as a resource for food, fibre, recreation, and companionship to develop an in-depth knowledge of the biology of animals, the complexities of the ethical and moral issues encompassing care, management and use as a resource will be examined considering advances in human endeavour. The qualifications will allow a degree of specialisations based on analysis of animal systems management of a chosen species or classification of animals.

    Both qualifications also comprise many existing and novel emerging areas in the animal and associated sciences, aimed to create opportunities for advances in the manipulation of biological systems for increased productivity. The scientific tools and advances are evolving fast and are being directly applied to the fibre industries worldwide. Candidates will graduate with an excellent understanding of the many factors underpinning animal systems and an awareness of methods for sustainable food and fibre production and their markets.

    By the end of both qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Explore the interdisciplinary nature of animal science at an advanced level.
  • Apply scientific principles and analytical skills behind improved animal systems (farm and companion animals) and their sustainability.
  • Undertake advanced research topics and practical applications within the disciplines of animal science.
  • Develop competence in the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work.
  • Apply industrial applications of animal science and the commercial outcomes.
  • Develop a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social, and ethical factors related to animal-derived food and fibre production

    Qualification structure:
    Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Animal Breeding.
  • Research Methodology.
  • Animal Nutrition and Feeding.

    Differences:
    There are slight differences between the UM and SA qualifications in the following aspects.

    Credits:
    The UM qualification carries 100 credits while the SA qualification has 120 credits

    Qualification structure:
    The UM qualification consists of up to eight modules with 12.5 credit points each, four compulsory modules and four other modules. The core modules include three non-cognate subjects in semester one and one cognate subject in semester two. Learners may undertake either two or four elective subjects, dependent on whether they choose to complete Research Project with 25 credit points. On the other hand, the SA qualification consists of four compulsory modules, each with 30 credits and no electives.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Special Studies in Animal Science, 12.50 Credits.
  • Advanced Animal Management Systems, 12.50 Credits.

    Core Selective Modules - Group One (Select one module from the following):
  • Research Philosophies and Statistics, 12.50 Credits.
  • Social Research Methods, 12.50 Credits.

    Core Selective Subjects - Group Two (Select one module from the following):
  • Project A, 25 Credits.
  • Project A, Year Long, 25 Credits.

    Elective Modules (Select two modules from the following):
  • Animal Feed Science, 12.50 Credits.
  • Animal Metabolism and Nutrition, 12.50 Credits.
  • Stress Physiology, 12.50 Credits.
  • Genetics and Animal Breeding, 12.50 Credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Sydney
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Animal Science

    Similarities:
    The University of Sydney (US) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following ways.

    Duration:
    Both the US and SA qualifications are studied over one year full-time.

    Entry requirements:
    The US share similar entry requirements with the SA qualification in that it requires AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree in animal science or equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Animal sciences deal with the study of domestic animals, researching the structure, development, way of life and their relationship with the environment. The focus of the animal sciences discipline is to offer knowledge about breeding, growth, improvement, and exploitation of domestic animals. Animal sciences study improvement methods that ensure proper nutrition (feeding), breeding, conservation, and preservation of livestock. The purpose of both the US and SA qualifications is to develop skills in how to design, organise and manage animal farms and animal production processes for all species of domestic animals. Animal scientists will learn computer skills as they must analyse data and make use of statistical techniques.

    Learners in animal sciences qualifications can combine and analyse knowledge from biochemistry, anatomy, and genetics with concepts from the economy, management, or marketing. Graduates may find job opportunities in a wide range of areas including animal breeding, food and fibre production, animal behaviour and welfare, biotechnology, etc. They can engage in jobs like an animal scientist, livestock manager, pet breeder, dog trainer, research assistant, animal production advisor, development officer, livestock agronomist, or a policy officer. Alternatively, go on to study the Master of Animal Science. Both qualifications include topics on domestic animal biology, animal genetics, immunology in animal health and disease, animals in biomedical research, and more.

    The qualification is equivalent to the South African qualification and includes a variety of fields of specialisations .
    Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Animal Nutrition.
  • Animal reproduction.
  • Animal breeding and Genetics.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading institutions 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.

    The international comparison indicated that the South African qualification compares favourably with similar international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Animal Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Agricultural Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Animal Science, 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.
     
    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.