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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science: Agriculture: Horticultural Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17493  Master of Science: Agriculture: Horticultural Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0695/12  2012-07-01  2014-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31   2018-12-31  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
96579  Master of Science in Horticultural Sciences  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The M.Sc. (Agric) programme with Horticultural Sciences specialisation modules aims to develop a broad understanding of principles of Horticultural Sciences to Learners. In addition to obtain specialised skills of contemporary research in Horticulture, in preparation for a career in:
  • Industry and business;
  • Public sector.
  • Academia
  • Research

    As a qualified horticulturist the learners will be able to:
  • Apply science and technology to the production of horticultural crops and management of public and commercial enterprises.
  • Conduct independent research in horticulture and related fields.
  • Appreciate the value and contributions of horticulture to society.

    The learners will therefore be able to define, understand and solve problems of a horticultural nature by their understanding of the basic principles and mechanism of the different disciplines of horticultural sciences and related fields, for example Olericulture, Pomology, Plant Propagation, Floriculture, Genetics, Biotechnology and Turf Management.
    Learners will be trained to such a level of competency that doctorate studies in Horticultural Sciences and related fields can be pursued. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Matriculation Exemption Certificate or equivalent

    First degree

    Honours degree 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Ability to identify, assess, formulate and solve problems of a horticulture nature creatively, from their knowledge of the different specialisation in Horticultural sciences.

    1. Demonstrate of applied competence in horticultural Science.

    1.1 The principles of horticultural sciences
    1.2 Selecting and combining facts, concepts and theories from the different domains in Horticultural Sciences rigorously in solving horticultural problems.
    1.3 Manipulate growth and development of horticultural plants for food production and beautification of interior environment and landscape.
    1.4 Planning, executing, analysing and reporting laboratory and field experiments in Horticulture.
    2. Communicate effectively using appropriate language and media, and be able to prepare illustrative and interpretative scientific reports.
    2.1 Use the computer to search information and present information for others to use.

    Critical cross-field outcomes:

    Critical cross-field outcomes include those specified in the learning outcomes for approved modules in the programme and as appropriated to the learner's possible field of future employment. These would include, but are no limited to the following:
    * Demonstration of an understanding of how horticultural products contributes to the development of society.
    * Ability to use scientific knowledge and skills to support responsible decision making of horticulture in nature, taking into account the effect on the environment and human communities.
    * Ability to solve problems individually and as part of a project team.
    * Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    * Demonstration of an understanding of ethical issues related to horticultural and biotechnology.
    * Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
    * Communicating effectively using visual, graphical, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation.
    * Demonstrating an understanding of the biological world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    * Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society, by making the learner aware of the importance of reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities, developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

    The programme aims to assess these capabilities (cognitive, skills effective) by means of:
    * M.Sc. Thesis dissertation.
    * Individual and group based problem solving
    * Field and laboratory investigations, case studies, projects and excursions
    * The integration of cognitive and practical skills,
    And also to develop;
    * Communication skills (reporting and presentation of results)
    * An appreciation of the contribution of horticultural sciences and horticulturists to society. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    A range of continuous assessment methods, such as prescribed practicals, project work singly and in groups. Written and oral tutorials and written examinations will be used to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved. The learners must prove their problem-solving skills concerning horticulture principles and must show that they have developed a broad background and understanding of these principles.

    The learners are expected to participate in departmental seminars.

    A final oral exam is required dealing intensively with the learner's field of specialisation exhibited in the thesis or dissertation. It is a defence of the research results and other related subject matter.

    Integrated assessment incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the degree is achieved:

    1. Portfolios
    2. Work-place assessments
    3. Written examinations
    4. Oral examinations 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    M.Sc. Horticultural Science
    M.Sc. Plant Sciences
    M.Sc. Forestry

    This qualification provides credits for the related qualification(s):
    M.Sc. Horticultural Science
    M.Sc. Plant Sciences
    M.Sc. Forestry 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal:

    Self-administered learner evaluations and observations by the head of the department of modules and presentation are used, as well as regular discussion between staff members and between staff and students. Reactions are obtained occasionally at formal departmental meetings to ensure the quality of the programme remains at an acceptable level.

    External:

    The programme is submitted to SAQA for accreditation and written examinations for each module, as well as the research project report, are examined internally and externally. When large discrepancies between internal and external examiner's evaluations are found, these are discussed by programme presenters and internal and external examiners involved, to research an acceptable performance level and improved the quality of teaching and learning. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    PhD in Horticultural Sciences or related fields in Agriculture

    Academic, Research, Public or Industrial

    Advisors of master learners must hold the terminal degree in the area of expertise of the learner's interest. Advisors must have demonstrated competency by a recent record of research publication or other measure of scholarly activity. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    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.