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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Advanced Postgraduate Diploma: Food Security

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
19989	Advanced Postgraduate Diploma: Food Security
ORIGINATOR
University of Natal
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 11 - Services		Consumer Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	192	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

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

Food security is a term that encompasses many concepts, including nutrition in the household, access (physical and financial) to food at the local, regional or national levels, and policy that can hinder or reduce quality and access to food. This qualification aims to develop a multidisciplinary framework for applied research and the development and evaluation of intervention programmes and policy in various aspects of food security.

The Postgraduate Programme in Food Security of the University of Natal focuses on focd security in developing countries (in particular, the southern African region) through identification of food security issues, establishment of baseline information, and development of appropriate and improved strategies that impact on food security. It draws from expertise in many relevant disciplines, applies an integrated approach and equips the candidate/participant with the necessary skills to identify and analyse pertinent food security policy issues, formulate policy, and then design and implement programmes. The qualification would prepare post graduate students for careers in multidisciplinary research, programme and policy development and food security advocacy.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The basic requirement for entry will be a recognised first degree of an acceptable academic standing, or approved equivalent. A mature student with field experience will be considered under the normal Faculty rules of exception.

Recognition of prior learning:

Prior learning will be recognised in cases where transcripts adequately demonstrate similar coursework and experience and where applicants can demonstrate acquisition of knowledge and skills from previous learning experiences.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

identify and solve food security problems in a creative and critical manner
work effectively with others from relevant disciplines and sectors to apply an integrated approach
be self-organised and self-managed for effective work
collect, analyse and evaluate food security information
communicate food security issues effectively and appropriately and
use related tools critically, effectively and responsibly

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Advanced PG Diploma level emphasises the appropriate use of survey, statistical and modelling tools to analyse FS factors and the feasibility of solutions. It will further develop independent skills through proposal writing and an internship
(a) use a modelling approach to critically examine inter-relationships between diverse factors affecting FS and predict likely outcomes [impact]
(b) propose programme and policy options
(c) assess feasibility in specific community
(d) facilitate seminars, public meetings
(e) integrate specialist knowledge with FS
(f) show proactive and independent approach to setting and achieving learning objectives (namely coordinating internship)
(g) critically evaluate FS methodologies
(h) select and use appropriate methodology and defend choice (eg. proposal) write in scientific style
(i) proposal writing and reports to funders
(j) peer review (critical analysis of/by peers)
(k) use survey and statistical tools appropriately
(l) use computer modelling tools

Integrated Assessment:

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

A variety of summative and formative assessment procedures will be employed, including tests, essays, group projects, seminars and portfolios as well as practice and feedback on essential skills in communication, group skills, and research methods. Emphasis will be placed on integration of learning activities in assessment procedures especially in the foundation module and core food security modules.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Learners may shift into the programme at any level provided they meet all the prerequisite requirements for that level.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The ETQA system for HE is not yet fully developed. Until such time as it is, procedures described under 10. above suffice.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Until the HEQC establishes a registration system for assessors in the HET Band, the University of Natal assumes that, on the basis of its rigorous selection criteria for the appointment of academic staff (who also have opportunities for staff development in assessment), staff are competent to assess students on the modules they teach. This assessment is quality assured via a university system of internal moderation and external examination. External examiners are
appointed for their teaching and disciplinary expertise and subject to the approval of Faculty Boards. The University of Natal ruling is that 66% of all assessments at exit level i.e. leading to a qualification are externally examined.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

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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