SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma: Nature Conservation

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
85127	Advanced Diploma: Nature Conservation
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Nature Conservation
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-data under construction		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

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.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop competent conservation managers who can conduct research under supervision to scientifically manage natural resource areas. Qualifying students will be able to apply acquired research and management knowledge, skills and attitudes to holistically manage areas according to required scientific objectives.

This qualification provides the conservation industry with persons who are suitably skilled to scientifically manage ecosystems.

Rationale:

Southern Africa has large natural areas, which consist of enormous numbers of plant and animal species in a great diversity of habitats. The sustainable management of these indigenous biological natural resources, such as unique ecosystems, biodiversity and species, is crucial for the survival of humankind and continued sustainable economic development of the conservation industry.

This qualification provides the conservation industry with persons who are able to manage conservation areas, conduct research under supervision and assist researchers.

Qualified students would apply skills acquired to construct, interpret, and implement management plans of conservation areas, including business and financial aspects. In addition, the student would be able to conduct research addressing management problems and communicate outcomes to various stakeholders.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students enrolling for this qualification are expected to be competent the following:

The ability to learn from written material in the language of tuition.

The ability to communicate what has been learned comprehensibly in the language of tuition.

The ability to take responsibility for own progress with limited support, and independently adjust to a variety of contexts or learning environments.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to:

Grant access to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Grant credits towards the qualification.

The Recognition of Prior Learning process will be conducted according to UNISA's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels.

Access to the Qualification:

Applicants must be in possession of the Diploma: Nature Conservation from Unisa or a cognate qualification at NQF Level 6.

Students with disabilities will be granted admission provided the nature of their disability does not preclude them from achieving the outcomes of the qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

All modules are compulsory and are at NQF Level 7.

Total credits for the qualification: 120 Credits.

The modules are:

Vegetation Management, 24 Credits.

Resource Management IV, 24 Credits.

Research Project, 12 Credits.

Contact session 1, 12 Credits.

Contact session 2, 12 Credits.

Biological Research Methodology, 12 Credits.

Business Management, 12 Credits.

Financial Management, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use suitable research techniques under supervision to critically assess various veld and game management strategies.

2. Critically evaluate veld management theories.

3. Critically evaluate resource management theories.

4. Manage a conservation area according to defined management objectives.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes may be determined as follows:

Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated by identification, analysis and addressing of components of ecosystem management using established and specialised techniques and skills to meet management objectives of ecosystems in their area of responsibility.

Team work is demonstrated in the research and practical work involved in the qualification, under supervision and within a team context.

Organising self is demonstrated in the completion of set activities, assignments and research which require self-management and the successful organisation of their activities.

Collating information is indicated in the undertaking of a research project which will require students to carry out data collection, analysis and interpretation under supervision.

Effective communicating is demonstrated through the activities which require effective written, graphic and electronic communication.

Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the scientific approach to natural resource management which is promoted to emphasise ecological principles and environmental sustainability. Technology is used in accordance with accepted conservation and environmentally responsible principles and practices.

Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the application of principles from a variety of disciplines and technologies in an integrated way throughout the programme.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

1.1 Appropriate research techniques are evaluated in terms of their suitability of application for the research to be done.
1.2 Applicable research methods are used in collecting, analysing and interpreting data.
1.3 Theories within the context of veld and game management are critically discussed.
1.4 Research results are presented in a written and oral format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

2.1 Appropriate vegetation survey techniques are evaluated and discussed in terms of their suitability for application.
2.2 Appropriate vegetation monitoring techniques are evaluated and discussed in terms of their suitability for application.
2.3 Theories and practical applications of appropriate veld management strategies are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

3.1 Appropriate game population monitoring and analysis techniques are discussed in terms of their suitability for application.
3.2 Theories and practical applications of appropriate game management strategies are evaluated.
3.3 Wildlife diseases applicable to the Southern African context are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

4.1 Ecological management principles are assessed and implemented to ensure the holistic management of a nature area.
4.2 Financial principles are implemented to ensure the effective financial management of a conservation area.
4.3 Business management principles are implemented to ensure the effective business management of a conservation area.
4.4 Effective communication is managed in the workplace.

Integrated Assessment:

Applied competence, that is, the integration of foundational, practical and reflective competence, will be assessed in a variety of ways and instances during the course of the programme. For example, students will be asked to conduct basic research on specified conservation topics involving the application of knowledge, as well as reflection.

In the various modules of the qualification, students will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, research skills and values.

A variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the course of the programme, including written assignments, practical activities, and examinations.

All assessment will meet the criteria of the relevant UNISA policies and procedures.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Most African countries do not seem to offer formal education in Nature Conservation at tertiary levels. The countries that are party to the Trans-frontier Parks Project in Southern Africa rely on South African tertiary institutions to offer formal education in this area.

In general this qualification compares well with similar qualifications at tertiary institutions in countries/regions given below. Although the structure and modes of delivery may differ, all these qualifications develop the same essential research skills as those in this qualification.

Polytechnic Namibia:

Bachelor of Technology; Nature Conservation:

This course is similar in content to that of the Diploma and includes Plant Studies, Resource Management and Research Methodology. The course focuses on veld and game management within the Namibian context as well as marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Macquarie University, Australia:

Postgraduate Certificate in Wildlife Conservation:

This programme is an abbreviated version of the Master of Wildlife Conservation, and is suitable for biological sciences graduates or environment and conservation professionals seeking further education in wildlife conservation. After completion, students can pursue employment in some aspect of wildlife or conservation at management level and/or research.

Postgraduate Certificate in Wildlife Management (Habitat Programme):

This habitat programme has both strong inter-disciplinary and practical focuses, consisting of both coursework and fieldwork components. It aims to provide students with a sound knowledge base in individual disciplines as well as real-world application skills, and an understanding of the multi-disciplinary approach required in the management of living resources.

University Of Otago, New Zealand:

Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management:

This qualification aims at training students with the skills necessary for employment in some aspect of wildlife or ecological management or research. Important goals of the course are to develop an understanding of the ecological basis of conservation, harvest management and pest control; skills in handling, marking, observing and taking and recording data of wild animals; an appreciation of the practical realities of wildlife management from the administrative and legal points of view and a knowledge of the biology, ecology and behaviour of wild animals in New Zealand.

The Advanced Diploma Nature Conservation, Level 7 compares well with the international ones given above.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

This Qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

This Qualification articulates vertically with any cognate qualification at NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

For Unisa, second examiners act as moderators for examination purposes. These are senior academics or qualified industry representatives. All modules have external examiners/moderators, who are senior academics from other universities and/or qualified industry representatives.

All moderation will be done according to relevant Unisa policies and procedures.

Unisa lecturers and/or industry specialists act as assessors for the qualification.

Assignments are assessed by qualified lecturers.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The following criteria are specified for assessors:

Assessors should hold a relevant qualification at least one level higher than this one, which is being examined.

Assessors need to be competent in conducting assessment.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

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.

1.	University of South Africa