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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88845  Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences is designed to broaden access for students from various backgrounds with various appropriate three-year Bachelor's Degrees, to strengthen and deepen their knowledge in the discipline of Animal Sciences and to encourage further postgraduate studies.

A high level of theoretical engagement will be demanded from students. They will be introduced to research methodology, with the concomitant development of writing and presentation skills.

Rationale:
Stellenbosch University has been offering a 240 Credits Master of Philosophy: Animal Sciences Degree, which follows directly on a 360 Credits Bachelor's Degree, for some time. In order to align the existing 240 Credit Master's qualification with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF), this new Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences is being introduced. It is the formalisation of the first part of the existing Master's qualification into a separate qualification. The existing Master of Philosophy: Animal Sciences will continue to be offered, but reformatted for 180 credits, as required by the HEQF for a Master's Degree. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Students entering this qualification are assumed to be able to communicate, read and write in the language of tuition at an academic level equivalent to NQF Level 7.

Recognition of Prior Learning:
Students may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Faculty.

Access to the Qualification:
Applicant students must be in possession of:
  • A three year Bachelor of Science or other relevant Bachelor's Degree.
    Or
  • A verified appropriate (animal science, production or husbandry) Bachelor's Degree from a recognised international institution. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Students will complete all 8 compulsory modules of 16 Credits each. Research methodology and a research project will be incorporated within the modules.

    Modules:
  • Animal Nutrition Science 1.
  • Animal Nutrition Science 2.
  • Animal Breeding Science 1.
  • Animal Breeding Science 2.
  • Animal Management Science 1.
  • Animal Management Science 2.
  • Animal Management Science 3.
  • Animal Science.

    Total Credits for the qualification: 128. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically review current general trends in the field of animal science from a South African perspective.
    2. Examine current theoretical approaches to animal nutrition, animal breeding and animal management.
    3. Apply the principles of research to investigate an area of animal science.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the gathering and analysis of data.
  • Team work is demonstrated in the ability to successfully gather information.
  • Organising self is demonstrated in the successful presentation of a completed dissertation.
  • Collating information is indicated in all the areas studied.
  • Effective communicating is demonstrated through the ability to present a report.
  • Utilising science and technology is clearly indicate in the gathering of information and the presentation of information analysed.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the ability to contrast and compare current trends and applications. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    These are applied generically to any or all of the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • The current thinking on animal science with regard to nutrition is explained.
  • The control of animal parasites and pathogens is discussed in terms of maintaining healthy animals.
  • The current approaches to animal breeding are discussed in terms of genetics.
  • Current trends in animal management sciences are described.
  • Current legislation pertaining to Animal Welfare and the application thereof is discussed.
  • The concept of an Animal Ethics Committee is debated.
  • The potential and limitations of the agricultural sector in terms of animal science to ensure international competitiveness is analysed.
  • Applicable research is carried out in a scientific manner and a report is prepared and presented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous assessment is carried out by means of four to five written tests and practical assignments, seminars and scientific presentations.

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of the period of learning and takes the form of an oral examination and a written examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Melburne, Australia:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management:
    This qualification consists of 100 Credits points and may be undertaken as either full time study over one year or part-time study over two years.
    The qualification comprises six compulsory modules and two elective modules. Each module is worth 12.5 Credits. The research project is built into the two electives.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Monogastric Science.
  • Stress Physiology.
  • Dairy Systems.
  • Nutrition and Feed Science.
  • Securing Sufficient and Healthy Food.
  • Climate Change: Agricultural Impacts and Adaptation.

    Elective modules:
  • Financial Management for Agribusiness.
  • Animal Welfare.
  • Behaviour of Farm and Companion Animals.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Current Issues in Dairy Science.
  • Food Biotechnology.
  • Genetics and Animal Breeding.
  • Global Environment and Sustainability.
  • Psychology of HR Practice.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Leadership.
  • Management of Plant and Animal Invasions.
  • Managing Markets.
  • Meat and Meat Products Technology.
  • Operations and Decision-making.
  • Project Management.
  • Research Methods for Life Sciences.
  • Research Philosophies and Statistics.

    Although the names of the modules differ, the content of this Australian qualification is fairly similar to that of the South African (SA) one. There is a wide selection of elective modules, whereas the SA choice is much more limited. Both qualifications have a research project built into the elective modules; however, for both, the completion of a research project is compulsory.

    Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Animal Science):
    In order to enter this qualification, candidates must be in possession of either a major in Animal Science or another approved subject as defined for the Bachelor of Science Degree, or a relevant Bachelor's Degree.

    An approved selection of papers from a given schedule to a total of 120 Credits must be studied and may include a 30 Credits research report.

    Schedule of papers:
  • Ruminant Livestock Feeding.
  • Intensive Livestock Feeding.
  • Equine Science.
  • Growth and Meat Science.
  • Genetics and Breeding.
  • Fibre Physiology.
  • Reproduction and Fertility.
  • Metabolism and Endocrinology.
  • Lactation and Milk Production.
  • Dairy Production.
  • Sheep Production.
  • Beef Cattle Production.
  • Pig Production.
  • Deer Production.
  • Poultry Production.
  • Advanced Equine Production.
  • Advanced Studies in Animal Science.
  • Advanced Studies in Animal Science.
  • Advanced Studies in Animal Production.
  • Advanced Studies in Animal Production.
  • Research Report.
  • Research Practice.
  • Research Methods.
  • Gene Expression.
  • Molecular Cell Biology.
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology.
  • Advanced Topics in Biochemistry.
  • Ruminant Nutrition.
  • Monogastric Nutrition.
  • Biometrics for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences.
  • Research Methods in Molecular Biosciences.
  • Endocrinology.
  • Neurophysiology and Neuro-endocrinology.
  • Reproductive Physiology.
  • Digestive Physiology.
  • Respiratory Physiology (Not offered 2010).
  • Perinatal Physiology.
  • Sensory Physiology.
  • Conservation Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology.
  • Animal Welfare Science.
  • Advanced Cell Physiology.
  • Animal Behaviour.
  • Entomology.
  • Biogeography and Systematics.

    This qualification from New Zealand (NZ) has a very wide selection of modules to choose from. Nevertheless, the modules given in the SA qualification are represented in the NZ one. Unlike the SA qualification, the NZ one does not require a compulsory research project - it is optional.

    Conclusion:
    As can be seen from the modules offered in these two international qualifications, this Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Sciences does not contain the variety of modules from which a selection may be made. However, the modules offered by this qualification subsume many of the modules offered in the two international qualifications quoted.

    The South African qualification requires a higher number of credits to be achieved and requires that a separate research project must be included.

    This Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Sciences compares favourably with similar international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree: Animal or Agricultural Sciences at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree: Animal or Agricultural Sciences at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All final examinations, be they oral or written are subjected to internal and external moderation. Moderators are appointed and approved by the Faculty of AgriSciences. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors for this qualification should:
  • Hold at least a relevant qualification, one level higher than this qualification.
  • Have at least two years experience as an assessor in the subject matter and assessment.
  • Show competence in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.