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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93614  Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu University of Technology 
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  120  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 qualification is aimed at providing access to Masters Degree qualifications and developing a career path for graduates.

The Postgraduate Diploma qualification develops the academic ability to apply scientific methods in supervised research and/or problem solving and the communication and/or effective implementation of investigative research findings. It focuses on whole-system management of terrestrial biomes, freshwater ecosystems and marine and coastal regions.

Rationale:
The Qualification objective is to develop a post graduate career path for diplomates and qualified Nature Conservators by developing their skills in management fields aimed specifically at management within Protected Areas, and developing research skills to prepare them for further post graduate study. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In accordance with the Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy candidates may gain access to the qualification without the prerequisite formal qualification by being granted advanced standing on the basis of the assessment of prior learning. In addition registered learners in the qualification may have prior learning assessed to be granted exemption from certain modules according to the Institution's policy and procedures.

Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have either of the following to gain entrance:
  • Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Technology in Nature Conservation.
    Or
  • Equivalent qualification with an aggregate of 60% for all major subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of seven compulsory modules each worth 20 Credits totalling 120 Credits.
  • Environmental Extension IV.
  • Sustainable Development.
  • Conservation Ecology V.
  • Research Project.
  • Research Proposal.
  • Resource Management VI.
  • Resource Management V. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to manage ecosystems as Nature Conservationists or managers of terrestrial, freshwater or marine and coastal ecosystems.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for and management of sustainable development in Protected Areas.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the latest developments in the field of environmental extension and proficient in the use of the latest tools and techniques.
    4. Present a research proposal.
    5. Design, execute, analyse and report on research in the context of natural resource management and conservation.
    6. Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, subordinates and other nature conservation professionals. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Scientific method to collecting information required for managing living natural resources are applied.
  • Techniques of protecting and restoring ecosystems and species are employed.
  • The concept of flux in nature and its applicability in protected area management is explained.
  • The importance of including people in protected area management is highlighted.
  • Change in protected areas is monitored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The concept of sustainable development is explained.
  • Biodiversity prospecting and its control and management in Protected Areas is critically analysed.
  • Mechanisms for the valuation of Protected Areas is understood and applied.
  • An understanding that the concept of a biosphere reserve as an important sustainable development initiative is demonstrated.
  • The role of ecotourism in sustainable development of Protected Areas is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Principles and practices of extension management are applied.
  • Environmental extension is analysed.
  • Elements of communication in extension are applied.
  • Environmental extension programme is planned and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A chosen field/area of research is identified.
  • A survey of previous research on the field/area is completed.
  • A survey of relevant literature conducted.
  • A list relevant reference is cited.
  • A provisional title for the research project is supplied.
  • The context of research approach is identified.
  • Research methodology to be used is described.
  • Research goals and objectives are formulated.
  • The research procedure is summarised and a written proposal is submitted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The term research is defined and discussed.
  • Research is related to nature conservation.
  • The characteristics of research are discussed.
  • Knowledge of the tools of research is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of the preparation of research is applied.
  • Knowledge of the special approaches towards nature conservation research is demonstrated.
  • Awareness of typical problems relating to nature conservation and/or technological research is demonstrated.
  • General knowledge of the writing of scientific and technological seminars is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of research methodology is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of biometrical calculations is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Confidence in speaking is demonstrated.
  • Fluency in current conservation terminology is demonstrated.
  • Integrated writing skills are demonstrated.
  • Analytical reading skills are demonstrated.
  • Interpersonal skills are demonstrated.
  • Task, activity and report books are used and managed effectively.
  • Record keeping is effective.
  • Processing of analytical observations is accurate.
  • Interpretation and appropriate application of a wide range of data is demonstrated.
  • Filing system is managed effectively.
  • Correspondence is handled effectively.
  • Telephone techniques are used effectively.
  • Appropriate and effective body language is displayed.
  • Communication with supervisor, peers and subordinates is effective.
  • Conflict resolution skills are demonstrated.
  • Dynamics of negotiations are understood and demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of intercultural communication is applied.
  • Moral standards are adhered to.
  • Mutual respect for supervisor, peers and subordinates is demonstrated.
  • A variety of routine and non-routine responsibilities are handled effectively.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:
    Formative assessment the following:
  • Assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Practical tests.
  • Mini projects.
  • Research proposal.
  • Research project progress reports.
  • Reports.
  • Oral evaluation.
  • Presentations.

    Summative assessment:
  • Written examinations.
  • Research project report.
  • Practical examinations.
  • A portfolio of work is compiled and assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The content of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) offered by Massey University in New Zealand has been compared with this qualification. The qualification is aimed at providing training to postgraduates seeking careers in Conservation Biology. The qualification has a strong emphasis on integrating theory with practice and teaching state-of-the-art analytical techniques. The qualification is compared to this one in terms of number of credits which both consists of 120 Credits and most of the modules that learners must complete.

    The University of Queensland in Australia also offers a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management (GDipEnvMan). The qualification focus on assisting learners with knowledge and skills to manage natural resources (land, water, forests, minerals, marine resources, biodiversity), often in conjunction with the use of land for production enterprises. The two semester qualification consists mostly of content that is the same with the Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation.

    Trinity College at the University of Dublin offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Biodiversity and Conservation. The qualification is designed to provide learners with a sound theoretical and practical grounding in the science of biological diversity and its conservation. It provides in-depth training and experience for those looking to further their career in various aspects of biodiversity and conservation.

    Conclusion:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation compares favourably with the selected qualifications from these countries in terms of content, duration and entry requirement. The qualifications also share a common purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Admission to the qualification will be for learners in possession of the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation or the Bachelor of Technology in Nature Conservation.

    This is planned in order to provide a career path for Diplomates and give access to further Postgraduate studies.

    Articulation for graduates would be to a Professional Masters in Nature Conservation. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Mangosuthu University of Technology 


    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.