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: 

Diploma in Marine Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94862  Diploma in Marine Science 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Marine Science qualification is to provide learners with theoretical and practical competencies in marine science and marine conservation. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent in the theoretical, applied and general skills across a variety of scientific and technological disciplines, as well as general knowledge of statistics and the legal aspects of marine science and conservation. During the first and second semesters, learners will acquire broad insights into the fundamentals of marine science and concepts underpinning the marine sector. During the third and fourth semesters, the learners will acquire in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in various marine modules. In the third year, learners will be able to decide on a stream of marine science that focuses on one of three streams: aquaculture, marine conservation and marine science. Learners may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certificated Natural Scientists. The Diploma in Marine Science will target learners who have a keen interest in marine sciences, the environment and conservation. Additionally, the diploma will target individuals who are currently employed in industry and want to further their education. Students will want to complete this qualification because they will gain specialised knowledge and skills through classroom and practical experiences. Students will benefit from this qualification through enhanced employability, industry-relevant skills, networking and professional connections and a pathway to postgraduate studies. Additionally, this qualification intends to empower learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently in the workplace.

This qualification will provide an academic pathway to postgraduate studies. Occupational pathways could include careers in climate change, marine aquaculture, oceanography and marine conservation. This qualification leads to graduate and postgraduate studies in Marine Sciences. The qualified person will have the requisite levels of theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical proficiency in concepts related to Oceanography, Marine Biology and Marine Ecology to establish a successful career in the marine science sector. As part of this qualification, students will be responsible for participating in relevant tasks associated with the subjects, including the application of knowledge, completion of industry-related activities during WIL, community engagement, basic research and problem-solving skills.

Upon completion of the qualification, the student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate Technological Capability and Foresight by effectively applying current technologies and anticipating future technological trends to address industry and societal challenges within the marine sciences field.
  • Exhibit strong Relational Capability through effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills across diverse contexts and relevant stakeholder groups.
  • Apply Resilience and Problem-Solving Capability by navigating complex and changing environments with adaptability, critical thinking, and innovative solutions.
  • Uphold Ethical Capability by acting with integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility in professional practice.

    Rationale:
    The marine sector is an ever-growing field in South Africa. The fishing industry alone is estimated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to be worth R2 billion annually and employs about 27,000 people. The total annual fish production from marine fisheries is more than 600,000 tons a year. Given the market trends, South Africa's environmental potential for aquaculture and the state of development of its industry and production could grow from an estimated 3 543 tons (worth R218 million) to more than 90 000 tons (worth R2,4 billion) over the next 10 to 20 years (Pocket Guide to South Africa 2010/11 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). These estimations only take the formal fishing industry into account, while the vast recreational angling sector also requires skilled personnel to regulate and manage it.

    Besides fishing and aquaculture, there is an urgent need to produce qualified personnel to manage the ever-growing number of Marine Protected Areas, and to assist with the implementation of a raft of new legislation governing the management of estuaries and the coastal zone. Much of the developing tourism industry is concentrated along the coastal areas, creating the need for trained personnel to exploit the educational and ecotourism opportunities provided, as well as to manage the inevitable conflicts between people and the natural environment. Further industrialisation of South Africa will also need suitably trained technicians for the management, control and mitigation of marine pollution.

    The National Diploma in Oceanography started in the 1960's. The qualification intended to train oceanographic technicians employed at the so-called Sea Fisheries Research Institute (SFRI). The course was only offered to those employed at SFRI. In the 1990's the qualification was opened to the public. This opening, however, also meant that the employment market widened whilst the learning content remained the same. Given the developments in technology and science in general, there is a need to align a new marine science qualification to the changing needs of the business, government sectors and society as a whole.

    Applications of theoretical and practical knowledge in marine science impact various aspects of the workplace in business, applied sciences and industries related to the marine sector. From planning and design to monitoring and forecasting, and quality control, various principles are applied in all steps of the operations. Rapid changes in the workplace, where new technologies are embraced for the industry to be more globally competitive, have increased the demand for technical skills where knowledge is applied to processes and operations across several marine-related based disciplines such as climatic changes, marine aquaculture, oceanography and marine conservation.

    The qualification in marine science should also bridge the skills gap, accrediting those employed in the marine sector, and thus enhancing their status, productivity and employability in the workplace. A further reason for offering the qualification is to address the shortage of marine technicians and conservationists in the country. Marine science plays a key part in addressing climatic changes, resource management and environmental management. Training and education in this field can hence play a role in supporting climate change scientists, marine engineers and businesses in solving problems. This qualification helps to forge links between academia on the one hand, and stakeholders in business and industry, government departments and non-profit organisations, on the other.

    While the marine sector is obviously distributed all along South Africa's coastline, its hub is situated in the Western Cape and in particular Cape Town, thus making the institution ideally placed to offer the qualification in Marine Science. The head office of both the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) marine research and management is in Cape Town (including the research aquarium at Sea Point and oceanographic and polar research vessels based in Cape Town harbour) since the majority of the fishing and aquaculture industry is run from the region. The South African Naval hydrographic office and research facility are based in Simons town, while several coastal national parks, such as Table Mountain National Park, and West Coast National Park, are within easy reach of the institution. These operations, together with facilities such the Two Oceans Aquarium, all provide valuable synergies which will enhance the meaningful delivery of the Marine Science qualification, as well as provide opportunities for relevant and practical experience. In addition, learners will gain valuable access to future potential employers and vice versa. The Diploma in Marine Science will attract individuals who have a keen interest in marine sciences, the environment and conservation. Additionally, the diploma will attract individuals who are currently employed in industry who want to further their education. Potential learning pathways include further postgraduate studies, including but not limited to Advanced Diploma Marine Science, Postgraduate Diploma Marine Science and Honours, Masters and PhDs in related fields.
    Learners of this qualification will be skilled with competencies in marine science and be prepared to pursue careers in climate change, marine aquaculture, oceanography and marine conservation. The qualification is relevant and responsive to the development needs of society in a changing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL may be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption (credit) or advanced standing.

    RPL for access:
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
    RPL for exemption of modules
  • An applicant may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For an applicant to be exempted from a module, the applicant needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio or via appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the module's learning outcomes.
    RPL for credit:
  • An applicant may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio and/or appropriate method of assessment that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place to be considered for admission:
  • Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4, grants access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, grants access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4, grants access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, and 6, totalling 375 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 192 Credits
  • Marine Science 1, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Skills 1, 12 Credits.
  • Biomathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Chemistry 1, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Physics 1, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Skills 1, 12 Credits.
  • Ecology 1, 12 Credits.
  • Ecology 2, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Biology 1, 12 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 12 Credits.
  • Coastal Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Resource Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Pollution 1, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Law 1, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Aquaculture 1, 12 Credits.
  • Business Principles, 12 Credits

    Elective modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 15, (Select one of the following three elective options):
  • Marine Aquaculture 2, 15 Credits.
  • Marine Law 2, 15 Credits.
  • Coastal Management 3, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 153 Credits
  • Marine Science 2, 12 Credits
  • Marine Biology 2, 12 Credits
  • Computer Skills 2, 12 Credits
  • Coastal Management 2, 12 Credits
  • Marine Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Ecology 3, 15 Credits.
  • Marine Biology 3, 15 Credits.
  • Marine Science 3, 15 Credits.
  • Marine Science Industry Project, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and apply integrated marine science knowledge and understanding to solve problems within the marine and coastal environments.
    2. Communicate, interpret and present marine science information (written and oral) to diverse stakeholders including industry partners and community members.
    3. Plan, implement and evaluate marine science projects and collaborative activities using appropriate problem-solving strategies.
    4. Apply marine instrumentation, computer software and data management principles to generate and interpret marine and coastal data.
    5. Evaluate ecological, ethical, social and entrepreneurial considerations to support responsible marine environment management and professional practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse marine coastal and marine environmental problems using relevant scientific principles and laws to generate context-appropriate solutions.
  • Evaluate ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing coastal and marine systems to justify selected mitigation or intervention strategies.
  • Integrate multidisciplinary coastal and marine knowledge to explain and resolve defined marine science scenarios coherently and logically.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Collect, collate and synthesise ecological, social, scientific and legal information accurately for defined purposes.
  • Interpret and communicate relevant legislation and procedures clearly to a variety of stakeholders including industry partners and community members.
  • Present scientific information and professional support in written and oral formats appropriate to the marine sector context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse a variety of stakeholder relationships including industry partners and community members and sector dynamics to inform responsible decision-making in coastal and marine contexts.
  • Apply problem-solving strategies grounded in coastal and marine science principles to identify appropriate interventions or specialist referrals.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate coastal and marine science projects using structured project management principles and defined objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Select and utilise appropriate marine instrumentation and technologies to collect reliable environmental data under specific conditions.
  • Apply principles of data management to analyse, interpret and evaluate coastal and marine environmental information accurately.
  • Integrate technological tools, both equipment and software, to support coastal and marine resource management while minimising ecological impact.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate ethical accountability and professional principles in coastal and marine science practice within regulatory and environmental frameworks.
  • Analyse ecological, social and systemic interrelationships influencing coastal and marine environmental management decisions.
  • Apply business, financial and organisational principles to develop feasible entrepreneurial or professional initiatives within the coastal and marine sector.

    Integrated Assessment
    The following methods of assessment will be applied:
  • Six months of work integrated learning examined.
  • On-site visits and interviews.
  • Learners and supervisor evaluation procedures.
  • Final practical evaluation examined by both internal and external examiners and moderated by a representative from the industry.
  • Presentation at a symposium held annually by the department.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Tutorials,
  • Practical's, and
  • Discussions and debates

    Summative Assessment:
  • Two/three-semester tests
  • Written/oral assignments 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Tasmania
    Qualification: Associate Degree in Applied Science (Marine Environment).

    University of Tasmania in Australia offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science (Marine Environment). This qualification is designed to provide students with foundational and applied knowledge in marine and environmental science. Additionally, the qualification includes theoretical instruction and practical components in marine systems, environmental processes and scientific investigation. Students will develop skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation within coastal and marine contexts. The Associate Degree prepares graduates for employment in environmental and technical support roles or for progression to further undergraduate and postgraduate study. The applied and interdisciplinary focus of the Associate Degree in Applied Science (Marine Environment) aligns with the knowledge base and practical orientation of the Diploma in Marine Sciences.


    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Southern Maine Community College
    Qualification: Associate Degree in Marine Science

    Southern Maine Community College in the United States of America offers an Associate Degree in Marine Science. This qualification provides learners with foundational academic knowledge and applied laboratory and field skills necessary for employment as research assistants and technicians in marine and environmental science fields. The programme includes coursework in marine biology, ecology, oceanographic processes and scientific data analysis, with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Graduates may articulate into bachelor's degree programmes or enter the workforce in entry-level marine science positions. The balance between theoretical understanding and applied competence is comparable to the structure and purpose of the Diploma in Marine Sciences.

    As of November 2024, no African tertiary institutions outside of South Africa currently offer a Diploma in Marine Science or a directly comparable sub-degree qualification. Degree programmes in related marine and environmental fields are available at various institutions across the continent.

    Conclusion
    The Diploma compares favourably with international undergraduate associate degree qualifications in Marine Science and Marine Environment studies. The curriculum demonstrates alignment in terms of foundational scientific knowledge, applied laboratory and field competence, interdisciplinary marine content and preparation for employment or further academic progression. While many international institutions primarily offer marine science qualifications at bachelor or postgraduate level, the Associate Degree examples illustrate that comparable qualifications exist internationally with similar scope, structure and applied focus. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation :
  • Advanced Diploma in Marine Science, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Environmental Practitioner, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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. Cape Peninsula 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.