Master of Horticultural Science

Purpose

The overall aim of this qualification is to equip learners with the required disciplinary knowledge, practice-based skills and research capacity to produce a research project and dissertation with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability meeting acceptable academic and professional standards. The institution aims to graduate Higher Degree research learners who are distinguished by their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the field of study and/or academic discipline, including, where appropriate, relevant expertise outside the area of study and/or academic discipline, as well as a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of the field of study and/or area of professional practice.

The overall purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research, including critical awareness of current issues and developments in this field of study. In addition, Master's Degree learners will be required to conduct a research project through independent research culminating in the production and successful completion of a dissertation, which implies that learners must have a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in planning, managing and executing a substantial research project, while demonstrating the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in this field of study. In completing the research project and dissertation, students must demonstrate the ability to address complex and challenging problems and show an understanding of the ethical issues and consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

In this field of study, the purpose of the qualification is to prepare qualifying learners in acquiring a high level of theoretical knowledge and skills for its application in professional practice. The qualification will develop the intellectual independence to relate and reflect critically on theory and its use in solving complex issues through creative design and critically appraise research in appropriate areas of professional practice. Students should be able to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with the theoretical underpinning in a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address challenging problems to advance their knowledge in further development or uncovering of experience within the field of horticulture. Master of Horticultural Science qualifying learners will be able to work as researchers in various horticultural and related fields including, plant breeding and product development, the advancement of artistic techniques, urban greening and amenity resource management, ecology and environmental education. The master's will meet the need of the stakeholders and the green industry with emphasis to explore the development/improvement in propagation/cultivation of indigenous plant species.

Rationale

This qualification aims to provide the opportunity for science-based research studies in ornamental horticulture in understanding and to apply in-depth knowledge of the profession and current practice. It relates directly to national needs and is in line with the national strategic objective to increase the shortage of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD's) in the country. It also supports the increase of research activities, i.e. publications and scientific progress. It serves regional needs with a focus on research and development of indigenous and endemic plant species. This qualification is also a research programme on many ornamental and medicinal Fynbos plant species as a niche area. Many of the plant species are also endemic to the area. This focus also draws international students with interest in researching South African Fynbos plant species. A further emphasis of studies is also on medicinal plants and cultivation techniques to promote sustainability and improve product quality and development. The faculty has also established an indigenous medicinal plant niche area, headed by the department and in collaboration with other African universities.

Horticulture plays a vital role in society, having an influence on lifestyle and general health of humans in various ways. The field includes the production of ornamental plants, vegetables and the development of green environments which is known to have a positive effect on emotional well-being of humans. Horticulturists are at the heart of such events. With this qualification, the student will acquire the necessary skills for managerial expertise in fields of urban greening and ecology; sports turf management and plant production in nursery management liked with a solid grounding in environmental conservation and utilisation. Environmental degradation of rural and urban areas is a global problem, especially in South Africa where many habitats are threatened with urban development and environmental degradation. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge in the capacity to restore and maintain environmental and human habitats. Further research is needed on environmental sustainability, plant propagation, production technology to economic implications and conservation of threatened species.

Master's Degree learners will engage in advanced studies and research fields such as plant breeding and genetics, physiology and biochemistry, weed science, plant molecular biology, organic, sustainable horticulture crop production and nutrient management. There is insufficient awareness of various functional aesthetic and urban conservation uses of plants which can serve to promote human and social well-being. With the rich species diversity in South Africa, there is a particular need for the development and improvement of ornamental crop plants. Some of these needs are addressed by government, and non-government institutions and learners find employment by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the South African National Parks (SANPARKS). Qualified students could apply their research skills in various horticultural, urban greening, amenity resource management, ecology and environmental education at these government departments, institutes, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO's), tertiary educational institutions, specialist (seed, fertilisers and micropropagation) companies and the private sector.

However, additional researchers are required to meet the growing needs of these organisations. The qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers that can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the fields of production and urban horticulture. This qualification will develop both their research skills and their specialist knowledge in these fields.

The qualification will benefit individuals as well as support economic development. Further, through its emphasis on environmental awareness, urban conservation and the specialist application of plants for commercial and social purposes, it has the potential ultimately to play a role in promoting general social well-being.

Thirdly, this qualification is also in keeping with the institution's vision, mission and strategic objectives of enhancing and developing the quality and effectiveness of research and knowledge production and is aligned to the overall aims and research niche areas of the Research, Technology and Innovation blueprint of the institution.

Fourthly, will also prepare learners with the required research capacity to embark on a Doctoral qualification in this field of study.

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

• Bachelor's Honours Degree (Level 8),

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8 in the field of study or related field(s) of study,

Or

• A Professional Bachelor's Degree (480 SAQA Credits), NQF Level 8 in this field of research or related field(s) of study.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

• Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Gain an understanding of the research process.
2. Access, process and manage information applicable to the research project.
3. Plan and prepare a research proposal.
4. Compile and present the research proposal.
5. Show accountability and management of own learning.
6. Act ethically and professionally.
7. Plan and manage the research project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
8. Conduct a literature review and use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
9. Apply research methods for data collection, analysis and interpretation, including the use of appropriate computer software programmes.
10. Draw conclusions and present research results by compiling a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by the research results and findings in the research report.
11. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project.
12. Demonstrate problem-solving abilities to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project with an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Display adequate understanding the foundations, paradigms and nature of research relevant to the academic discipline, the field of study and professional practice.
• Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received in a manner that shows improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply critical aspects of research design, such as exploration, description and explanation, and the research process to plan and execute a research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Locate, analyse, critically appraise and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to compile the literature review of the research proposal and to make informed decisions regarding research design and methodology.
• Use the prescribed referencing technique of the institution correctly and accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality, etc. in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.
• Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the area of research and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate the ability to use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field of study, discipline and professional practice to present the research proposal in written and oral format to a range of audiences, including peers and examiners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the research and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines pertinent to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the area of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical purposes (if relevant to a field of study).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Work within the ethical framework as defined in institutional criteria, procedures and guidelines in terms of plagiarism and copyright, confidentiality, ownership and professionalism and obtain permission and ethical clearance from relevant authorities to execute the research project.
• Exercise informed judgement to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues pertinent to the chosen research problem.
• Consider issues of confidentiality (if applicable) and adhere to institutional/professional requirements in this regard.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her work while managing resources (e.g. time, budget, technology, equipment, etc.) in compiling the research proposal.
• With a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using available resources assigned to the task (e.g. funding, infrastructure, academic, technical and administrative staff and or assistants, etc.) and within the timeframe allocated to the project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Select relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of study or discipline and to produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of research or discipline that shows originality
• Demonstrate in-depth learning with abstraction and understanding knowledge of the field/area of investigation using a well-structured literature review.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome: 9

• Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using the appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.
• Present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and findings of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of study, discipline and profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome: 10

• Compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
• Assimilate data using different data collection methods (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
• Present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.
• Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.)

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome: 11

• Make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational and professional issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).
• Display a professional attitude, ethical behaviour and values in presenting results to a scientific audience in reflecting on professional practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome: 12

• Demonstrate the use of the full range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.
• Apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project against acceptable academic requirements.
• Prepare a report for publication in a nationally accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s) based on relevant criteria.

Integrated Assessment

The integrated assessment aims to assess the learner holistically and contributes to the learner's personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. The execution of the research project and production and acceptance of the dissertation constitute the total of a combination of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods at this level of study.

In executing the research project and dissertation, learners will

• Compile a scientific research proposal through integration and application of knowledge and skills within the area of specialisation in the field of study.
• Develop critical research skills and attributes in planning and research in the field of horticulture by applying knowledge, research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.
• Dealing with unpredictability in problem-solving, extracting, interpreting and analysing research results accurately.
• Taking responsibility and autonomy in the research process in drawing conclusions and reporting research results in both scientific article and dissertation formats.

Formative Assessment

The student will be guided by the principal supervisor and appointed co-supervisors.

Summative Assessment

No written assessments apply for this qualification.