Master of Science: Ornamental Horticulture

Purpose

Students who qualify from the MSc: Ornamental Horticulture will be able to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of horticulture and landscape design. Qualified students will be able to work as researchers in various horticultural and landscaping fields including urban greening and amenity resource management, ecology and environmental education.

The qualification aims to contribute to the conservation field by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills in order to enhance an understanding of horticultural and landscaping issues and their management applications. It strives to promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources to the benefit of both humans and the natural environment.

Rationale

Environmental degradation in both rural and urban areas is a worldwide phenomenon and is particularly prevalent in South Africa, where many natural environments are challenged by threats such as global warming, desertification, and large-scale industrial and urban development. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of awareness and knowledge of the potential capacity of plants to create and restore environmental, human and animal health. In addition further research is needed on issues such as environmental sustainability, plant propagation and propagation facilities, economic implications of horticulture and landscaping interventions, and endangered plant species. There is also insufficient awareness of the various functional, aesthetic and urban conservation uses of plants which, when fully exploited, can serve to promote human and social well-being.

Some of the above needs are being addressed by government and non-governmental institutions such as Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), CSIR, tertiary educational institutions and a variety of private organisations such as seed companies, micro-propagation facilities and fertilization companies. However, additional researchers are required to meet the growing needs of these organisations. The MSc: Ornamental Horticulture 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 field of horticulture and landscaping. This qualification will develop both their research skills and their specialist knowledge in these fields.

Qualified students could apply their research skills in various horticultural and landscaping fields including urban greening and amenity resource management, ecology and environmental education. They could be employed by government, NGO's, specialist companies, the private sector, and tertiary education institutions.

The MSc: Ornamental Horticulture 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 economic and social purposes, it has the potential ultimately to play a role in promoting general social well-being.

It is assumed that students enrolling are already competent in the various areas of knowledge and skills as listed in the level descriptors for NQF level 8.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum admission requirement is the Postgraduate Diploma: Ornamental Horticulture or Postgraduate Diploma: Landscape Design at UNISA, a cognate Bachelor of Technology as offered prior to the implementation of the current HEQF, or a cognate qualification at NQF Level 8.

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

Students may be admitted if they, through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, can show that they have the requisite level of knowledge and skills. Students with disabilities could be granted admission wherever the nature of their disability does not preclude them from achieving the outcomes of the qualification.

Students who are judged to have an insufficient grounding in research skills may be required to complete one or more research related modules.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

• Total credits for the qualification: 180 Credits.
• Minimum credits at NQF Level 9: 120 Credits.
• Fundamental: 24 Credits (Research Proposal MPCAE91).
• Core: 156 Credits (Research thesis).
• Credits of this qualification are divided between fundamental (writing a research proposal) and core learning that is centred around a single advanced research project culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation/thesis.

1. Compile a scientific research proposal within the area of specialisation in the field of horticulture or landscape planning and management.
2. Conduct a research project in the field of horticulture or landscape planning and management.
3. Produce a research dissertation in the field of ornamental horticulture or landscape design.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes will be promoted by this qualification

• Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. The students will practise critical thinking and solve problems in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of horticulture and landscape design.
• Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation and community. Research involved in the qualification will be undertaken in collaboration with the supervisor and relevant stakeholders in the research project.
• Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. The qualification will require students to manage research autonomously and professionally to sustain independent learning.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Undertaking a complex research project will require students to carry out comprehensive data collection, analysis and evaluation.
• Communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and and/or language skills in various modes. The writing of a dissertation will require the use of professional discourse in the area of specialisation in line with the standards of scholarly writing and presentation.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. The research will support a responsible approach to the environment in accordance with the current ethical policies of UNISA.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Principles from a variety of disciplines and technologies will be applied in an integrated way when planning and conducting a research project.
• Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. The qualification will encourage the development of autonomous learning and the application of advanced learning strategies in collecting, synthesising, evaluating, interpreting information and formulating conclusions and recommendations.
• Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. The research will promote awareness of the various functional, aesthetic and urban conservation uses of plants which, when fully exploited, can serve to promote human and social well-being.
• Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. Horticultural and landscape design research and applications will develop cultural and aesthetic sensitivity. Participation in a research project may offer opportunities for intercultural interaction and the development of cultural sensitivity.
• Explore education and career opportunities. An awareness of further learning opportunities as well as career advancement will be promoted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A feasible research topic is identified within the field of horticulture or landscape planning and management.
• The research problem is appropriately formulated to address an issue that will contribute to the knowledge field of horticulture and landscape planning and management. The research proposal includes a clear description of the problem situation.
• A comprehensive search of scientific literature that is relevant to the topic is conducted and is used to inform the research.
• The proposal includes an appropriate research design and a practical and feasible research plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Sufficient data is collected using suitable methodologies and research techniques as approved in the research proposal.
• Data is analysed using recognised quantitative and/or qualitative techniques and is suitably interpreted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The research dissertation is clear and coherent and contains a problem statement, a literature review, a description of the research design, results, discussion and recommendations.
• Conclusions are drawn that follow logically from a reasonable interpretation of the data.
• Recommendations for further action and research are made that are appropriate and based on the research data.

Integrated Assessment

An Integrated Assessment of the main outcomes of the qualification is conducted in the research project according to the UNISA assessment policy. The activities involved in completing the qualification will integrate knowledge, skills and relevant values in the horticulture and landscape design field.

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