Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management is to equip learners with a detailed and integrated body of knowledge in the specific field of Conservation Management and Wildlife Biology as contained in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology. The qualification is intended to empower learners with knowledge and insight into the latest advanced theories of biodiversity, conservation, and wildlife management. The qualification demands a high level of applied practical engagement, and the development of intellectual independence. Learners will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future Conservation issues directed at the co-management of environmental, agricultural, industrial, and ecological problems and developments.

The qualification will enable learners to draw on a body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences within the field of Conservation Management in South and Southern African contexts. The qualification prepares learners for further studies providing an integrated and detailed knowledge, and knowledge literacy of conservation management concepts, principles and rules which must be recognised, researched, evaluated, processed, and applied to relevant examples in the fields of Conservation and Wildlife management. In addition, graduates will be able to apply evidence-based solutions which are critically evaluated and applied to case studies relevant to the fields above.

On the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Integrate multiple sources of knowledge, as well as evaluate and process the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories relevant to the specific fields of conservation and wildlife management.
• Investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management ethically and professionally.
• Critically reflect, facilitate, and manage activities within the specific context of Conservation and Wildlife Management, taking decisions and responding ethically and professionally.
• Produce and communicate ideas and results using appropriate academic, and professional discourse by implementing a variety of methodologies and advanced techniques relevant to the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management.
• Identify, evaluate, and address his or her learning needs in a self-critical manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within an appropriate research environment.
• Distinguish and resolve problems using research and theory-driven arguments, pertaining, but not limited to:
• Plant Studies.
• Animal Studies.
• Applied Research Methodology including focused skills in innovative applied methods, cutting-edge survey techniques and data handling. > Resource Management and underlying philosophies and models in Conservation Management.

Rationale

South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is committed to the implementation of a national strategy to conserve and manage biological diversity that aligns with the international global strategies for Conservation and Wildlife Management, specifically the Aichi goals of the CBD and the sustainability goals of the United Nations (UN). Hence, the sustainable management of South and Southern Africa's indigenous biological natural resources is crucial for the persistence and survival of people, biodiversity and continued sustainable economic development of the conservation estate. This qualification will serve to strengthen and deepen the knowledge of graduates in this discipline or profession managing in national parks, and public and private protected areas.

The qualification demands a high level of theoretical and practical engagement and the development of intellectual independence and leadership. Learners will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future conservation management and allied ecological problems, which could negatively impact the rich biodiversity and natural resources of South Africa (SA). Achieving this qualification enables the qualifying learner to progress within a career path at the level of a senior conservation manager, nature conservator or conservation scientist and to actively participate in management actions that conform to relevant legislation and statutory bodies.

The qualification will deepen and enhance professional competence in the Conservation and Wildlife Management field on a regional and national scale and fits with the general ethos of the Institution which is currently delivering a programme that enables graduates to continue with specialised development in the field of Conservation. This qualification will support the goals of Chapter Two (Bill of Rights), Section 24 of the Constitution of SA, Act 108 of 1996 (to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations). Learners will develop a deep and applied cognitive knowledge and integrated understanding of legislature and other aspects that prevent ecosystem collapse. The qualification will promote biodiversity conservation and secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development particularly rural and specifically the foundation of ecotourism. In addition to the Botanical and Zoological Studies, the scope of practice will cover intensive natural resource monitoring, conservation management and cutting-edge research methodologies and field techniques.

The qualified graduate will be able to investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management both ethically and professionally. The graduate will be able to draw on the body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences.

The academic Advisory Board Committee to the Department of Nature Conservation comprising industrial and other stakeholders provided input into the development of the curriculum, to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. Continued input from the committee will ensure that the qualification is of outstanding quality and associated with the latest developmental and technological advancements in the conservation and wildlife management sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification 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 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

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio 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

• Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management, NQF level 07.

Or

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology: Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 08, 120 Credits

• Animal Studies IV, 24 Credits.
• Plant Studies IV, 24 Credits.
• Research Methodology II, 24 Credits.
• Resource Management IV, 24 Credits.
• Conservation Management I, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of Conservation Management and related disciplines or practices, an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, ethical requirements, and techniques relevant to the field and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context of Botanical and Zoological research methodology and research ethics and Resource Management.
2. Demonstrate the ability to investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management ethically and professionally.
3. Critically reflect, facilitate, and manage activities within the specific context of Conservation and Wildlife Management, taking decisions and responding ethically and professionally. The graduate will effectively justify those decisions and actions in a self-critical manner, taking full responsibility and accountability for their work ethic and decision-making, drawing on appropriate ethical principles and approaches within the environment under study and supervision.
4. Produce and communicate ideas and results using appropriate academic, and professional discourse by implementing a variety of methodologies and advanced techniques relevant to the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management.
5. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Recognise, research, evaluate, and process the integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of conservation management concepts, principles and rules and apply them to relevant examples in the fields of conservation and wildlife management.
• Identify, analyse, and resolve ecological concepts, theories, and strategies in the research fields of advanced Botany and Zoology using applicable examples typically to the conservation and game ranch management sector.
• Integrate multiple sources of knowledge, as well as evaluate and process the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories relevant to the specific fields of conservation and wildlife management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Utilise the methods of enquiry to investigate complex problems in the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management and current topical research areas.
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions to case studies relevant to the fields of study.
• Distinguish, contrast, and apply methods in advanced Botanical and Zoological research methodology to resolve problems using research and theory-driven arguments.
• Apply the body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify, formulate, and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding research methodology and research practice within an appropriate and controlled research environment by critically reflecting, facilitating, and managing the research process in an ethical and professional manner.
• Defend, appraise, and judge the ethical values and approaches to research-management principles and research practice based on research results and assess the validity and appropriateness of the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Justify appropriate academic, and professional discourse and adhere to using an assortment of technologies, methodologies, and techniques relevant to research in the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management.
• Apply creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context of Conservation Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Base the individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures.
• Identify, evaluate, and address the continuous professional development of learning needs in a self-critical manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the graduate and his/her peers within an appropriate research environment.
• Ability to refer personal and peer conduct and accountability to relevant organisational structures.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting, and communicating knowledge in this field of study. Integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the qualification. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) and assessment criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice, as well as module outcomes, and design aligned with the ELOs.

As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the qualification. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:

• Quality assurance policies, procedures, and processes.
• Guided and supported learning environment.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth, and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process on how teaching and learning can be improved.

Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, which include, not limited to:

• Assignments.
• Practicals and practical assessments.
• Theory tests.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module, or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, regarding level descriptors, specific outcomes, and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of including, but not limited to:

• Portfolios of evidence.
• Presentations.
• Tests.