Postgraduate Diploma in Food Security

Food security is a term that encompasses many concepts, including nutrition in the household, access (physical and financial) to food at the local, regional or national levels, and policy that can hinder or reduce quality and access to food. This qualification aims to develop a multi-disciplinary framework for applied research and the development and evaluation of intervention programmes and policy in various aspects of food security.

The Postgraduate Programme in Food Security of the University of Natal focuses on food security in developing countries (in particular, the southern African region) through identification of food security issues, establishment of baseline information, and development of appropriate and improved strategies that impact on food security. It draws from expertise in many relevant disciplines, applies an integrated approach and equips the candidate/participant with the necessary skills to identify and analyse pertinent food security policy issues, formulate policy, and then design and implement programmes. The qualification would prepare post graduate students for careers in multi-disciplinary research, programme and policy development and food security advocacy.

The basic requirement for entry will be a recognised first degree of an acceptable academic standing, or approved equivalent. A mature student with field experience will be considered under the normal Faculty rules of exception.

Prior learning will be recognised in cases in transcripts adequately demonstrate similar coursework and experience and where applicants can demonstrate acquisition of knowledge and skills from previous learning experiences.

• Identify and solve food security problems in a creative and critical manner;
• Work effectively with others from relevant disciplines and sectors to apply an integrated approach;
• Be self-organised and self-managed for effective work;
• Collect, analyse and evaluate food security information;
• Communicate food security issues effectively and appropriately; and
• Use related tools critically, effectively and responsibly.

The PG Diploma builds on the learning started in the Workshop, extending the understanding of policy issues and policy options of FS. This level includes an internship or dissertation and emphasises research skills and programme design.

• understand policy implications for FS issues and suggests policy options
• design and plan programme to improve FS situation
• facilitate seminars, public meetings
• integrate specialist knowledge with FS
• complete internship or complete dissertation
• independently collect, analyse and evaluate FS information *seminar (oral presentation, written document, use of media)
• report on independent research
• use computers for reporting and analysis
• understand research as a tool (ethics, limitations, etc.)
• understand and use appropriate research methods

Integrated Assessment

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

A variety of summative and formative assessment procedures will be imployed, including tests, essays, group projects, seminars and portfolios as well as practice and feedback on essential skills in communication, group skills, and research methods. Emphasis will be placed on integration of learning activities in assessment procedures especially in the foundation module and core food security module.