Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to provide graduates with an opportunity to develop a career path to obtain a postgraduate qualification in Horticulture with a higher level of theoretical knowledge and a path of advancement with research articulation to higher-level horticulture qualifications.

The qualification will develop learners with a deeper knowledge of theoretical information and practical engagement while exposed to industry situations in solving problems and advancing scientific research. The overall aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to contribute to the enhancement of quality and standards of the green industries with highly qualified graduates.

Rationale

South Africa is experiencing severe droughts which are affecting the horticulture and green industries. These industries are in constant flux due to environmental influences and customer behaviours. Research indicates that there is a lack of interest worldwide in the growing of plants including general food production. The National Policy on Food Security, the National Development Plan 2030 and the Province Provisional Strategic Objectives all indicate that the provision of higher quality products and food production is a priority.

Various stakeholders and the local industry such as government departments, municipalities and garden centres revealed that a shortage of horticultural knowledge and skills exists and there is a need to focus on future research to improve the quality of products, using fewer resources such as water, and growing local and export indigenous products for a competitive market. The demand for quality plant products needs to be aligned with many national and international organisations, such as the International Standards Organisation (ISO), Global Good Agricultural Practice (Globalgap), Plant Breeders Rights (PBR), Fair Trade (FT), Green Choice (GC) and Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP).

The qualification will assist to develop graduates with the knowledge and skills to support the development and improvement of indigenous species and to advance their future commercial potential nationally and internationally. It is aimed at supporting the national and regional needs of various sectors of the green industries to enhance the production, sales and research of green products.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture will provide an important level between the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture and the Master of Horticulture Science qualification to equip learners with the required skills to complete their studies successfully.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognitions of Prior Learning (RPL) will be promoted in keeping with national policy frameworks and the institution's mission and vision and widening of access by identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against a qualification or part thereof.

The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/ or formal learning.

RPL can be used to grant access to the qualification to those learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission and or credits towards the qualification based on their previous learning, but who can demonstrate that they effectively meet the learning expected to be in place prior to admission. The principle is to widen access to the qualification for those who have sufficient industry experience or knowledge in related fields, to be granted admission or partial credit exemption.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 7

Or

• Bachelor of Technology: Horticulture, NQF Level 7

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, NQF Level 7

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits

• Advanced Research Techniques A, 24 Credits
• Advanced Research Techniques B, 24 Credits
• Advanced Plant Physiology, 24 Credits

Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits (Choose/Select electives per group)

Group A

• Plantsmanship Conservation Proposal, 24 Credits
• Plantsmanship Conservation Project, 24 Credits

Group B

• New Plant Development Proposal, 24 Credits
• New Plant Development Project, 24 Credits

Group C

• Plant Tissue Culture Proposal, 24 Credits
• Plant Tissue Culture Project, 24 Credits

Group D

• Horticulture Enterprise Proposal, 24 Credits
• Horticulture Enterprise Project, 24 Credits

1. Evaluate and converse the science discipline in the field of horticulture practice.
2. Collect, interpret and process scientific data for horticultural research.
3. Understand advanced theory to apply appropriate methods in the field of horticulture.
4. Access, summarise and collate available peer-reviewed scientific knowledge in a selected horticulture science field into a comprehensive literature review.
5. Plan, execute and write up a scientific/technical report on a selected horticulture science topic.
6. Make use of effective tools to communicate scientific information in both formal and popular contexts.
7. Conduct ethical and accountable multi-and/or interdisciplinary research under supervision to address various local, regional and global conservation issues.
8. Define the development of a learning strategy through critical thinking and professional development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the science of horticulture.
• Demonstrate appreciation of the relationship between the science of horticulture and its related technology.
• Show critical evaluation and application of horticultural technologies in the context of the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Interpret data using the appropriate statistical tests are correctly.
• Demonstrate access, process and manage information.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts is demonstrated.
• Develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate application of advanced theory and appropriate methods and procedures in the field of horticulture.
• Understand complexities and uncertainties of selecting horticulture projects.
• Apply transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised horticultural field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate integrated scope of knowledge of one or more fields of horticulture.
• Understand applications and evaluation of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialization.
• Interrogate and understand multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understand access, process and management of information.
• Demonstrate a critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management process in specialized contexts.
• Develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communicate and produce communication information.
• Develop academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 7

• Evaluate various research methodologies in terms of ethics and suitability of application.
• Use applicable research methods in collecting, analysing and interpreting data.
• Discuss theories within the context of topical horticultural issues.
• Present research results in both written and oral formats, adhering to the ethical and professional decorum of the Discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate examples of management learning in knowledge obtained, meeting deadlines, and conducting learning in a professional, accountable manner.
• Learned strategies, problem-solving and self-critical thinking requested and reflected in the assessments and outcomes.