Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology is vocational and focusses on the needs of the related industry. A qualified learner will be able to identify complex and abstract problems in unfamiliar settings in the related fields of Landscape Technology and will be able to justify such issues by the integration of knowledge and skills to solve the identified problems. As such, the knowledge and skills will be grounded in amongst others, Ecological Restoration, Design in Landscape Technology and Construction in Landscape Technology.

The project with its foundation in research methodology provides for typical problems focused on the design of open spaces for people with disabilities and design urban spaces to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide, which could improve socio-economic transformation and increase the economic value of the environment. Qualifying learners will thus be able to conduct a research report, literature review and data analysis aimed at solving related problems in the field of Landscape Technology.

Oral presentations will allow qualifying learners to demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate their ideas and opinions using appropriate academic discourse. Learners will produce a scientifical research document, adhering to ethical principles.

Rationale

Landscape Technology deals with the art, technology and science of creating a well-designed open space into a tranquil yet functional area. The qualification is a practical and applied science whereby the designer incorporates various design techniques to address the mental/physical health of the human being and address sustainable solutions for various environmental problems. By being creative, the learner can address environmental as well as social responsibility issues that could lead to the promotion of environmental awareness in the public and private sectors. Using the design component in itself, it promotes biodiversity and the incorporation of indigenous planting. As a result, landscape technology enhances and encourages social responsibility, economic value to open spaces and the ability to apply a skill to promote sustainable living.

The qualification will fulfil the current need for the application of advanced design techniques in the environment with applied solutions and creative ideas in the landscape industry in South Africa. The qualification will enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development using a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of specialisation.

Qualifying learners will undertake various tasks such as managing a design consultation firm, overseeing construction projects and environmental awareness projects in the related field of Landscape Technology, design interesting yet functional open spaces and be competent. Furthermore, the learner will gain the advanced skill of research consisting of multiple resources.

The research conducted by the learner could benefit the South African region in terms of being more sustainable in the environment and promote skills of increasing social responsibility that directly enhances the greening of the environment. The qualifying learner will have the opportunity to register at the professional body, the South African Council for Landscape and Architectural Profession (SACLAP) that benefit the learner to tender for governmental work and promotes quality in the field of Landscape Technology. However, this is not compulsory to function as an independent professional.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Technology articulates with the Master of Science MSc Science (NQF Level 9).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as a practitioner in the field of landscape technology. Credits may also be granted to this qualification through the application of the CAT Policy. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of the individual learner against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence, as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: the currency of evidence, the sufficiency of the evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of the evidence.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology in Landscape Technology, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Ecological Restoration, 30 Credits.
• Design and Construction in Landscape Technology, 48 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 18 Credits.
• Landscape Project, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and apply it in the fields of Landscape Technology and applied sciences in one or more of the fields, disciplines or practices.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of the landscape technology field and related fields in an area of specialisation.
3. Select, apply or transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to address complex or abstract and unfamiliar problems in the field of Landscape Technology.
4. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different moral value systems in landscape technology.
5. Present and communicate academically on the relationships between the various systems in the landscape technology industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Recognise, explain and compare integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of landscape technology concepts and principles.
• Apply knowledge and skills typically required from a Landscape Technologist within the industry.
• Identify and apply primary research methodologies and techniques in a recognised scientific manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use literature resources responsibly.
• Critically analyse, compare and apply research strategies appropriately.
• Utilise research methodology to develop skills in the formulation of a research proposal.
• Adhere to health and safety procedures as required within the landscape technology environment.
• Take actions and decisions based on an awareness of the ethical implications of the work and align with the ethical considerations within the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to solve problems in the field of landscape technology.
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions to case studies relevant to the field of landscape technology.
• Identify, analyse and resolve landscape technology concepts, theories and strategies in the specialised fields of landscape technology and the design industry using relevant examples typically found in the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify, formulate and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding environmental and the green industry by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
• Defend ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made.
• Adhere to professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes in all horticultural settings.
• Justify decisions and actions taken by drawing on ethical values and approaches appropriate to horticultural settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate visual and language skills in all oral and written communication.
• Independently validate various sources of information and communicate findings and information in well-formed arguments.
• Communicate complex information in problem-solving reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised horticultural techniques and processes.

Integrated Assessment

In the assessment strategy as a whole, the evidence is demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem-solving assignments, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, logbooks and practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competencies. It should assess whether a learner acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to plan and develop a park for people with disabilities and to design an eco-friendly urban agriculture hub to decrease carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, learners will be assessed on the broader knowledge of research and research planning and the application thereof. It should further assess whether learners apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of research in landscape technology. Learners should be able to conduct a literature search and process information to formulate a background and justification, objectives, hypothesis or research question of a research topic and other research activities.