Postgraduate Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is closely tied to the rationale, which serves to deepen the students' knowledge and skills in the various areas of ornamental horticulture, landscaping and management, as mentioned in the rationale.

Furthermore, this vocationally-orientated qualification will provide students with specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of greenhouse crop production using advanced techniques and integrated production management systems, sustainable landscapes in urban green space, landscape project and contract management, Green Industry business management, and conducting research.

Qualifying students will have a well-rounded knowledge base and specialised skills in

• Advanced greenhouse crop production.
• Sustainable landscapes in urban green space.
• Landscape project and contract management.
• Green Industry business management.
• Writing a horticultural research proposal.

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 and climate change, pollution and habitat destruction, large-scale industrial and urban development which results in the loss of urban green space. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of awareness of how to use plants to create and restore urban green spaces, thus a lack of understanding of how to promote human and social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

The demand for these skills is driven by the

• Current shortage of horticulturists in the Green Industry with specialised skills.
• Need for more urban green space such as landscapes and parks, fuelled by urban development.
• Need to improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of urban green space.
• Need for middle management skills, such as project management, contract management and advanced communication skills such as report-writing.

The Green Industry will benefit by having horticulturists that can fulfil the needs for specialised skills in the workplace. In addition, this qualification will prepare the students for further Postgraduate studies in a Masters (MSc) in Horticulture and later a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in the environmental sciences.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In addition to the institution's formal admission pathways, the University also recognises prior learning which may provide opportunities for admission. All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University's RPL Policy, RPL procedures manual and Admission Policy.

This qualification can be achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Prospective students may apply for admission using the Senate approved processes for Recognition of Prior Learning. The RPL office can supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma studies are

• Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture, Level 7 or a similar qualification, Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 120 Credits

• Advanced greenhouse crop production, 24 Credits.
• Sustainable landscapes in urban green space, 12 Credits.
• Landscape contract management, 12 Credits.
• Green Industry business management, 24 Credits.
• Landscape project management, 12 Credits.
• Conservation Research Proposal Development, 36 Credits.

1. Use specialised techniques and plant production facilities to produce.
2. Use sustainable horticulture principles and practices to enhance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of landscapes in urban green spaces.
3. Create landscape project plans and contracts; and manage landscape projects, tendering procedures, contracts, contractors and suppliers.
4. Manage Green Industry businesses using specialised skills and practices.
5. Compile and present a comprehensive literature review and a scientifically acceptable research project proposal in the field of ornamental and landscape horticulture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Produce ornamental plants using specialised techniques, in specialised plant production facilities.
• Modify and optimise plant growth using techniques for: greenhouse forcing, plant breeding and selection, genetic engineering and post-harvest quality improvement for ornamental plant crops.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Investigate the influence of horticulture in the protection of the environment, biosphere and biodiversity, and strategies for the conservation and sustainable development of urban green space are suggested.
• Integrate economic and socio-economic principles and practices into the design and development of landscapes to ensure the sustainability of urban green space.
• Apply site rehabilitation principles and practices during both landscape development projects and the rehabilitation of damaged/degraded landscapes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Manage landscape projects and contractors on site using project and contract management principles and practices.
• Create and manage various types of landscaping project-related plans, contracts and tenders, in accordance with legal requirements.
• Manage contractors and suppliers using appropriate procedures, documentation and communications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Implement best management practices for all business activities; including managing multiple projects across different sections of the business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explore different types of research in ornamental and landscape horticulture, and apply related skills in research methodology and proposal writing.
• Identify a research topic and formulate a research problem.
• Compile and present a comprehensive literature review and a scientifically acceptable research project proposal.

Integrated Assessment

For the qualification to be awarded, a candidate must have successfully achieved the outcomes of each of the compulsory/core modules that constitute the qualification. Evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills, attitudes and expertise) and of the candidate's ability to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time that the qualification is awarded is required by means of comprehensive and integrated assessment (constituting a range of formative and summative assessments). Continuous formative and summative assessment methods are used in the form of written assignments and exams.

Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. The student's summative assessment mark will comprise a year mark that will be gained from the specified number of compulsory assignments and a written examination in each module. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both continuous and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio; 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction.

Assessors will assess and give credit for evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

Lecturers responsible for the module and external markers (assessors) will act as assessor practitioners in accordance with the institution's Assessment Policy. Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. Student support will be provided in accordance with the university's and Learner Support policies and guidelines.