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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Horticulture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111714  Master of Science in Horticulture 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to produce Horticulture Scientists, who are able to practice in the horticultural sector specifically fruit and vegetable production, and contribute meaningfully to the knowledge of horticulture ensuring an increase in food security and economic resources locally, nationally and internationally. The qualification serves to equip learners with the requisite advanced knowledge, competencies and skills in horticulture to make scholarly advances in the field in terms of practice and policy. The qualifying learner will have the competency to do independent scientific research, analysis and interpretation of scientific information, as well as to communicate, promote and advance agriculture, and specifically horticulture, in both the private and public sectors. These competencies are crucial for agricultural development.

Rationale:
The world's population of humans is expected to double by 2050. This will result in an increased demand for food. In order to ensure that the country meets the demand for food production, especially for fruit and vegetable production, sustainable horticultural practices will be required with an understanding of their impact on the environment. This requires the expertise of scientists that are able to work with various stakeholders in the sector to improve the production and quality of fruit and vegetable sources. Thus horticultural scientists will be in demand to improve the production and postharvest quality of fruit and vegetables, in order to enhance the amount of food as well as secondary products emanating from them. As depicted in the National Development plan 2030, development in the agricultural sector, being one of the primary activities in the rural areas, has the potential to increase jobs of many within the rural communities, and by so doing, uplifting communities. In addition, public investment in new agricultural technologies and the development of resilient and environmentally sustainable strategies and support services for small-scale and rural farmers ensures the protection of rural livelihoods and the concurrent expansion of commercial agriculture, so South Africa remains a net exporter of agricultural produce. Graduate of this qualification will thus be equipped to enter into various sectors of the horticultural industry as research scientists, consultants and advisors in both the private and public domains. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Based on the national transformation goals to redress past inequities in training and education Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for access to those applicants without the required formal recognised qualification or specialisation; in this way we ensure that access to higher education is promoted. This will be applied as per institution Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and be subject to a comprehensive portfolio of evidence being received which undergoes an approved assessment process, using relevant trained RPL practitioners. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual candidates against the admission requirements on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at Level 9, totalling 128 Credits:
  • Plant Stress Physiology and Control Mechanisms, 16 Credits.
  • Advances in vegetable and fruit production, 16 Credits.
  • Advances in Post-Harvest Technology, 16 Credits.
  • Special Topics in Plant Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation (Horticulture), 96 Credits.

    Elective modules at Level 9, totalling 64 Credits (Choose any 4):
  • Quantitative Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Plant Breeding, 16 Credits.
  • Water Relations and Mineral Nutrition, 16 Credits.
  • Applied weed science, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated pest management, 16 Credits.
  • Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The learner will have specialised knowledge of horticulture theories and practices.
    2. The learner will be able to research the literature and other available resources to gain a better insight in various horticultural topics at hand.
    3. The learner will be able to knowledgeably make decisions on ethical values and practices within Horticultural Sciences.
    4. The learner will be able to communicate effectively regarding topics with the animal production field of specialisation of Horticultural Sciences.
    5. The learner will be able to make an informed decision on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within their field of specialisation within Horticultural Sciences.
    6. The learner will be able to compose a structured, well-articulated scientific dissertation, showing analytical thinking through the synthesis of information from relevant sources, applying them to real problems and posing acceptable conclusions and suggestions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Reflect disciplinary expertise in the correct use of the terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and/or oral communication within horticultural sciences.
  • Critical appraise the relationship among concepts and principles of the specialised disciplines.
  • Apply knowledge to propose solutions to complex practical problems (both concrete and abstract).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Access relevant and various information primary and secondary sources related to the core discipline.
  • Identify the central theme (s) of the essay.
  • Extract and explain the competing arguments.
  • Reflect in explicit recognition of the diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context and how that affects the particular work being undertaken.
  • Demonstrate through the provision of relevant information pertaining to the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the context for addressing specific problems in an agricultural context.
  • Clearly identify relevant role players and resources that will contribute to resolution of specific problems.
  • Identify critical factors and knowledge gaps that impact on practical problems to be investigated from the perspective of the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical implications of various kinds of research and be able to act accordingly.
  • Obtain all ethical clearances (where required), permits and agreements the Institution and from any other entity that is necessary before research is carried out.
  • Consider all aspects of a problem so that the resolution has the least negative impact on society and the environment.
  • Take responsibility for all decisions made and defend their action within the norms of the law, society and the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate reasoning skills and the ability to express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
  • Communicate by showing an awareness of audience, and by using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilise different techniques and strategies for communicating results.
  • Communicate clearly using scholarly discourse and discipline-specific conventions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply standard procedures within the specific agricultural discipline, such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive or inductive reasoning.
  • Collect and record appropriate data truthfully and in the appropriate format.
  • Analyse and interpret results appropriately, reaching valid conclusions.
  • Argue persuasively about such analyses, interpretations and conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Structure the dissertation by showing understanding of the question and indicating the direction of the answer through laying out the subsections of the dissertation and their linkages with the overall theme.
  • Clearly state the context in which its basic concepts and assumptions of the research topic are to be evaluated.
  • Debate the subject matter by developing logically coherent arguments as well as citing and discussing illustrative examples.
  • Raise conclusions that are consistent with the arguments in the dissertation and suggest possible outcomes of alternative initiatives at addressing the subject matter.
  • Present the dissertation according to appropriate and/or recommended structure, word processing and referencing protocols.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification.

    Continuous formative feedback is provided to learners on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes, particularly in their project proposal and through interactions such as seminar presentations, discussions and supervision.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment, which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence; and criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners and that, can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Kenya
    Institution: University of Nairobi.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (MSc) (Horticulture).
    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:

    Candidates enter into the qualification with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree and the Degree takes two years to complete. The objectives of the qualification are to:
  • To produce Graduates with ability to identify research problems, design and execute research projects aimed at solving the problems within a changing Agricultural Environment. At the same time, the training is to update the horticulturalists with the latest developments in the field of fruit and vegetable and/or flower and landscape horticulture production.
  • To train highly skilled Horticulturalists in fruit and vegetable and/or flower and landscape horticulture production to help optimise the country's ability to attain food security and better nutrition while improving agriculture-based incomes from horticultural production" ( https://agriculture.uonbi.ac.ke/index.php?q=uon Degrees_details/2521#.reg_anchor_2521_3836).

    Topics covered in the qualification include Breeding of Horticultural Crops; Beverage and Medicinal Plants; Floriculture; Advanced Vegetable Production; Tropical and S/tropical Fruit Production; Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility; Advanced Plant Physiology; Biodiversity and Agroforestry Resources in Agricultural Production; Disease and Pest Management; Research Methods and Graduate Seminars; Plant Biochemistry.

    Conclusion:
    Although the institution's qualification does not specifically cover Floriculture, the remaining topics and outcomes of the qualifications compare well.

    Country: Poland
    Institution: Warsaw University of Science.
    Qualification Title: Master of Sciences in Horticulture.
    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:

    The objectives of the qualification are to acquaint learners with the principles of sustainable horticulture, processes influencing biological value of plant produce. In addition, they gain the skills how to plan and organise production and storage of horticultural crops, as well as how to arrange human environment with ornamental plants. Candidates require a bachelor degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology or Environmental Sciences in order to be admitted into the qualification. The qualification is a taught masters comprised of compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory modules include: Sustainable horticulture; Molecular biology; Mathematical statistics; Modern trends in horticulture; Landscape protection and ecology; Postharvest biology and technology; Diploma seminar. Learners may elect modules from the following, depending on their areas of interest: Ornamental plants in human environment, Fruits of the World, Medicinal plants from natural habitats, Plants in human diet, Propagation of ornamental plants, Advanced plant pathology, Integrated pest management, Biological control, Eco-toxicology, Quality evaluation of products (including chemical, physical and sensory methods), Phytoremediation in horticulture, Stresses in plants cultivation, Bioinformatics, Plant biotechnology - molecular bases, Breeding in horticulture, Physiology of vegetable crops, Floristics, Plants' mysteries under microscope.


    Conclusion:
    Although the outcomes and level of study compare well with the institution's qualification, the institution's qualification does not specifically cover ornamental plant horticultural practices. The remaining topics compare well.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (Horticultural Science).
    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:

    This qualification compares well with the institution's qualification in that one of its pathways is comprised of 180 Credits of which 90 Credits are obtained through taught courses and 90 Credits are obtained through a research project. The qualification spans a breadth of horticultural research activities, including the work to understand the effects of light in improving crop production and quality, research on fruit crops such as kiwifruit and apples, Maori vegetable crop science, and plant disease. As a Postgraduate study the qualification demands more in-depth and independent study. Students exit with a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research. The qualification is comprised of the following courses from which learners will select courses based on their interests: Research Practice; Research Methods; Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences; Gene Expression; Research Report MSc; Special Topic in Applied Statistics; Special Topic in Data Analysis; Plant Breeding; Special Topic; Special Topic; Vegetable Production Science; Fruit Production Science; Post-harvest Physiology; Advanced Plant Protection. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture, Level 9

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.