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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. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 119820 | Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Postgraduate Diploma | Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation | Nature Conservation | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Reregistered | EXCO 0333/25 | 2025-07-10 | 2028-07-10 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-07-10 | 2032-07-10 | |||
| 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science will provide a stand-alone qualification for those in the conservation industry who wish to further their careers by expanding their theoretical framework and developing appropriate high-level skills in an applied setting. The qualification aims to develop the theoretical knowledge and underpinning of the discipline of conservation science to provide the industry with professional and competent qualifying learners with the scientific background and research skills who will be able to manage and facilitate activities within their organisations. Qualifying learners will have in-depth knowledge of the scientific process as applied to the discipline of conservation biology, the sourcing and collating of peer-reviewed scientific information, the compiling and evaluation of scientific reports, understand and be able to apply statistics to data, and have a firm grasp of discipline-specific techniques in their chosen field of specialisation such as mammals, plants, and marine conservation. The qualification aims to provide an opportunity for mature professionals to deepen their knowledge of the scientific underpinning of their profession. Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: To address the issues that arise during the progression or movement of learners in the Universities of Technology (UOTs) during their postgraduate studies, the South African Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), has introduced a process that should improve and facilitate the articulation of learners through their programmes and to help them to potentially move from one qualification to another or one university to another during both their academic and professional careers (Government Gazette No. 36721 (02 August 2013). South Africa contains a disproportionately high number of the world's species, habitats, and ecosystems within its land and sea borders. This places a significant responsibility on the country to conserve these for the continued healthy functioning of our ecological systems as well as for future generations of our citizens and the world. These ecological systems are fragile, complex, and subject to an ever-increasing impact because of population growth and economic development. Many parts of the South African environment are or are becoming, areas of contestation between conservation and various types of human-induced change. Therefore, there is a need to train scientists with the requisite skills to investigate, analyse, and creatively propose solutions to complex problems in this arena. The necessity for graduates with this qualification is evident from a consideration of the prevailing environmental and economic status in South Africa and the world. An estimated 40% of the global economy is based on biological products and processes, and South Africa is a particularly biodiverse country (the 3rd most biologically diverse country in the world, after Indonesia and Brazil). The appropriate and sustainable management of the unique biodiversity of South Africa is important for the economic development of the conservation industry and related industries such as ecotourism, water management, etc. According to the Government Gazette number 41728: DHET National List of Occupations in High Demand (2018), the following are recognized as being in high demand: Biologists General, Marine Biologists, Zoologists, Life Science Technician, Environmental Science Technician, Environmental Education Manager and Environmental Manager. This qualification will equip successful learners to enter these fields. The industry stakeholders such as South African National Parks, City of Cape Town Biodiversity Branch, Cape Nature, Cape Town Environmental Education Trust, and Nature Conservation Corporation were consulted in the conceptualisation of the qualification, as well as the compilation of desired outcomes. This took the form of Advisory Committee meetings as well as a structured workshop. This group, therefore, included representatives of National, Provincial, and Local government structures, as well as non-profit and private sector organisations. All the industry partners supported the need for the type of qualification proposed and their input was incorporated into the proposed new qualification. This qualification will provide qualifying learners with the necessary theoretical tools to advance further within their chosen fields. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic, and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories, development, and epistemologies of conservation science.
2. Demonstrate the ability to manage conservation data using the appropriate statistical tests. 3. Apply and address complex and multidisciplinary management issues in conservation science. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of and accurately apply the appropriate methods to the chosen conservation science topics. 5. Apply ethical considerations and take the necessary steps to mitigate any ethical concerns. 6. Access, summarise, and collate available peer-reviewed scientific knowledge from the fields of Ecological Theory and Conservation Biology. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of conservation science and apply multiple views and perspectives in addressing problems. 8. Demonstrate the ability to carry out supervised research in a suitable research project under direct supervision and communicate the output with the assistance of a supervisor or designate. 9. Communicate own ideas in writing and verbally, to both community and science/nature conservation audiences using logically structured argumentation, appropriate discourse, suitable audio-visual tools, and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, learner-centred learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance learner engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable, and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards. Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. These may include draft reports, discussion groups, informal presentations, class tutorials and small class assignments. Integrated assessment is aimed at holistic development and contributes to learners' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical, and reflexive competence. Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place continuously and learners will be assessed holistically by means of project reports. Although each subject will be assessed separately, assessments will be integrated particularly within the final research report (summative assessment) and will include elements of statistics, research techniques, scientific writing, data analysis and research outcome presentation. Learners will also present several seminars including a research proposal and paper presentations about Conservation Biology and Ecological Theory. These paper presentations will allow for formative feedback from academic staff. Learners will write a formal three-hour summative assessment in each of the modules 'Ecological Theory' and 'Conservation Biology'. In these assessments, learners will need to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the subject area as well as the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge and apply this knowledge to problems within their own specific chosen field. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following international countries.
Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Oxford Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7 Duration: Eight months Full Time Key features of the UO qualification are: Qualification structure: The residential component consists of taught courses (four months) and independent research on two projects (three months). The qualification consists of the following five compulsory modules, under two principles: Principle One: Principle Two: Similarities: The University of Oxford (UO) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who hold an undergraduate degree. The qualifications are suitable for those already working in conservation, and for recent graduates, provided they have gained field experience during the first year of the qualification. Although a degree is required to register for this qualification, an exception may be made if the learner demonstrates equivalent accomplishment and aptitude for field-based conservation. Upon completion of both the UO and SA qualifications, qualifying learners to have a comprehensive knowledge of globally occurring terrestrial conservation problems likely to impact mammals, and especially felids, the most widely adopted solutions to these problems, and barriers to their effectiveness. Learners apply the scientific method to conservation research and critically evaluate such research. Learners apply standard methods of biodiversity and population monitoring and use the associated specialised equipment and can select appropriate field techniques depending on the information they need, and will have the technical expertise to plan, implement, analyse, and draw conclusions from the fieldwork. Learners understand how to use a variety of different reporting styles, both written and verbal, to get their message across to a variety of audiences, be they scientists, government staff, donors, or the public. Assessment: Integrated assessment in both UO and SA qualifications will take place continuously and learners will be assessed holistically by means of project reports. Assessment in the UO qualification is through the two reports of the independent research project and four assignments. The project reports will be a maximum of 7,000 words, and each is worth 30% of the final mark. The assignments will be up to 2,000 words, and each is worth 10% of the final mark. Most module assignments will be short-answer questions, presenting data to be analysed, scientific research to critique, a problem for which learners will design solutions or information to be synthesised into a brief report/recommendation. Differences: The UO qualification is offered in eight months, whereas the SA qualification is offered in one-year full time. Country: New Zealand (NZ) Institution: University of Otago Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management Purpose/Rationale: Wildlife management involves managing the densities of target species: sustaining or increasing numbers of rare or threatened species; reducing excess numbers, controlling, or eradicating pest species; or maintaining numbers of a harvested species. A fundamental decision relates to the level of intervention needed to achieve the stated objectives, from simply monitoring to ensure desirable densities, distributions, and population structures through to highly intensive interventions such as captive breeding and reintroduction. Deciding on the appropriate level of intervention and assessing the effects of that intervention are the stuff of day-to-day wildlife management. The ways in which learners investigate these needs and outcomes are the techniques of wildlife management. Qualification structure: The structure of the curriculum for the NZ and SA qualifications is the same but differ in the allocation of credits in the following compulsory modules. Similarities: The NZ and SA qualifications are ideal for those seeking employment as: The structure of the curriculum for the NZ and SA qualifications is the same but differ in the allocation of credits in the following compulsory modules. Differences: The NZ qualification consists of the research project with 40 credits relating to some aspect of wildlife management conducted as placement within a host organisation whereas the SA qualification consists of the research project with 30 credits without placement in an organisation. Learners spend approximately eight weeks working on an applied research project within a wildlife management organisation. The placement aims to provide an opportunity to apply learning, skills and wider knowledge to design and conduct research, including the critical evaluation of relevant literature, the formulation of a robust research protocol and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of quantitative data relating to some aspect of wildlife management. Country: China Institution: The University of Hong Kong Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Qualification structure: The qualification consists of nine compulsory modules. These compulsory modules provide the essential framework for understanding cultural heritage principles and practices, especially those related to architecture in Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. The elective course allows learners to choose modules that are of relevance to their professional fields and interests. Fieldwork is an integral part of each core course. There are 200 contact hours in the qualification. Compulsory Modules: Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |