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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 Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
120884	Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			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
Registered		EXCO 0816/23	2023-05-30	2026-05-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-05-30		2030-05-30

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management is to equip learners with a detailed and integrated body of knowledge in the specific field of Conservation Management and Wildlife Biology as contained in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology. The qualification is intended to empower learners with knowledge and insight into the latest advanced theories of biodiversity, conservation, and wildlife management. The qualification demands a high level of applied practical engagement, and the development of intellectual independence. Learners will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future Conservation issues directed at the co-management of environmental, agricultural, industrial, and ecological problems and developments. The qualification will enable learners to draw on a body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences within the field of Conservation Management in South and Southern African contexts. The qualification prepares learners for further studies providing an integrated and detailed knowledge, and knowledge literacy of conservation management concepts, principles and rules which must be recognised, researched, evaluated, processed, and applied to relevant examples in the fields of Conservation and Wildlife management. In addition, graduates will be able to apply evidence-based solutions which are critically evaluated and applied to case studies relevant to the fields above. On the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Integrate multiple sources of knowledge, as well as evaluate and process the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories relevant to the specific fields of conservation and wildlife management. Investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management ethically and professionally. Critically reflect, facilitate, and manage activities within the specific context of Conservation and Wildlife Management, taking decisions and responding ethically and professionally. Produce and communicate ideas and results using appropriate academic, and professional discourse by implementing a variety of methodologies and advanced techniques relevant to the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management. Identify, evaluate, and address his or her learning needs in a self-critical manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within an appropriate research environment. Distinguish and resolve problems using research and theory-driven arguments, pertaining, but not limited to: Plant Studies. Animal Studies. Applied Research Methodology including focused skills in innovative applied methods, cutting-edge survey techniques and data handling. > Resource Management and underlying philosophies and models in Conservation Management. Rationale: South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is committed to the implementation of a national strategy to conserve and manage biological diversity that aligns with the international global strategies for Conservation and Wildlife Management, specifically the Aichi goals of the CBD and the sustainability goals of the United Nations (UN). Hence, the sustainable management of South and Southern Africa's indigenous biological natural resources is crucial for the persistence and survival of people, biodiversity and continued sustainable economic development of the conservation estate. This qualification will serve to strengthen and deepen the knowledge of graduates in this discipline or profession managing in national parks, and public and private protected areas. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical and practical engagement and the development of intellectual independence and leadership. Learners will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future conservation management and allied ecological problems, which could negatively impact the rich biodiversity and natural resources of South Africa (SA). Achieving this qualification enables the qualifying learner to progress within a career path at the level of a senior conservation manager, nature conservator or conservation scientist and to actively participate in management actions that conform to relevant legislation and statutory bodies. The qualification will deepen and enhance professional competence in the Conservation and Wildlife Management field on a regional and national scale and fits with the general ethos of the Institution which is currently delivering a programme that enables graduates to continue with specialised development in the field of Conservation. This qualification will support the goals of Chapter Two (Bill of Rights), Section 24 of the Constitution of SA, Act 108 of 1996 (to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations). Learners will develop a deep and applied cognitive knowledge and integrated understanding of legislature and other aspects that prevent ecosystem collapse. The qualification will promote biodiversity conservation and secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development particularly rural and specifically the foundation of ecotourism. In addition to the Botanical and Zoological Studies, the scope of practice will cover intensive natural resource monitoring, conservation management and cutting-edge research methodologies and field techniques. The qualified graduate will be able to investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management both ethically and professionally. The graduate will be able to draw on the body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences. The academic Advisory Board Committee to the Department of Nature Conservation comprising industrial and other stakeholders provided input into the development of the curriculum, to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. Continued input from the committee will ensure that the qualification is of outstanding quality and associated with the latest developmental and technological advancements in the conservation and wildlife management sectors.

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 advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL. To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification. RPL for exemption of modules: Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module. RPL for credit: Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification. Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted. Entry Requirements: Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07. Or Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management, NQF level 07. Or Bachelor of Applied Science in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07. Or Bachelor of Technology: Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

Y

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits. Compulsory Modules, Level 08, 120 Credits: Animal Studies IV, 24 Credits. Plant Studies IV, 24 Credits. Research Methodology II, 24 Credits. Resource Management IV, 24 Credits. Conservation Management I, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of Conservation Management and related disciplines or practices, an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, ethical requirements, and techniques relevant to the field and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context of Botanical and Zoological research methodology and research ethics and Resource Management. 2. Demonstrate the ability to investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse, and address multifaceted or abstract problems identified in the field of Conservation Management ethically and professionally. 3. Critically reflect, facilitate, and manage activities within the specific context of Conservation and Wildlife Management, taking decisions and responding ethically and professionally. The graduate will effectively justify those decisions and actions in a self-critical manner, taking full responsibility and accountability for their work ethic and decision-making, drawing on appropriate ethical principles and approaches within the environment under study and supervision. 4. Produce and communicate ideas and results using appropriate academic, and professional discourse by implementing a variety of methodologies and advanced techniques relevant to the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management. 5. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1: Recognise, research, evaluate, and process the integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of conservation management concepts, principles and rules and apply them to relevant examples in the fields of conservation and wildlife management. Identify, analyse, and resolve ecological concepts, theories, and strategies in the research fields of advanced Botany and Zoology using applicable examples typically to the conservation and game ranch management sector. Integrate multiple sources of knowledge, as well as evaluate and process the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories relevant to the specific fields of conservation and wildlife management. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Utilise the methods of enquiry to investigate complex problems in the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management and current topical research areas. Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions to case studies relevant to the fields of study. Distinguish, contrast, and apply methods in advanced Botanical and Zoological research methodology to resolve problems using research and theory-driven arguments. Apply the body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate, and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Identify, formulate, and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding research methodology and research practice within an appropriate and controlled research environment by critically reflecting, facilitating, and managing the research process in an ethical and professional manner. Defend, appraise, and judge the ethical values and approaches to research-management principles and research practice based on research results and assess the validity and appropriateness of the research. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Justify appropriate academic, and professional discourse and adhere to using an assortment of technologies, methodologies, and techniques relevant to research in the field of Conservation and Wildlife Management. Apply creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context of Conservation Management. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Base the individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures. Identify, evaluate, and address the continuous professional development of learning needs in a self-critical manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the graduate and his/her peers within an appropriate research environment. Ability to refer personal and peer conduct and accountability to relevant organisational structures. INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting, and communicating knowledge in this field of study. Integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the qualification. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) and assessment criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice, as well as module outcomes, and design aligned with the ELOs. As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the qualification. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to: Quality assurance policies, procedures, and processes. Guided and supported learning environment. Formative Assessment: Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth, and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process on how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, which include, not limited to: Assignments. Practicals and practical assessments. Theory tests. Summative Assessment: Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module, or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, regarding level descriptors, specific outcomes, and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of including, but not limited to: Portfolios of evidence. Presentations. Tests.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries. Country: New Zealand Institution: Massey University Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Conservation Biology NQF Level: NZQF Level 08 Credits: 120 credits Duration: One-year full time Entry Requirements: To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Conservation Biology learners will have been awarded or qualified for: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300-level courses, Or Postgraduate Certificate that includes 30 credits of courses from the schedule to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or equivalent. Purpose/Rationale: The qualification will allow learners to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level. The qualification will afford learners thinking and high-level research capability. The qualification is a steppingstone to a research-based degree. It is designed to provide training for biologists, veterinarians, resource managers, and environmental planners seeking careers in conservation. The qualification is very relevant to the industry. It was developed in consultation with potential employers. It specifically targets the requirements of organisations such as New Zealand's Department of Conservation, the Ministry for the Environment, Landcare Research, regional councils, and environmental consulting firms. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits: Conservation Biology, 30 Credits is comparable to Conservation Management I in the SA qualification. Wildlife Management, 30 Credits. Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Select modules to a total of 60 Credits): GIS Principles and Applications, 30 Credits. Location Systems: Spatial Databases, Tools, and Applications, 15 Credits. Location Data: Mapping, Analysis and Visualisation, 15 Credits. Biostatistics for Researchers, 15 Credits is comparable to Research Methodology in the SA qualification. Multivariate Analysis for Big Data, 15 Credits. Advanced Environmental Management I, 15 Credits. Advanced Environmental Management II, 15 Credits. Animal Behaviour, 30 Credits is comparable to Animal Studies IV in the SA qualification. Maori Values and Resource Management, 15 Credits is comparable to Resource Management IV in the SA qualification. Similarities: The Massey University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study. The MU and SA qualifications are registered at Level 08 and have a minimum of 120 Credits. Both qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor's degree in the cognate field or equivalent. Both MU and SA qualifications will equip learners with research skills and theoretical knowledge of ecology to address real conservation management problems. Country: Namibia Institution: The Namibian University of Science and Technology Qualification Title: Bachelor of Natural Resources Management Honours NQF Level: 08 Duration: One-year full time Entry Requirements A Bachelor of Natural Resources Management or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7. Purpose: The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management prepares learners to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate programs to protect and regulate natural habitats and renewable natural resources. The qualification aims at deepening understanding of the character of the environment, and of its inherent natural resources as they relate to human livelihoods and survival. It explores the ways the environment and the resources are used. Natural resource management focuses on the need for sustainable management of the Earth's depleting natural resources such as clean water, energy, minerals, and biological resources, in relation to the growth of the human population. Qualifying learners will have the ability to plan, develop, and manage policies that will affect the way resources are used and interacted with. Learners can select one of five emphasis areas within the major. Similarities: The Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African qualifications are over a period of one-year full-time study. Both qualifications are registered at Level 08. Both qualifications require learners who completed the Bachelor's degree in the cognate field or equivalent registered at NQF Level 07. Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Lincoln Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Duration: One-year full time NQF Level: FHEQ Level 6 Entry Requirements: Honours degree in any discipline or equivalent professional experience. Purpose/Rationale: The Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies is an intensive one-year conversion qualification which aims to enable graduates from a non-conservation background to advance their knowledge and skills. Learners could access a range of analytical equipment and learn from practitioners with extensive experience. They can also benefit from the team's strong links with museums, professional bodies, and heritage agencies. The qualification is designed to provide learners from non-conservation backgrounds with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding required to undertake the study of conservation at Master's level. For others, it may provide a foundation for further training or work in fields allied to conservation. The qualification is a level 6 per the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) of Degree-awarding Bodies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules: Applied Practical Skills. Conservation Processes is comparable to Conservation Management I. Conservation Science is comparable to Conservation Management I. Conservation Theory is comparable to Conservation Management I. Documentation Techniques. Preventive Conservation is comparable to Conservation Management I. Methods of Assessment: The qualification may be assessed through coursework comprised of a presentation, an essay, a progress test, reports, practical work, and portfolios of drawings and photographs. Similarities: The University of Lincoln (UL) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study. Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules. Differences: The UL qualification is registered at FHEQ Level 6 whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 8. The UL qualification requires applicants who hold the Honours degree in any discipline or equivalent qualifications whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the undergraduate degree in a cognate field or equivalent qualifications. Country: United States of America Institution: Texas Tech University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management Credits: 124 Credit Hours Duration: Four years full Time Entry Requirements: Applicant must have passed high school with good grades. Purpose/Rationale: Conservation emphasizes the interdependent relationship between humans and the environment and may be the most important application of ecology. Conservation Scientists may work with invasive species, endangered or threatened species and ecosystem restoration, or human dimensions. The Conservation Science concentration is designed to provide a broader array of course options, where the focus is understanding the science and policy elements of the interdependent relationships between humans and the environment. Graduates from this concentration frequently work in environmental consulting, federal and state agencies, and often focus their work on threatened and endangered species and ecosystems, as well as invasive species, and ecosystem restoration. Additional graduates are employed by state governments, local governments, and as teachers. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of five areas of concentration to offer learners the opportunity to customize their degree and focus on their chosen field. They are: Wildlife Biology. Aquatic and Fisheries Biology. Ranch Management. Range Conservation. Conservation Science. NRM Minor. Modules: Range Plant Ecology is comparable to Plant Studies IV. Range Management Principles and Practices is comparable to Resource Management IV. Introductory Entomology. Principles of Wildlife Management. Principles of Conservation Science is comparable to Conservation Management I. Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources is comparable to Research Methodology II. Integrated Natural Resources Management Skills is comparable to Resource Management IV. Evolution and Classification of Plants is comparable to Plant Studies IV. Range Wildlife Habitat Management is comparable to Resource Management IV. Diversity of Life is comparable to Plant Studies IV and Animal Studies IV. Urban Ecology and Human Dimensions. Similarities: The Texas Tech University (TTU) and the South African (SA) qualifications share the same purpose of equipping learners with knowledge and research skills for applying ecological principles to problems in natural resources management and the art of making decisions that benefit multiple stakeholders and use our natural resources sustainably. The TTU qualification consists of compulsory modules similar to the SA qualification. Both qualifications will enable learners to pursue natural resource jobs that involve research, education, management, use, and conservation of different natural resources, including water, land, plants, soil, and animals. Both qualifications aim at providing learners with training and experience in the process of identifying research questions, making novel discoveries in conservation science, and effectively communicating the findings. Both qualifications allow learners to progress towards advanced postgraduate master's degrees in various ecological fields but also provide the scholar with strategic skills applicable to different market-orientated career choices. Differences: The TTU qualification takes four years of full-time study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study. The TTU qualification has 124 credits whereas the SA qualification has 120 credits. The TTU qualification requires applicants who completed high school qualification with good grades. The TTU qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA consists of the compulsory modules only and no elective.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation: Bachelor of Science Honours in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, NQF Level 08. Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology, NQF Level 08. Bachelor of Science Honours in Wildlife Management, NQF Level 08. Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science, NQF Level 08. Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 08. Postgraduate Diploma: Nature Conservation, NQF Level 08. Vertical Articulation: Master of Applied Sciences, NQF Level 09. Master of Conservation Science, NQF Level 09. Master of Nature Conservation, NQF Level 09. Master of Science in Conservation Ecology, NQF Level 09. Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation, NQF Level 09. Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, NQF Level 09. Master of Science in Wildlife Management, NQF Level 09.

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.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

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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.