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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 Sustainability and Governance |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125499 | Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability and Governance | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd | ||||
| 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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Public Administration | ||
| 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 0638/26 | 2026-03-10 | 2029-03-10 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-03-10 | 2033-03-10 | |||
| 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 Sustainability and Governance will equip learners with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and competencies to identify, analyse and address complex sustainability and governance challenges. By developing an advanced interdisciplinary study of sustainability and governance challenges in a globalised/post-globalised world, learners will deepen their understanding of sustainability and governance theories, principles and practices, and the existing norms, rules and regulations surrounding sustainability and governance. Learners will be able to critically review the different types of sustainability and governance models, focusing on transformative sustainability and governance practices. The qualification will immerse learners in ethical, value-driven thinking about sustainability and governance. Learners will be able to assess the role of emerging technologies in achieving sustainability and contributing to better governance practices, exploring the implications of digital and green technologies for sustainability initiatives. The qualification contains an independent research project that will require learners to research a global sustainability and governance challenge. Upon completion, graduates will be able to develop evidence-based strategies promoting and enhancing sustainability and governance practice. Finally, graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to effectively network, collaborate and engage with stakeholders, and advocate for sustainability and good governance. This qualification aims to develop graduates who are individually transformed into professionals working with the necessary discipline-specific knowledge and skills. Upon completion of this qualification, graduates will be equipped to be active citizens, responsible leaders, innovators, policy evaluators, developers, researchers and practitioners in the integrated fields of sustainability and governance. Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to: Rationale: The qualification is positioned within the growing body of literature about sustainable development, which addresses the evolution from looking purely at sustainability and sustainable development to highlighting how sustainability and governance are interconnected and interdependent. This aligns with global practices in higher education, which increasingly emphasise that sustainability and governance are inseparable concepts - the management of resources goes hand-in-hand with the responsibility to protect them (Holdsworth and Sandri, 2021; Liu et al., 2022). Governance is essential for driving change at both a local and global level and for achieving sustainable development. Therefore, sustainability and governance are no longer viewed as mutually exclusive and are seen as interconnected and interdependent rather than as two distinct fields (Naciti et al., 2022). This interdisciplinary approach will cause learners to appreciate the complexities of global economic, political, environmental, and social issues linked to sustainable development. For example, the United Nations has acknowledged the importance of establishing robust governance systems considering sustainable principles and policies and how these are key to implementing sustainable development and realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2020). When viewed together, sustainability and governance work together to address the challenges of our current times. Offering this qualification within the South African context allows Boston to be at the forefront of training, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to become influential leaders, practitioners, and scholars skilled to create a more sustainable and accountable future. The institution's mission is to "provide quality, relevant education and training to enhance, uplift and continuously improve the quality of education and training in Southern Africa". The PGDip (Sustainability and Governance) represents an outworking of our desire to provide relevant education and, in so doing, upskill South Africans to address unemployment in South Africa (South Africa Economic Update, 2019). South Africa has faced setbacks in achieving the UN sustainability goals as a result of a variety of social and economic challenges and has experienced challenges in resource management and the protection of the environment (African Union/United Nations Development Qualification, 2020; Dalby, Horton, and Mahon, 2019; United Nations, 2022). These global and local setbacks have disrupted economies causing human suffering at multiple levels (African Union/United Nations Development Qualification, 2020; Dalby, Horton, and Mahon, 2019; United Nations, 2022). The design of this qualification enables active engagement with a core set of ethically driven values, techniques, and skills. These encourage critical reviews of different types of sustainability and governance models focusing on transformative sustainability and governance practice. Learners will develop a deepened understanding of systemic and interrelated social, economic and environmental issues contributing to enhanced sustainability and governance practice. Upon completion, graduates will be able to navigate the complexities of a changing world and embody critical consciousness, creativity, and social engagement within civil society. The qualification provides graduates with the following career possibilities in advanced and specialised positions in sustainability and governance, such as: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's existing RPL policy and practices will be applied in relation to this qualification. The principles of recognising learning that has already taken place will be applied at a modular level. The institution follows the CHE's Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE, 2016) and in accordance with the policy, learners applying for admission to the qualification via RPL can only be exempted from a maximum of 50 % of the qualification modules. Learners need to be able to demonstrate their prior learning either through evaluation/verification and/or assessment. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and learners will enter into discussion with the RPL advisor to determine the requirements for the RPL assessment/portfolio of evidence. Although learners are rigorously assessed, as per the principles of RPL, there is no guarantee that a learner will gain admission into a qualification or receive exemptions from modules. While the institution is making provision for RPL, the institution is adhering to the guidelines set by the CHE (CHE, 2016), and only 10 % of a cohort will be allowed admittance to a qualification on an RPL basis. All RPL applications will be adjudicated by the Academic Committee and Registrar: Administration. The outcome of the applications will be communicated to learners in writing (via email). Entry Requirements: 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, NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of sustainability and governance theories, principles and practices and the ability to formulate evidence-based strategies for sustainable development.
2. Evaluate from an integrated interdisciplinary perspective the theories and principles for promoting sustainability and effective governance in a globalised/post-globalised world to formulate evidence-based strategies for sustainable development. 3. Identify solutions for global challenges to sustainable development by using effective networks to facilitate the achievement of sustainability goals. 4. Critically review and discuss different sustainability and governance models, focusing on transformative sustainability and governance practices. 5. Critically analyse the implications of existing norms, rules and regulations within the field of sustainability and governance and apply advanced concepts of stakeholder engagement for formulating and facilitating robust, well-governed sustainability initiatives. 6. Advocate for sustainability and good governance, with an understanding of the dynamics motivating people to participate in civil society efforts toward sustainability. 7. Evaluate and discuss the role of digital and green technologies in sustainability initiatives. 8. Research, analyse, and communicate solutions to sustainability and governance challenges. |
| 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: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The institution applies an integrated assessment approach, as outlined in our Higher Education Assessment and Moderation Management Policy (BCCPP030). Assessment is designed to support learner learning and ensure the achievement of learning outcomes through a combination of formative and summative methods. These methods are appropriate to the qualification NQF levels and open distance e-learning mode of provision. Formative Assessment: Formative assessments are used throughout the learning process to provide feedback and guide learner development. Summative Assessment: Summative assessments evaluate the achievement of exit-level outcomes. Integrated assessment ensures that theoretical knowledge and practical competencies are assessed in a coherent and meaningful way, often through contextualised tasks such as case studies, projects, and simulations. Assessment practices are moderated internally and externally to ensure fairness, reliability, and academic integrity. The assessment strategy is structured to reflect the complexity and progression of the qualification, supporting the development of applied competence and preparing learners for the world of work. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| No direct comparative qualifications are related explicitly to "Applied Sustainability and Governance Practice" at international higher education institutions. The available qualifications tend to remain within the disciplinary area of "Sustainable Development."
Country: Australia Institution name: Deakin University Melbourne Qualification title: Graduate Diploma of Sustainability (GDS) Duration: One year AQF Level 8 Entry requirements: Or Purpose/ Rationale: This qualification builds upon the foundation laid by the Graduate Certificate of Sustainability. Shape your learning experience by selecting from a range of elective study options, extending your knowledge in the key areas you are most passionate about - ensuring you build the skills for the career you want. From climate change to public health or the circular economy, be prepared with the specialist knowledge you need to make a tangible difference. Qualification structure: Modules: Similarities: Differences: Country: Kenya Institution name: African Institute for Project Management Studies (AIPMS) Qualification title: The Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development Duration: One year Entry requirement: Purpose/Rationale: The global community faces problems of poverty and profound environmental changes that are interconnected in complex and dynamic ways. As the Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge, in an increasingly integrated world, any development agenda must be a global one with shared responsibilities for all countries. The rationale for this innovative programme of study lies in the global environmental and development challenges that have been articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals. It is clear that solutions to the challenge of sustainable development require holistic, integrated and co-ordinated actions across a very wide range of sectors and will increasingly require a multidisciplinary approach. This qualification aims to provide learners with a broad grounding in the main concepts associated with sustainable development but also provides the opportunity to specialize in one area in greater depth. The main aim of this taught, multi-disciplinary programme is to provide participants with an understanding and practical experience of the wide ranging contextual, conceptual and thematic issues involved in the planning, management and practice of sustainable development throughout the world. As the various global social and environmental crises deepen, a new generation is rising up into leadership positions in the public, private and non-profit sectors that are required to possess a broad trans-disciplinary understanding of the various dimensions of these crises and related solutions. Learning Outcomes: Qualification structure: Modules: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: The critical role of emerging technologies in achieving sustainability and the implications of digital and green technologies are also addressed in both qualifications. In both qualifications, graduates are equipped with evidence-based strategies to promote sustainability and enhance governance practices. Both qualifications aim to equip graduates with the skills to effectively network, collaborate, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for sustainability and good governance. As part of the standard expectation of a postgraduate qualification, both qualifications contain a research component that allows learners to research global sustainability and governance challenges. Both qualifications seek to develop graduates who are equipped global citizens and skilled professionals in the field of sustainability. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical articulation: Diagonal 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. |
| 1. | Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd |
| 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. |