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SAQA 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: Aquaculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90514  Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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  Primary Agriculture 
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Stellenbosch University (SU) is the only tertiary institution in South and Southern Africa that presents a dedicated undergraduate qualification in Aquaculture, currently as part of the four year Bachelor of Science: Agriculture, Degree in Animal Production. Learners with Degrees from other academic institutions, including other universities, technical universities and agricultural colleges, do not usually qualify for enrolment into the Aquaculture Postgraduate qualification of SU, due to the lack of undergraduate training in aquaculture. This Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture is therefore designed to:
  • Provide an opportunity to learners from other tertiary institutions to receive dedicated training and to obtain a formal qualification in Aquaculture.
  • Provide a pathway to learners from other tertiary institutions to enter into the Aquaculture Postgraduate qualification of SU.

    The objective of this qualification is therefore to provide broader access to and an improved career path in Aquaculture.

    Rationale:
    Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world with an average growth rate of over eight percent per year over the past five decades (FAO 2006). Other than the fast developing regions of South-East Asia and South America, Africa is lagging behind in its contribution of less than one percent of global aquaculture production. The slow development of aquaculture in Africa is not due to a lack of resources, but could rather be attributed to slow economic growth (per se), political instability, limited access to markets and lack of skills. South Africa contributes less than five percent of aquaculture production in Africa, yet is seen to play a leading role in regional development through services, reconstruction and development and training. The opportunity exists for aquaculture to make a meaningful contribution to food security on the continent as well as to contribute to economic development in supplying global markets. Training in aquaculture, within the context of Africa's requirements, remains fundamental to future development of the industry on the continent.

    Stellenbosch University is the only tertiary institution in South Africa, and together with Bunda College, Malawi, are the only institutions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region that are providing undergraduate training in Aquaculture. This limited undergraduate training platform is not providing sufficient opportunity to graduates to obtain expertise in aquaculture and to contribute to and participate in the development of the industry in SA, SADC and the rest of Africa.

    The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) will therefore offer an opportunity to graduates in Natural Sciences from other institutions, as well as from Stellenbosch University, to obtain an appropriate qualification in Aquaculture. The Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture will be presented on both a residential and distance learning basis, thereby improving access and affordability.

    The qualification will provide for the needs of industry and government departments in providing scientists with specialist training in Aquaculture, whilst the qualification may also enhance entrepreneurial opportunities amongst graduates. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is expected and assumed that learners should:
  • Be able to read and critically evaluate academic texts in English and communicate information and their own ideas orally and in written text that is grammatically correct, well structured, clear and concise, using accepted standards of scientific and academic writing at NQF Level 7.
  • Be competent in the general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding developed in learning at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification. Proven expertise and competency will be considered. Learners may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualifications or study achieved.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Learners with the following will gain access to the qualification:
  • Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Science Degree: Natural Sciences, from an accredited institution.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree: Agricultural Sciences, from an accredited institution.
  • Appropriate (Animal Science, Production or Husbandry) Bachelors Degrees' from international institutions. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of eight compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 worth a total of 120 Credits.
    Modules:
  • Aquaculture Production and Management Systems I, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Production and Management Systems II, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Review, Assessment and Project Development I, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Review, Assessment and Project Development II, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Nutrition, 16 Credits.
  • Aquaculture Products, 16 Credits.
  • Animal Science, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of assessment, planning, implementation and management of aquaculture projects.
    2. Apply subject specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles within the agricultural science environment.
    3. Identify critical factors impacting on practical problems to be investigated from the perspective of the discipline.
    4. Show an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships within the agricultural management sciences and of practical agribusiness management.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The qualification offers the opportunity to develop all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • The managerial challenges of an aquaculture farming operation are demonstrated.
  • Implementable aquaculture project and management plans are developed.
  • The criteria for the choice of species is explained.
  • Advanced biology and ecological requirements of candidate species are explained.
  • A production plan for aquaculture species is developed.
  • Appropriate production and management systems are assessed.
  • Site assessment and selection processes are conducted.
  • Budget and financial models for an aquaculture operation are developed.
  • Market assessment and development of a marketing plan for an aquaculture species is conducted.
  • The risk assessment procedure for Aquaculture is described.
  • Good nutritional practices and good environmental management are practiced to achieve the resultant desired outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. The following methods of assessment are employed:
  • Compulsory modules: A minimum of four formal assessments/tests. Tasks and assignments are also incorporated.
  • Optional modules: A minimum of one test, three assignments and a final exam.
  • All modules with regular assessment: Two written tests, one practical assignment (predicate 40%) and one written exam (60%).
  • All modules with continuous assessment: Four to five assessments consisting of written tests, practical and other assignments such as seminar and scientific presentation and an oral final examination (even weights). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The School of Biology at the University of St Andrews offers a Postgraduate in Diploma in Aquaculture. The qualification consists of the following modules:

    Core modules Credits:
  • Aquaculture and Fisheries.
  • Biology for Aquaculture.
  • Nutrition.
  • Management, husbandry and sustainability.
  • Health and disease.
  • Markets, products, processing & food safety.
  • Local and global impacts of aquaculture.

    Optional modules (two topics from five) Credits:
  • Breeding and genetics.
  • Welfare, ethics.
  • Recirculation aquaculture systems.
  • Ornamental and aquaria production.
  • Larval rearing.

    The University of Queensland offers a Graduate Diploma in Aquaculture. The main focus of the qualification is to assist learners to learn more about aquaculture and fisheries science, or marketing and management of products. The qualification consists of the following modules:

    Modules:
  • Aquaculture Principles.
  • Aquaculture Organisms.
  • Marine Invertebrate Biology.
  • Marine Vertebrate Biology.
  • Management of Aquatic Projects.
  • Coastal Zone Management & Human Impacts.
  • Advanced Marine Invertebrates.
  • Aquaculture Management.
  • Diseases in Warmwater Aquaculture.
  • Emerging Biotechnologies I.
  • Principles of Sustainable Development.
  • Animal Food Processing Technology.
  • Literature Review.
  • Minor Research Project & Seminar.
  • Major Research Project & Seminars.
  • Aquaculture Industry Attachment.

    The Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania does not offer a Postgraduate Diploma but a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture (Modules not available to the public only for registered learners). The Niger Delta University in Niger offers a Postgraduate Diploma qualification structured to provide training and research in specialized fields in Fisheries to produce high level manpower for enhanced fisheries development in Nigeria. The two African universities together with others in the continent offers qualifications that provides unique practical field experience and academic skills required for the challenging careers in fish and invertebrate culture, fish habitat & stock assessment, fisheries enhancement, conservation & management and research.

    Conclusion:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture compares favourably with the qualifications quoted. The qualifications assist learners in management process in relation to aquaculture. Qualifications focus on assisting individuals in building capacity because learners are/may already involved in making decisions on how best to environmentally manage areas to be used for aquaculture. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates horizontally with a Bachelor of Science Honours: Agriculture within the same institution.

    Vertically the qualification may articulate with a Master of Science Aquaculture, on the understanding that the requisite modules in Research Methodology have been achieved, to a relevant coursework Master's Degree in Aquaculture at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All final examinations, be they oral or written, are subjected to internal and external moderation. Moderators are appointed and approved by the Faculty of AgriSciences. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Any assessor must be a recognised expert in their discipline or sub-field, with qualifications in the relevant discipline at a higher NQF level than that of the modules being assessed. The assessor should be currently teaching or have three years' experience of teaching in Higher Education, or be recognised by academic peers as an authority in the particular discipline. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.