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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Agriculture in Horticultural Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96507  Doctor of Agriculture in Horticultural Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
The qualification with Horticultural Sciences specialisation modules aims to develop a broad understanding of principles of Horticultural Sciences to earners. Also, obtain specialised skills of contemporary research in Horticulture, in preparation for a career in:
  • Industry and business.
  • Public sector.
  • Academia.
  • Research.

    Rationale:
    As a qualified Horticulturist, the learners will be able to:
  • Apply science and technology to the production of horticultural crops and management of public and commercial enterprises.
  • Conduct independent research in horticulture and related fields.
  • Appreciate the value and horticulture to society.
  • The learners will, therefore, be able to define, understand and solve problems of a horticultural nature by their understanding of the basic principles and mechanism of the different disciplines of horticultural sciences and related fields, for example, Olericulture, Pomology, Plant Propagation, Floriculture, Genetics, Biotechnology and Turf Management. Learners will be trained to such a level of competency that postgraduate studies in Natural Science can be pursued. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Cognate Master's Degree, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory thesis at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, assess, formulate and solve problems of horticulture creatively, from their knowledge of the different specialisation in Horticultural sciences.
    2. Demonstrate applied competence in Horticultural Sciences. The principles of horticultural sciences.
    3. Select and combine facts, concepts and theories from the different domains in Horticultural Sciences rigorously in solving horticultural problems.
    4. Manipulate the growth and development of horticultural plants for food production and the beautification of the interior environment and landscape.
    5. Plan, execute, analyse and report laboratory and field experiments in Horticulture.
    6. Communicate effectively using appropriate language and media, and be able to prepare illustrative and interpretative scientific reports.
    7. Use the computer to search for information and present information for others to use.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of how horticultural products contributes to the development of society.
    9. Use scientific knowledge and skills to support responsible decision making of horticulture in nature, taking into account the effect on the environment and human communities.
    10. Manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, graphical, mathematical and language skills in the modes of the oral and written presentation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society, by making the learner aware of the importance of reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively; exploring education and career opportunities; developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A range of continuous assessment methods, such as prescribed practical, project work singly and in groups. Written and oral tutorials and written examinations will be used to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved. The learners must prove their problem-solving skills concerning horticulture principles and must show that they have developed a broad background and understanding of these principles. The learners are expected to participate in departmental seminars. A final oral exam is required dealing intensively with the learner's field of specialisation exhibited in the thesis or dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal articulation only.
  • Cognate Doctoral Degree, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of Venda 


    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.