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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Horticultural Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96579  Master of Science 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
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifiers with:
  • Cutting-edge research skills in a chosen field of specialisation in Horticultural Sciences through supervised research.
  • Knowledge and skills to engage in independent Horticultural Sciences research, selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, technologies, methods and techniques in the chosen focus area of Horticulture.
  • Graduates should be able to undertake rigorous research and to communicate the results by means of a dissertation and scientific paper that meet internationally acceptable standards.
  • Advanced, in-depth knowledge of a specific field of Horticultural Sciences.
  • The ability to practically apply advanced professional skills in Horticultural Sciences.

    This qualification also allows access to continuation of learning, namely the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agriculture in Horticultural Sciences.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to provide the necessary advanced expertise, knowledge and research skills in Horticultural Sciences, hence promoting the achievement of Horticultural Sciences for the following:
  • To provide Southern Africa with significant number of highly trained graduates in Horticultural Sciences to ensure the broadening of the regional leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activities.
  • To stimulate and prepare learners to cutting-edge study by the provision of required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as Horticultural Researchers and Educators on the highest academic levels and to provide the region with Scientists who will have a clear understanding of methods and progress of Horticulture and their responsibilities to provide food and nutrition to enhance people wellbeing in an economically viable and environmental friendly way.
  • This Horticultural Sciences qualification is also designed to enable candidates to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be decided on case-to-case basis. Current research competencies that have been acquired by prior learning or through related practical experience will be assessed against the outcomes of appropriate Master's qualifications to determine compliance with access requirements. Candidates must, at the time of application, provide proof in the form of an academic record or other documentation to substantiate required level of knowledge and expertise. Such competencies may help gain access to the programme leading to this qualification, or advanced placement therein. See University of Venda (UNIVEN) policy on Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
  • The minimum admission requirement is a relevant Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Horticultural Sciences).
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor of Science Degree at NQF Level 8, with above average marks may be recognised as meeting the minimum entry for this program. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    There is no course work required. This is a Master by research only at 180 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
    2. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
    3. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
    4. Engage in independent social work research and produce findings in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discussions reflect a clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
  • Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
  • Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and transformed systematically in the chosen focus area.
  • Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of Horticultural Sciences.
  • Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
  • Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
  • Written and oral communication convey and appropriately highlight the information to specific target groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The research inquiry is planned and conducted on the basis of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
  • Research themes are appropriately identified and demarcated.
  • Analyses of the research theme include a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
  • Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of Agricultural research theory and practice.
  • Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Research reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions and making feasible recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research project and present in form of a dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar research Master's programmes designed for students to develop advanced skills in conducting an independent research and write a dissertation that will demonstrate specialist knowledge and contribute to existing study in the area of the research e.g. Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Liverpool. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Completion of this programme meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Sciences. 

    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.