Advanced Diploma in Horticulture (NQF Level: 7)

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Programme

Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Horticulture is a comprehensive qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant production, soil management, crop science, post-harvest technology, and horticultural enterprise management.

The programme integrates scientific principles with hands-on training to prepare graduates for the evolving agricultural and horticultural industries.

Programme

Purpose

This qualification is designed to produce graduates who are able to apply advanced horticultural production techniques and effectively manage fruit, vegetable, ornamental, and specialty crop systems.

Graduates will be equipped to enhance soil fertility and plant nutrition to support sustainable agricultural production.

They will also be capable of conducting agricultural research using sound scientific methods, and contributing to innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making within agribusiness and agricultural extension services.

Programme

Description

The Advanced Diploma in Horticultural Production is a one-year postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced applied and theoretical competence in horticultural sciences and production systems.

The programme is pitched at NQF Level 7 and carries a minimum of 120 credits, in accordance with the South African higher education qualifications framework.

The qualification is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) framework, ensuring compliance with national quality assurance standards.

It aims to produce graduates who are able to apply advanced horticultural production techniques, manage diverse crop production systems (including fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, and specialty crops), and implement sustainable soil fertility and plant nutrition practices.

It further develops competence in agricultural research, scientific inquiry, and the application of modern technologies such as GIS, MIS, and remote sensing to support innovation, productivity, and evidence-based decision-making in the agricultural sector. 

Graduates will be prepared for professional practice in commercial horticulture, agribusiness management, agricultural extension services, and applied research environments. Thus able to contribute to improved productivity, sustainability, and innovation within the horticultural and broader agricultural value chain.

Admission

Requirements

Career

Opportunities

Horticultural production management

Agricultural extension services

Farm and agribusiness management

Research and development in crop science

Landscape and ornamental design

Post-harvest technology and quality control