Programme
Overview
The Diploma in Forestry is a three-year qualification designed to equip students with practical and knowledge in sustainable forestry and natural resource management.
The programme integrates theory, hands-on training, and industry exposure to prepare graduates for productive roles in the forestry sector.
Why Choose
This Qualification
Acquire skills in plant propagation,and site species matching, precision forestry, modern foresrtry engineering, and integrated fire management strategies
Gain expertise in the management of the forestry value chain
Learn integrated forestry and natural resource managent sustainable practices
Develop entrepreneurial, business, and forest management skills
Experience real-world industry exposure through Work-Integrated Learning
Key
Programme Details
– CHE reference number: H/AG03/E004CAN
– SAQA ID: 116379
– Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)
– NQF Level: 7
– Credits: 120
Lecturers
Ms Tozama Mjali
Senior Lecturer
- BSc Forestry, MSc Forestry, & Qualified Assessor
Mr Azwindini Ramphinwa
Senior Lecturer
- B Environmental Management, PGDHET, Master of Environmental Education & Qualified Assessor
Mr Chulumanco Sigcau
Senior Lecturer
- Diploma in Forestry, B. Tech, in Forestry, & Master’s in Forestry
Mr Ayabonga Stemele
Field Technician
- Diploma in Forestry & BSc Agric Economics
NQF Level 7
Programme Structure
Year 1–2 (Full-Time)
Theoretical and practical coursework in core forestry disciplines.
Year 3 (Full-Time)
Work-Integrated Learning in forestry industry companies.
Programme
Speciality Areas
Forestry Botany
Classification of plants (commercially important species), collection and preparation of herbarium specimens, morphology of spermatophyte, plant taxonomy, plant growth reactions affecting timber, plant tissues, and reproduction of plants.
Forest Economics
Economic concepts, timber supply and harvest regulation, production efficiency, economics and decision making, investment appraisal, land expectation value and rotation length, trade in forest products, forest taxation, land tenure.
Forest Products Processing
Roundwood processing to poles, CCA pole treatment, creosote pole treatment, wood timber procurement, sawmilling processes, and pulp mill processes.Roundwood processing to poles, CCA pole treatment, creosote pole treatment, wood timber procurement, sawmilling processes, and pulp mill processes.
Fire Protection
Fire behavior (weather, climate, heat, combustibility), causes of fires, types of forest fires, methods of fire prevention, suppression and safety, types of fire-belts, firebreak construction, and legal requirements.
Enviromental Management
Environmental Impact Assessment, forest site classification, forest certification standards, water catchment areas, land delineation, impact of soil erosion on forestry, global perspective of climate change effect on forestry, biodiversity conservation and forestry aesthetics.Environmental Impact Assessment, forest site classification, forest certification standards, water catchment areas, land delineation, impact of soil erosion on forestry, global perspective of climate change effect on forestry, biodiversity conservation and forestry aesthetics.
Forest Mensuration And Inventory
Planning, determination of diameter breast height (individual trees and stand), height, volume, age and forest density or basal area, sampling techniques and their application in forest inventory, tree volume enumeration (individual trees and stand), and volume tables.
Forest Management
Forest and woodlands management; annual plan of operations, sustainable forest management practices, sustained yield determination of forest and woodland produce, and management plan assessment.
Forestry Engineering
Timber felling, extraction and conversion, timber harvesting equipment nomenclature, product and assortment definitions and specification, timber harvesting methods and systems, machine and systems costing, harvest planning, utilization of biomass for bioenergy, and forest work science.
Community Forestry
Concept of development and underdevelopment, integrated community development, physical and socio- cultural environment, resource needs identification and assessment, technology for community development, community development programmes and projects planning, monitoring and evaluation, roles and skills of community workers, community forestry participation techniques and methods.Concept of development and underdevelopment, integrated community development, physical and socio- cultural environment, resource needs identification and assessment, technology for community development, community development programmes and projects planning, monitoring and evaluation, roles and skills of community workers, community forestry participation techniques and methods.
Forestry Information Systems
Introduction to land use systems, GIS and remote sensing, photogrammetric and forest resource mapping, land suitability, and land survey.Introduction to land use systems, GIS and remote sensing, photogrammetric and forest resource mapping, land suitability, and land survey.
Career
Opportunities
Forest Management Practitioner
Forestry Extension Officer
Forestry Entrepreneur
Sawmill Practitioner
Fire Management Practitioner
Policy Developer and Advisor
Further Study
Opportunities
– Advanced Diploma in Forestry/Agriculture/Horticulture/Agricultural Management
– Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry Science or related fields
Admission