Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Nature Conservation
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation is a one-year NQF Level 7 qualification designed to provide learners with a specialized understanding of current theory and practice in the field of Nature Conservation. The qualification aims to prepare learners for postgraduate study by deepening their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices in specific academic disciplines. It also aims to develop their ability to solve complex theoretical and practical problems related to nature conservation.
Key Objectives:
- Prepare learners for postgraduate study
- Develop the ability to manage nature conservation operations successfully
- Enhance skills in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling conservation functions
- Foster an understanding of economic, social, and environmental considerations in conservation
- Analyze and review information effectively for decision-making
- Integrate theories, principles, and techniques of Nature Conservation Management
- Work independently and as part of a team
Rationale:
Industry Significance:
- South Africa is a global leader in nature conservation and wildlife management
- Industry plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment and contributes to the economy
- Highly skilled professionals are needed to manage complex nature and socio-ecological systems
Qualification Goals:
- Enable specialization in disciplines relevant to nature conservation
- Prepare learners for middle-level management roles
- Serve as a pathway to postgraduate studies at Honours level
- Align with industry demands and regional opportunities
- Provide a highly sought-after qualification for middle management roles
Career Opportunities:
- Allows for specializations in conservation, resource management, wildlife management, and environmental education
- Managers in nature conservation are in high demand globally
- Learners contribute to sustainable conservation and natural resource management
Admission Criteria:
- Previous knowledge base related to nature conservation is essential
- Learners with ecology or natural resource management backgrounds can also access the qualification
- Suitable for those seeking vocational or professional advancement in the field
Conclusion: The Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation offers a comprehensive and focused program to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful career progression in the nature conservation industry. It addresses the increasing demand for specialized professionals in conservation management and ensures a competitive and sustainable workforce.
Outcomes
- Apply contested knowledge of ecological, strategic and operational aspects of nature conservation.
- Evaluate developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.
- Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations in conservation management.
- Access, process, manage and evaluate the information for effective evidence-based conservation management.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Acquire relevant ecological, strategic and operational information.
- Interpret ecological, strategic and operational information meaningfully.
- Apply ecological, strategic and operational information to inform conservation management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.
- Analyse developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management to ensure practicality, ecological suitability and cost-effectiveness.
- Evaluate developments and technologies for use in conservation planning and management.
- Develop conservation planning and management guidelines for implementation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify, analyse, and evaluate social, economic and environmental considerations.
- Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations in conservation management planning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Conduct literature searches to obtain relevant information.
- Process information obtained appropriately.
- Evaluate the processed information for effective evidence-based conservation management.
- Use evaluated information to propose conservation management solutions.
Integrated Assessment:
- Identify, collect and integrate information effectively.
- Identify and analyse complex, rapidly changing situations.
- Take action appropriate to the context and justify such courses of action.
- Present information in a range of oral and written modes appropriate to audience and task.
- Reflect on and evaluate their own and others' performances.
- Apply what they have learned to analyze a specific professional nature conservation environment and recommend changes as required.
- Work together as part of a team to collect information and develop strategies and approaches to addressing specific problems.
Formative Assessment:
- Comprise a mixture of assignments during the year, ranging from informal and formal presentations to informal tests and progress checks during contact sessions.
- Use outcomes of these assessments to provide feedback to learners and enable lecturers to facilitate improved learning.
Summative Assessment:
- Assess the learners' ability to communicate and integrate the knowledge.
- Require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes, as indicated in the module descriptors.
Practical Experience:
- Gain practical experience by simulating typical day-to-day managerial tasks and duties required of managers.
- Engage in level-appropriate research projects, which may include fieldwork, in each specialization assigned, organized, and monitored by lecturers based on the module learning outcomes.
Case Studies:
- Analyze case studies that incorporate elements of the socio-ecological as well as business environments of the nature conservation industry.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.