Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development
Human and Social Studies - Environmental Relations
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development aims to empower learners interested in pursuing careers as social entrepreneurs in the field of sustainable development. The qualification prepares learners to establish social enterprises that will attract impact investors committed to responsible investing. Through applied learning in the context of sustainable development, innovation, and implementation, learners will develop a solid knowledge base, skill sets, and values. The qualification equips learners for further study, professional careers in various sectors, or to start their own social enterprises.
The qualification focuses on developing well-rounded, engaged, and enquiring learners with integrated knowledge of business and entrepreneurship within the sustainable development context. It enhances literacy in sustainable development, research methodologies, ICTs, business development, and entrepreneurship. Upon completion, learners will be able to evaluate theories, apply key concepts, explain relationships between fields, use research methods for business plans, utilize technology for communication, gather data, and communicate effectively in occupational settings.
The qualification aims to cultivate a new generation of responsible entrepreneurs dedicated to social impact and ecological restoration. It emphasizes problem-solving, systems thinking, leadership development, critical reflection, and collaboration. Qualified learners will be able to identify and solve complex problems, engage in self-directed learning, facilitate group learning, and reflect critically on their learning journey.
Rationale:
The South African government has implemented sustainable development strategies to achieve poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, job creation, and sustainable economic growth while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Policies and frameworks promote a transition to sustainable development and a green economy, supported by initiatives like the Green Fund. The qualification addresses the gap between investment opportunities and eligible projects by producing learners capable of setting up businesses aligned with impact investors' requirements.
South Africa is building research capacity to support sustainable development policy-making, with institutions like the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies. The qualification provides a vocational pathway for learners interested in sustainable development, addressing the demand for focused education in this area.
By bridging the gap between responsible investing commitments and actual investments, the qualification contributes to the supply of learners understanding sustainable development initiatives. It promotes access to university education, especially for first-generation students. The qualification builds on the undergraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development, offering further study opportunities and preparing learners for postgraduate studies in sustainable development.
The qualification's transformative pedagogy, presented at the Sustainability Institute, utilizes the Lynedoch Eco Village as a living laboratory for experiential learning in sustainable development.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the sustainable development field### and detailed knowledge of areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.
- Attain the skills required to initiate a start-up enterprise by drawing on conceptual knowledge.
- Demonstrate the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within sustainable development practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems and apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
- Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Evaluate and apply theories of sustainable development, research methodologies, ICTs, business development, and entrepreneurship.
- Apply basic principles of environmental ethics.
- Evaluate different interpretations of the relationship between ICTs and sustainable development, specifically 'responsible investing'.
- Examine environmental issues and perspectives in environmental ethics.
- Explain how ICTs can enhance sustainable production and consumption.
- Assess the potential of emerging ICTs like driverless cars and 3D printing.
- Describe entrepreneurship development policy and responsible/impact investing dynamics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply research methods to develop business plans and strategies.
- Utilize technology for effective communication in enterprise development.
- Gather and interpret data related to enterprise development.
- Communicate ideas clearly in professional settings.
- Design and construct a transaction-capable website.
- Formulate business plans for start-up enterprises with detailed strategic elements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify, evaluate, and solve complex problems using evidence-based solutions.
- Demonstrate self-directed learning through research and mentorship.
- Facilitate group learning and collaborative problem-solving.
- Reflect on learning journey through journal activities.
- Apply research methodologies to chosen projects.
- Gather and interpret data accurately for start-up enterprises.
- Conceptualize business plan structures and goals for various types of enterprises.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyze the sustainability implications of ICT proliferation, focusing on 'digital divides'.
- Apply business planning principles in case studies.
- Collect and analyze information for business plan compilation.
- Apply entrepreneurial values in practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Develop effective communication strategies using social media and ICT platforms.
- Present multi-media business strategies.
- Demonstrate proficiency in business planning software.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
- Promote business plans using various media.
- Act ethically and professionally, justifying decisions based on ethical values.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.