HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE
Course Aim:
The overall aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to contribute to the enhancement of quality and standards of the green industries with higher level professionally qualified graduates. The Postgraduate Diploma will provide an
important level between the Advanced Diploma in horticulture and the Master of Horticulture Science qualification to equip students with the required skills to complete their studies successfully.
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Currently, South Africa is experiencing severe droughts which are affecting the horticulture and green industries. These industries are in constant flux due to environmental influences and customer behaviours. Research also indicates that there is a lack of interest worldwide in the growing of plants including general food production. The National Policy on Food Security, the National Development Plan 2030 and the Western Cape Provisional Strategic Objectives all indicate that the provision of higher quality products and food production is a priority. Various stake holders and the local industry such as government departments, municipalities and garden centres revealed that a shortage of horticultural knowledge and skills exist and need to focus on future research to improve quality of products, using less
resources such as water and growing local and export indigenous products for a competitive market. The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to provide graduates the opportunity to develop a career path to obtain a level 8 qualification in horticulture with a higher level of theoretical knowledge and a path of advancement with research articulation to higher level (Level 9) horticulture qualifications. The proposed qualification will develop graduates with a deeper knowledge of theoretical information and practical engagement while exposed to industry situations in solving problems and advancing scientific research.
Opportunities:
Career opportunities are similar to those for the Diploma in Horticulture, but this qualification opens possibilities for research positions in tissue culture laboratories, new plant development laboratories, seed development companies, medicinal plant research establishments or advanced positions in the management of horticultural establishments such as botanical gardens and plant conservation organisations.
Admission requirements:
An Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, BTech in Horticulture or a related qualification at NQF level 7 that includes an appropriate knowledge base in horticulture e.g. four year B or BSc Degree in Horticulture is required as entry requirement
with:
· At least 60% average at NQF level 7 qualifications or
· Two years’ full-time employment in the horticulture industry.
Undergraduates
For all Certificate, Diploma and National Diploma applications, consult the General admission requirements.
Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application.
General admission requirements
Postgraduates
For all Honours, Masters and Doctorate applications, consult the Postgraduate admission requirements.
General admission requirements
Syllabus and fees
Offering type: FULL-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUSOffering type: PART-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS
For any queries get in contact with:
Ms Aphiwe Gusha (Department Secretary)
021 680 6512
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Applied Sciences Faculty Office
021 460 3218
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE
Course Aim:
The overall aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to contribute to the enhancement of quality and standards of the green industries with higher level professionally qualified graduates. The Postgraduate Diploma will provide an
important level between the Advanced Diploma in horticulture and the Master of Horticulture Science qualification to equip students with the required skills to complete their studies successfully.
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Currently, South Africa is experiencing severe droughts which are affecting the horticulture and green industries. These industries are in constant flux due to environmental influences and customer behaviours. Research also indicates that there is a lack of interest worldwide in the growing of plants including general food production. The National Policy on Food Security, the National Development Plan 2030 and the Western Cape Provisional Strategic Objectives all indicate that the provision of higher quality products and food production is a priority. Various stake holders and the local industry such as government departments, municipalities and garden centres revealed that a shortage of horticultural knowledge and skills exist and need to focus on future research to improve quality of products, using less
resources such as water and growing local and export indigenous products for a competitive market. The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is to provide graduates the opportunity to develop a career path to obtain a level 8 qualification in horticulture with a higher level of theoretical knowledge and a path of advancement with research articulation to higher level (Level 9) horticulture qualifications. The proposed qualification will develop graduates with a deeper knowledge of theoretical information and practical engagement while exposed to industry situations in solving problems and advancing scientific research.
Opportunities:
Career opportunities are similar to those for the Diploma in Horticulture, but this qualification opens possibilities for research positions in tissue culture laboratories, new plant development laboratories, seed development companies, medicinal plant research establishments or advanced positions in the management of horticultural establishments such as botanical gardens and plant conservation organisations.
Admission requirements:
An Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, BTech in Horticulture or a related qualification at NQF level 7 that includes an appropriate knowledge base in horticulture e.g. four year B or BSc Degree in Horticulture is required as entry requirement
with:
· At least 60% average at NQF level 7 qualifications or
· Two years’ full-time employment in the horticulture industry.
Undergraduates
For all Certificate, Diploma and National Diploma applications, consult the General admission requirements.
Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application.
General admission requirements
Postgraduates
For all Honours, Masters and Doctorate applications, consult the Postgraduate admission requirements.
General admission requirements
Syllabus and fees
Please note:
The fees reflected here are for the 2026 academic year, and are subject to change for 2027. Please confirm the final fee amount by contacting the relevant Faculty Office or contact person as listed at the bottom of this page.
Prepare this quote for:
FIFTH YEAR
Compulsary subject(s)
Compulsary subject(s)
ADVANCED PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (APP580S)
R 10,760.00
ADVANCED RESEARCH TECHNIQUES A (ART580S)
R 10,760.00
ADVANCED RESEARCH TECHNIQUES B (ART581S)
R 10,760.00
Select one of the following electives:
HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISE PROJECT (HET580S)
R 10,760.00
HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISE PROPOSAL (HEP580S)
R 10,760.00
NEW PLANT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (NPR580S)
R 10,760.00
NEW PLANT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL (NPD580S)
R 10,760.00
PLANT TISSUE CULTURE PROJECT (PTR580S)
R 10,760.00
PLANT TISSUE CULTURE PROPOSAL (PTC580S)
R 10,760.00
PLANTSMANSHIP CONSERVATION PROJECT (PCT580S)
R 10,760.00
PLANTSMANSHIP CONSERVATION PROPOSAL (PCP580S)
R 10,760.00
Offering type: FULL-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUSOffering type: PART-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS
For any queries get in contact with:
Ms Aphiwe Gusha (Department Secretary)
021 680 6512
Applied Sciences Faculty Office
021 460 3218
NOTE: The fees in this prospectus are for the 2026 academic year and are provided to assist you in your planning.
Disclaimer
This information is subject to change based on approval and accreditation of HEQSF aligned qualifications.
Admission requirements may therefore differ between the existing qualification and the HESQF aligned qualification. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page; however the University reserves the right at any time, if circumstances require, to make changes to any of the published details.