Postgraduate Diploma: Nature Conservation
The purpose of this diploma is to build on the knowledge and skills you acquired during your Advanced Diploma and equip you for working as a researcher in the field of marine science. In particular, we aim to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in your career through achieving higher level qualifications such as a Masters in Conservation Science.
Some key information about the course:
- The PG Dip in Conservation Science is at NQF Level 8 i.e. it is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree.
- The minimum requirement for acceptance onto the course is 60% for an Advanced Diploma in a suitable field e.g. Nature Conservation or a relevant Bachelor of Science degree (for example with majors in Botany, Zoology or Conservation Biology).
- You can do the PG Dip in Conservation Science either full time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
- We will make use of the block/ release system so that you do not have to be based in Cape Town to enroll for the course. However, you will need to be available on campus for all block weeks (8 weeks in total) as well as if required for lab work, seminars etc.
- You will to a large extent choose the specific fields you wish to study. You will need to discuss this with suitable prospective supervisors, preferably before you apply.
- Most of the assessments will include seminars, written assignments and research reports.
Table 1: Subjects offered as part of the PG Dip in Conservation Science (all are compulsory).
NQF level |
Subject/module |
Subject Code |
Credit |
Fundamental/ |
8 |
Philosophy of Science |
POS581S |
10 |
Core |
8 |
Statistics for Conservation Science |
SCS580S |
15 |
Core |
8 |
Conservation Science Techniques |
CST580S |
15 |
Core |
8 |
Ecological Theory |
ETY580S |
25 |
Core |
8 |
Conservation Biology |
CBY580S |
25 |
Core |
8 |
Research project (includes a 4 credit Advanced Information Literacy course) |
RPJ583S |
30 |
Core |