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FEATURE

TUT DEPARTMENT

OF HORTICULTURE:

NEW CURRICULUM

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has
introduced new courses for the Diplomas in Landscape
Technology and Horticulture. Lana Sanderson, Senior
Technician and WIL Co-ordinator in the Department of

Horticulture, provided the information below. Lana Sanderson

he Diploma in Landscape Technology is designed to fulfil design advanced residential and commercial landscape projects.
the current need for application of design techniques in They will also have the ability to evaluate, cost, implement and
Tthe environment, with solutions and creative ideas in South maintain projects with appropriate management principles.
Africa’s landscape industry. The Advanced Diploma in Landscape In line with local context, they will be equipped to understand
Technology is career based and focusses not only on the design and manage sustainable landscape principles and apply critical
ability of the student, but also the role of a supervisor and/or the thinking in resolving landscape problems. The qualified student
middle management of a construction site within the landscape will be able to understand industry related project management
field. The purpose of this qualification is to equip a student with the and marketing principles in order to develop strategies and
skills for solving environmental problems by making use of various strategic plans on a competitive business basis. Graduates will
design techniques and applications, identifying the benefits of the be multi-skilled and able to work independently, demonstrating
environment for peoples’ mental/ physical wellbeing and the role an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and
that it could play in sustaining the environment. address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions
and theory-driven arguments in a landscape setting. Qualified
Candidates who complete this Advanced Diploma will be able to: students will be able to:
• supervise and manage a variety of tasks in the related field of • understand and apply appropriate research methodology
landscape technology; techniques in resolving relevant landscape problems;
• design interesting yet functional open spaces; and • demonstrate an ability to develop appropriate processes of
• be equipped to start their own companies and employ people. information gathering for a given context or use;
• independently validate the sources of information; and
Candidates who complete the course will have the opportunity • evaluate and manage the information, demonstrating scientific
to register at the professional body SACLAP, or become a member writing skills.
of non-professional boards such as ILASA and SALI. Furthermore,
students will have the skills to do research in the related field of The Diploma in Horticulture provides students with knowledge,
landscape technology. skills and applied competencies to use a variety of methods
and technologies to propagate, grow and maintain plants,
On completion of the Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology, supervise work activities and personnel and use entrepreneurial
students will be able to progress to a post graduate diploma skills, starting and/or managing horticultural businesses and/or
and will eventually be able to apply integrated knowledge to sections thereof.

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