Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation

Qualification code: 98106
NQF level: 8
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 85226
APS/AS: 60
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of this qualification is to develop students who can integrate various conservation issues into applied research addressing a wide range of conservation issues. Qualifying students will be able to conduct integrated research on various conservation issues. Students will be able to research and interpret the influence of various key issues on the environment and effect outcomes. This qualification provides the conservation industry with multi-and interdisciplinary researchers who will be able to holistically address conservation-related issues. Due to articulation with related disciplines, students will be able to influence other industries with regard to conservation needs and issues.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

  • Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
  • Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

An Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (or equivalent or appropriate NQF 7 qualification) from an accredited provider of higher education with a minimum of 60% average for the majors, or a selected number of NQF 7 modules in the qualification,
or
applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they are at least 30 years old with a minimum of five years' current, relevant working and research experience in line with the approved qualification's RPL requirements. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl applicants may submit an appeal on the application portal at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission.
The motivation must incorporate the following:
* academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification,
* work experience relevant to the qualification and courses completed since graduating with a Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma.
These appeals will only be considered if the enrolment target of the qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee of R150 once you've received your student number.

Please note:

  • The application fee is only applicable to students who do not have a formal Unisa student number.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers. These students will be issued with a formal Unisa student number.
  • The application fee is a once-off fee.
    * You only need to pay the application fee once when you receive your formal Unisa student number. 
  • This application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie 8 DIGIT STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030). Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information. International students are advised to make use of the Flywire payment option. 
  • The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 


Please note:

  • You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
  • You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
  • You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
  • You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
  • If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules