The Department of Horticulture at Durban University of Technology is a team of academics, support staff, and students dedicated to growing excellence in sustainable ornamental horticulture, which integrates people, plants and the planet. Sustainable horticulture is dependent on biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation, therefore, is an integral aspect of our programs, with a major focus on plant conservation and landscape restoration. Our research is relevant and hypothesis-driven, focusing on plant ecophysiology, plant propagation, biodiversity science and policy. We offer our students education and training of high quality to equip them with the skills needed to be successful in satisfying and rewarding careers. Students spend the first two years in formal study at our ML Sultan Campus. The third year involves six months of structured practical learning at our ‘School of Horticulture’ training facility and a further six months of work integrated learning with suitable industry partners to develop the required competencies. Our graduates are competent to plan, develop and manage sustainable plant nurseries, amenities and landscapes in a variety of contexts (commercial, community, and amenity), while ensuring sustainable and effective use of natural resources. Our postgraduate programs are inter-disciplinary and serve to strengthen and deepen the student’s knowledge and competences to lead innovation and manage resources within the horticulture industry. The programs develop critical and creative thinkers who work independently and collaboratively within local and global contexts. Industry partners play a pivotal advisory role and in the skills development of our graduates.

School of Horticulture

Vision, Mission and Values

VISION

Growing a Centre of horticultural excellence that integrates people, plants and planet.

MISSION

Empowering graduates to create sustainable healthy environments through the diverse use of plants.

VALUES

1. Mutual Respect

We accept, acknowledge and embrace diverse people, plants and perspectives. Ubuntu: I am because you are

2. Integrity

We are true to our word. We are ethical in our dealings with one another. We keep our commitments

3. Accountability

We take responsibility for our actions. We are answerable for the tasks placed on us to deliver excellence

4. Teamwork

We work together to add value and achieve our goals. Leadership, to us, is not about the leader – but the team.

5. Environmental Ethics

We strive to develop green consciousness amongst all planetary citizens.

Staff

New Qualifications Offered:

1. Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping (DISLD1)
2. Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture (ADSUH1)

Departmental Handbook

Careers in Horticulture

One of the most rapid growth areas in the field of agriculture is that of horticulture. This new-found interest is due in a large part to an increasing awareness on the part of the general public, as people look inwardly at the need to be closer to nature and outwardly at a world in which efficient methods of food production and conservation of land are increasingly important.

Horticulture includes producing, processing and marketing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants (turf grass, flowers, shrubs and trees grown and used for their beauty). Horticultural commodities are high labour and high income commodities.

The Durban University of Technology has a long experience in preparing young people for entry into the horticultural industry and the function of the Durban University of Technology is to provide staff and facilities to enable students to study their particular subject and gain the maximum benefit. It is for this reason that at Durban University of Technology all the horticultural sciences are taught in the context of practical reality.

Career Opportunites

There are various sources of employment for individuals trained in horticultural practices. These businesses include greenhouses, nurseries, garden centres, golf courses, municipal parks departments, government departments, orchards, floral design shops, grounds maintenance operations, vegetable and fruit growers, or self-employment.

Entry Requirements

Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture & Landscaping Entrance Requirements
Bachelor of Technology Horticulture Entrance Requirements

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