Bachelor of Agricultural Management Honours

Purpose

To develop learners with deep knowledge, skills and competence in this specific and specialised field. To produce learners who will be able to critically review literature, write scientific papers and formally present and defend their work as aspiring specialists in the field of Agricultural Management, and to competently integrate theory and application of Agricultural Management with the knowledge gained. These leaners should be able to engage critically in current debates concerning development initiatives, and show an in-depth understanding of Agricultural Management strategies.

Rationale

To increase the pool of well trained personnel and provide for initial research training in order to promote the long-term sustainability of farm businesses.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Agricultural Management, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 64 Credits

• Agricultural Management Project and Seminar, 32 Credits.
• Agricultural Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology and Linear Programming, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 80 Credits

• Animal Science Research Project and Seminars, 48 Credits.
• Applied Plant Sciences Project and Seminar, 32 Credits.

1. Demonstrate extensive, systematic and in-depth knowledge of Agricultural Management.
2. Demonstrate skills to undertake literature searches in obtaining relevant information in order to identify complex, practice orientated solutions tailored towards specific Agricultural Management challenges; analyse and interpret these and reach conclusions through practical recommendations; and be able to communicate these competently in writing by means of Information Technology and verbally to both laymen and professional audiences.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and in-depth, critical understanding of the principles and theories relevant to specific Agricultural Management issues, and to evaluate and document suggested relevant interventions from a responsible and ethical framework.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Complete a research project and present seminars in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness.
• Demonstrate critical evaluation of information, while seminars are presented in front of peers.
• Undertake a research project in an agricultural economic related field.
• Use agricultural field as the source of data and view the industry needs as an interrelated system.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification and all modules are based on a problem solving and learning-centred approach and are, in fact, designed to foster supervised learning, critical and focussed enquiry/thinking and experiential learning in project orientated environment. Students will be exposed to real case studies and will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to develop solutions to Agricultural Management challenges. This will be achieved in lectures (through the accomplishment of the knowledge outcomes) and through project components that the students will have to conduct under supervision from the instructor.

All modules have continuous assessment-based components through assignments. The module is then capped by a summative assessment in the form of an examination, which is externally moderated. In addition to tests, examinations, practical and tutorials, learners have to complete a research project and seminars.