Bachelor of Agriculture Honours

Purpose

The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary skills to engage with the body of knowledge in a specialised field of agriculture as well as the application of that knowledge. This would contribute to their ability to do research within the specialisation fields as well as entering professions in the Agricultural sector. These fields include wildlife, irrigation, agriculture, rural development or agricultural management. Furthermore, the qualification aims to develop the learner's managerial skills in a variety of functional areas in agricultural enterprise management and development and the Management of agricultural businesses.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8 aims to produce Graduates who will be able to undertake independent research at Master's and ultimately at Doctorate level through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in specific fields of agriculture in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

The qualification envisages Graduates who have acquired the intellectual and scientific

competencies to meaningfully and critically engage in the fields of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The Bachelor of Agriculture Honours prepares students for research-based postgraduate study. This qualification follows a Bachelor of Agriculture or other relevant qualification at Level 7 and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in a specific Agriculture sub-discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques within that discipline. This specific qualification includes a research project within the field of Agriculture.

The Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8 aims to educate and train Graduates that have a theoretical and practical experience in the field of agriculture and its related major fields of study and are capable to explore research to inform management decisions related agriculture in general and specific in the relevant major field of study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Agriculture, Level 7.

This qualification consists of the elective modules at Level 8 listed below. A selection of modules must be made that total 128 Credits. The institution will give guidance on the selection based on the sub-field or specialisation chosen.

• Applied Wildlife Management, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Agricultural Management, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Production Management, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• Soil fertility and Integrated Pest Control, 24 Credits.
• Design, Installation, Evaluation and Management of Irrigation Systems, 24 Credits.
• Irrigation Management Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Evaluation of Soil and Water for Irrigation Suitability, 24 Credits.
• Wildlife Management Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Applied Habitat Evaluation and Wildlife Feeding, 24 Credits.
• Veld and Game Ecology, 24 Credits.
• Financial Management, 24 Credits.

1. Interpret the principles in the utilisation of a game farm/reserve.
2. Understand the inter-disciplinary relationships within agricultural management and other specialised agricultural fields of study.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the management of game farms/reserves and other agribusinesses.
4. Perform basic functions of Agricultural Management.
5. Evaluate the sustainability of game farm/reserve planning.
6. Lead teams in game farm/reserve planning.
7. Manage, detect and solve problems in agricultural systems.
8. Identify and critically evaluate current agricultural management processes and understand their complexities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the operations of agricultural management and skills.
• Apply operational management skills in a professional environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-disciplinary relationships within agricultural management and of practical agribusiness Management.
• Demonstrate specialised entrepreneurial skills to identify and explore the commercial potential, including knowledge of opportunities available in the agro-commercial environment.
• Show an understanding and awareness of the social responsibility of agriculture towards the environment and society.
• Do independent study into the operatives of agricultural economic and management techniques, including the analysis of the limitations and potential of the agricultural sector,
• Demonstrate sound theoretical judgement and evaluation, in the presentation of research reports (both written and verbal), including the use of information technology as an aid to effective communication skills.
• Present a deep understanding of the multi-disciplinary factors which dictate the sustainability of an agricultural practice.
• Manage, detect and provide solution for problems based on research in agricultural systems.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy provides for both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Integrated continuous and formative assessment will be included in the course work allowing demonstration of achieved competences as required by the outcomes of the qualification. Learners will be assessed by completing assignments, case studies, presentations and examinations and tests as well as completing a research report contributing 32 Credits towards the qualification.

Formative assessment in all the modules will take place during the year and will take the format of written assignments and tests as well as case studies. The number of class assessments will vary according to the particular module. Learners are also required to complete a research project.