Doctor of Agriculture in Horticultural Science

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in general and specific areas of Horticultural Science that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The second purpose is to provide the Agricultural industry in South Africa, which underpins all aspects of the economy, with significant numbers of graduates with the high levels of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in Horticultural Science and related sciences necessary for the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems facing the agricultural industry.

Such graduates are especially needed to support emerging farmers in the small-scale agricultural sector.

The successful graduate would have proven him/herself as a researcher capable of original research of a high calibre, thus greatly enhancing his/her capacity to play a leading role in Agriculture and related fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

Master of Agriculture in Horticultural Science, Level 9, or equivalent.

Research.

1. Design, conduct and write up original research.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific procedures and an ability to cope with research techniques.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of literature related to the research problem.
4. Write a dissertation that is linguistically, technically and scientifically correct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write research proposals that indicate that learners are able to identify a problem or problems in soil science and formulate research problems.
• Formulate and test hypotheses.
• Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant in the research problems.
• Conduct fieldwork during the actual investigation if relevant to the research project.
• Report the findings of the investigation and formulate recommendations that emanate from the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and analyse different scientific procedures in terms of the problem being researched.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different authors on the topic being researched.
• Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies.
• Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review.
• Compile bibliography/list of references.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Write a thesis that shows that the learner can express himself/herself clearly.
• Write a thesis that is linguistically technically and scientifically correct and of an acceptable standard.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will usually be solely in the form of the evaluation of an acceptable thesis but may possibly also involve an oral defence thereof and/or publishing in approved scientific publications.