Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is to empower learners with the necessary new skills that will enable them to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of agricultural sciences. Furthermore, the Doctor of Philosophy will enable learners to either develop or propose new solutions through models or theoretical amendments to agricultural related problems that would improve economic and social well-being.

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is also to develop learners who are able to demonstrate

• Expertise and critical thinking and knowledge in an area related to the Agriculture disciplines.
• An ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge within specialisations of Agricultural Sciences.
• An ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, system or technologies that address a particular research area in Agricultural Sciences.
• An ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
• An ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
• The ability to make independent judgments about management information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas or issues within Agricultural Sciences.
• An ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable new work which meets international standards.
• An understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems.
• Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the Agricultural Sciences discipline.
• An ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for their work and where appropriate to lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

This qualification, which consists of a research proposal module and a research project, aims to contribute to the agricultural sciences planning and management fields by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills in order to enhance an understanding of agricultural science issues and their management applications.

Rationale

This qualification is considered to be the highest qualification in agriculture. Graduates will be able to join employment as Senior Agricultural Scientists, managers, consultants and lecturers in various fields of research, education, extension and management in public and private enterprises and apply their knowledge in agricultural production management, research initiatives and community services; in solving problems together with the local communities, as part of the poverty reduction and household food security initiatives.

Agriculture has been identified as one of the major areas for growth in South Africa (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme-NEPAD).

Agriculture is seen as an area that can help reduce poverty in South Africa (National Skills Development Strategy draft document NSDS 2005-09).

Sustainable livelihoods are one of the main research foci identified by the NRF.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning may be applied for learners to gain access to the qualification. Knowledge and experience acquired through non-formal and informal learning may be assessed though RPL processes.

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to Doctoral Degree in Agriculture is a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture and related fields; or an appropriate Research Master Degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture consists of two compulsory modules at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 24 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 336 Credits.

1. Develop high skill in agriculture to ensure the relevance of the discipline in addressing agricultural sector development for food security and sustainable environment.
2. Demonstrate expertise and specialist forefront knowledge in a specialised field of study, and apply these creatively and innovatively within the disciplinary field of study.
3. Achieve a high Degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesising information and demonstrating a high Level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Expertise and specialist forefront knowledge in a specialised field of Agriculture disciplines are demonstrated and creatively and innovatively applied within the disciplinary field of study (inclusive of multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary and interdisciplinary study) and/or own profession.
• Intellectual independence, mature and sound judgment, and high levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability are exercised.
• Academic integrity and adherence to professional or self-defined ethics are demonstrated.
• Academic and professional information is communicated with peers and colleagues within a contextual environment, by participating in academic debates at the cutting edge of a specialist area of study, nationally and internationally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research are undertaken.
• Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarily of reasoning and arguments are applied.
• Sound knowledge and theoretical base of the research are displayed.
• Statistical data analysis is used (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods) in line with requirements in this regard.
• Alignment of hypotheses, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations are made.
• Methods to ensure validity of the research are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge is done to the extent that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and bias.
• Own analysis to existing theories is critically communicated.
• Epistemological engagement with the chosen field of study is shown and the research problem identified.
• The ability to engender the values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is a postgraduate qualification that does not have formative and summative assessments. This qualification will be achieved through a research proposal and credible research project(s) or cases studies which will contribute to the Agriculture body of knowledge.

Qualified supervisors and co-supervisors will guide their learners and prepare them for regular seminar and colloquia presentations to peers and fellow learners during their tenures and also prepare them for the examination of their Thesis. Learners must submit a bound research report with published or publishable scientific articles for examination.