Master of Agriculture

Purpose

The qualification aims to develop lifelong learners with a drive for research that will make positive contribution to the South African Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields as well as regionally and globally. The qualification will produce research that will address national priorities in agricultural sciences and agribusiness and address problems that challenge the African continent. It will produce researchers who can contribute to the generation of new knowledge in agricultural sciences and agribusiness that will bring solutions to the discipline-specific issues affecting the African continent. The learners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence discipline related policies and practices. This qualification will equip the learner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics (including teaching and research positions) or for further independent research toward the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Rationale

The qualification will build the capacity of rural communities by enhancing the skills, knowledge and attitudes of rural community development practitioner. This qualification prepares independent researchers in Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Education, and Rural Agrarian Development who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor or supervisory committee. The research project in their area of specialisation will culminate in the production of a research report in the form of a dissertation in the traditional format or by publication. Learners are provided with specialized knowledge and competence in Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Education, and Rural Agrarian Development who can contribute to the specific research fields and national priorities for growth and development in these fields.

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 the

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, Level 8.
• Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling at 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 192 Credits

• Master's in Research in Agricultural Extension & Rural Resource Management, 192 Credits.

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
5. Undertake independent research in the field of computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

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

• Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
• Undertake independent research in the fields of Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Education, and Rural Agrarian Development and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
• Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
• Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
• Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment in an integrated way to ensure the achievement of the overall programme learning Outcomes. The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a dissertation in the traditional format or in the format of journal manuscripts that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project. In order for the assessment purposes to be achieved, 100% dissertation or publication will form part of assessment methods. Two examiners who hold a Doctoral Degree and with competency in the subject area covered in the dissertation and/or methodology of choice will be appointed by the College Dean for Research through the School Academic Leader Research, as per the University Policy and Guidelines on Supervision of Postgraduate Degrees. The examiners must have a minimum of a Doctoral Degree and evidence of recent publication in their field and successful research supervision. At least one of the two examiners must be external to the institution. All final outputs are examined by two examiners, independent of the research supervisor (of which at least one is external to the institution) with the appropriate level of subject matter expertise and qualification. The two reports submitted are checked by the Dean and Head of School or School Academic Leader (Research and Postgraduate Studies) who writes a coordinating report that reflects comments from both examiners. The coordinating report gives direction to both the student and the supervisor on how to manage comments from both examiners.

All reports from examiners will be analysed on completion by the Programme Coordinator and School Academic Leader (Research and Postgraduate Studies), and the final report with recommendations on how to improve will be disseminated to all academic staff members involved in the supervision of research projects in this programme. Learners are required to provide a report detailing point by point how all the comments from the examiners were addressed. In order for the assessment purposes to be achieved, 100% dissertation or publication will form part of assessment methods.