Master of Agriculture

Purpose

To prepare learner for specialised further Postgraduate studies. This qualification aims at

• Providing the learner with the opportunity to present evidence of advanced study and research characterised by intellectual independence and advanced knowledge of a specialisation area in the subject, as well as accurate evaluation of his/her own results and that of others by production of a thesis which places his/her research in a broad context which is capable of withstanding international intellectual scrutiny.
• Developing the learner in order to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of supervised planning and execution of a research project in the discipline. This project includes hypothesis formulation, collecting appropriate experimental materials, optimising techniques and procedures, data acquisition, analysis, interpretation of results and writing of a dissertation according to a structured format and related literature.

Rationale

This Master of Agriculture is the third qualification in the learning and career pathway in architecture and follows on from the Bachelor of Architecture Honours, Level 8 which is preceded by the Bachelor of Architecture, Level 7.

The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to further their studies and conduct research within a specific field of specialisation, such as agricultural management, irrigation management or wildlife management. This qualification, with its focus on agriculture and agricultural activities, aims to produce graduates who are able to conduct advanced research in:

• Agricultural Economics,
• Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences,
• Soil,
• Crop and Climate Sciences.

The aims of this qualification are to present specialised Postgraduate agricultural management training to guide the learner in such a way that he/she will be able to successfully integrate, communicate and apply the principles, concepts and knowledge of agricultural and management science as well as to enhance applicable research skills in order to enable the learner to qualify as a specialist in his/her field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the programme. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Agricultural Management Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Master and apply a comprehensive, in-depth, theoretical knowledge of concepts and theories in the field of Agricultural Economics, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, Soil, Crop or Climate Sciences.
2. Possess well-developed research skills and evaluate a range of knowledge sources and scholarly apply it in the required context.
3. Critically evaluate literature and evidence to cope with contradictions and make defendable judgments.
4. Understand the value and limitations of scientific observations, data and knowledge.
5. Critically reflect on ethical and professional scientific practices within own area of expertise.
6. Apply a number of techniques to conduct a scientific investigation in such a way that results obtained can be interpreted in a scientifically sound manner.
7. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
8. Design and critically appraise research and make sound judgments using available data and information. Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of the available agricultural knowledge base and place the subject and the results of a research investigation in the context of previously acquired knowledge.
9. Contribute to the current knowledge base in own area of expertise by presenting and communicating academic ideas clearly and effectively and in a novel way to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
10. Work independently and take full responsibility for own work, where accountability, leadership and the initiation of processes are central concepts.
11. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
12. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Provide leadership in a specialisation area of Agriculture with regard to research activities.
• Do research in any field of Agricultural Management.
• Build a strategy on a chosen specialised field in agriculture.
• Initiate and plan research projects related to a field of specialisation in agriculture.
• Collect, interpret, communicate and apply research results related to a specialisation field in agriculture.
• Integrate risk in an agricultural strategy in any research related to a field of specialisation in agriculture.

Integrated Assessment

Learners are required to submit a dissertation to successfully complete the qualification, which is assessed according to academic requirements for Master's Degree study.