Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Economics

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare students at an advanced level for a management career in the fields of Economics and Business Applied to the agricultural and natural resources sector. This course targets specifically those that have to operate at policy and operational level in institutions dealing with the socio-economic problems of developing areas.

The purpose of the qualification is to supply the agricultural and rural sector with competent Agricultural Economists, who could work efficiently in multi-disciplinary teams to address the problems of rural areas.

Graduates will therefore cover a wide range of courses providing them with skills at more depth than at the under-graduate level.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Agricultural Economics Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Institutional Agriculture Honours, Level 8.

Or

• A relevant Level 8 qualification.

This qualification consists of course work and a research project.

• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of agricultural economics to economic problems and issues in the agricultural and natural resources sector in developing areas.
• Identify, plan, conduct, interpret and document a research project.
• Demonstrate advanced theoretical understanding of developmental issues in rural and farming communities.
• Apply the principles of agricultural economics to help to find solutions to the problems of developing areas.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria is assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Problem solving ability through economic applications in natural and biological resources.
• Basic quantitative and analytical skills as it relates to economic applications.
• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of agricultural economics, including farm management, resource economics, agricultural marketing, agricultural and rural finance and agricultural policy.
• In-depth knowledge of the problems or rural communities in developing areas.
• Basic knowledge of rural governance issues.
• Ability to negotiate and plan strategically.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural institutions and rural systems.
• Knowledge of research methodology and the ability to apply it successfully.
• Identify a relevant topic for research.
• Identify research problem.
• Do survey and analyse and present results in a logical fashion.
• Theoretical basis for problem solving in natural and biological resources.
• Basic quantitative and analytical skills as it relates to economic applications.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge of selected aspects of agricultural economics, including farm management, resource economics, agricultural marketing, agricultural and rural finance and agricultural development.
• Knowledge of agricultural institutions and rural systems.
• Knowledge of project planning and appraisal.
• Basic understanding of the issues in rural development.

Integrated Assessment

• Simulations.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

• Assignments and exercises for course work.
• Research report on approved research topic.