Master of Science in Agriculture

Purpose

The qualification aims to develop lifelong learners with a drive for research that will make positive contribution to the South African Science and Agriculture 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.

This qualification prepares independent researchers in agricultural sciences and agribusiness 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. The qualification provides learners with specialised knowledge and competence in agricultural sciences and agribusiness who can contribute to the specific research fields and national priorities for growth and development in these fields.

Rationale

This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences (Agricultural Economics, Agro meteorology, Animal and Poultry Science; Crop and Horticultural Science, Plant breeding; Plant pathology and Soil Science) who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global agriculture and agribusiness related issues. 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).

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.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

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

• Masters by Research in Agro meteorology, 192 Credits.

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in a 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 research design, methods used, recommendations made and conclusions drawn meet academic and research standards.
• Ethical standards are maintained during the research.
• Reporting on research findings is made to a range of audiences using appropriate, language, terminology and media.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is done in an integrated way to ensure the achievement of the Exit Level 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 institution) with the appropriate level of subject matter expertise and qualification.