Master of Science in Agriculture

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena pertinent to their chosen field of agricultural science.

The(second) purpose is to ensure mastery of the chosen field via high level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges

The(third) purpose is to enable students to carry out advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methods and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication, amongst others by assisting them to start publishing on their own.

The (fourth) purpose is to prepare students who aspire to move to the highest level of academic work for doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics and attitude in a specific field of agricultural sciences to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society

The (fifth) purpose is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of highly trained graduates of agricultural sciences to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity;

The (sixth) purpose is to stimulate and prepare learners for further advanced study by the provision of required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as agricultural researchers on the highest academic levels and

The (seventh) purpose is to provide South Africa with agricultural scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of agricultural sciences and of their responsibilities to provide food and fibre in an economically viable sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

HonsBScAgric or equivalent.

Candidates must obtain an average of 60% in the final year of the HonsBScAgric, or equivalent for the MScAgric (post honours) or for the BScAgric, or equivalent, for the MScAgric (post bachelor)

Critical cross field outcomes

The MscAgric graduate will have

a) Comprehensive knowledge of the chosen field of study.

b) Mastery of advanced theory and its application to a specialised field.

c) Familiarity with the literature and state of research on the subject.

d) An understanding of the constructed and provisional nature of knowledge.

e) Well-developed research skills.

General outcomes

The MscAgric graduate will be able to

a) Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of appropriate methods and techniques.

b) Critically evaluate relevant literature.

c) Extrapolate implications beyond given data.

d) Use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues.

e) Transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose.

f) Review evidence supporting conclusions critically.

g) Identify and define complex problems.

h) Apply solutions knowledge and skills for their solution

i) Manipulate abstract systems models.

j) Use well-developed research skills confidently.

k) Challenge orthodox theory and generate new information using established methods.

l) Interact and engage in debate with a learning or professional group.

m) Produce detailed and coherent reports.

The MscAgric graduate will demonstrate

a) Mastery of theoretical subject matter within a comprehensive knowledge of a field of study.

b) Mastery of advanced theory and methodology and its application to a specialised field.

c) Capacity of independent study via the completion of a thesis or research project.

d) Understanding an application of appropriate academic and professional values.

e) The ability to take calculated risks.

f) Self-reflexivity and adaptability.

Specific outcomes

Specific outcomes which the MscAgric graduate will demonstrate is the successful completion of an advanced study in a specialised field (crop or animal production), crop or animal breeding, crop protection, soil and water management, animal nutrition, animal products, oenology, wine biotechnology or agricultural economic and management techniques) via the completion of a thesis or assignment which meet the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.

The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

a) A range of formative and summative assessment methods, such as field and laboratory assignments, written and oral examinations is used.

b) The required range of modalities is used integrative to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.

c) The assessment of samples generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned way to ensure reliability.

d) The criterion used to assess outcomes is largely whether the information and conceptual content of work the student submits for evaluation or assessment is accurate and valid to demonstrate the indicated performances adequately.

e) The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research report, suitable for critical review and scientific publication, in the form of a thesis or other document.

f) The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8a.

Associated assessment criteria

The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

Integrated assessment

The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research project and present it in the form of a thesis.