Master of Science in Agriculture

Purpose

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with postgraduate-level knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in general and specific areas of agricultural economics and management. The qualification will also provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The third purpose is to provide South Africa with a cadre of highly competent researchers who will have clear and growing understanding of scientific developments in agricultural research. The learners will thus be able to active participants in the generation and reconfiguration of knowledge so as to meet the ever changing food, fibre and socio-Economic needs of the South African society. The qualification provides a certain degree of specialisation and proven competence in research in this field, thus empowering the learner and opening up better career opportunities.

By completing the research the learner will have further demonstrated his/her capacity to make a significant contribution to agriculture

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide the Agricultural industry in South Africa, which underpins all aspects of the economy, with significant numbers of graduates. These graduates will have interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in Agricultural Economics and Farm Business Management and related agricultural sciences necessary for the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems facing the industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification allows for Recognition of Prior Learning for a leaner to attain entry/access to this qualification and to gain exemptions from some qualification requirements. Where an entry criterion applies, a prospective leaner may use prior learning experience in the field of public health to gain entry to the qualification. Submission of a portfolio of evidence as proof of practical experience from an appropriate setting will enable the learner admission to the qualification. Access to the qualification through recognition of prior learning is possible if the learner produces evidence of having achieved the appropriate outcomes level of knowledge, skill, and competence. Access to the qualification is achievable if the learner can provide formal proof of credits earned towards the outcomes from an accredited service provider.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

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

• Full Dissertation NQF Level 9.

1. Demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and write up research.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific procedures and an ability to cope with research techniques.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of literature related to the research problem.
4. Write a dissertation that is linguistically, technically and scientifically correct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write research proposals to identify a problem or problems in agricultural economics and formulate research problems.
• Formulate and test hypotheses.
• Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant in the research problems in agricultural economics and related fields.
• Conduct fieldwork during the actual investigation, if relevant to the research project.
• Report the findings of the investigation and formulate recommendations that emanate from the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and analyse different scientific procedures in terms of the researched problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different authors on the topic.
• Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies.
• Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review.
• Compile a complete bibliography/list of references.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Write a dissertation that shows that the learners can express themselves clearly.
• Write a dissertation that is linguistically correct and of an acceptable standard.
• Write a dissertation that is technically and scientifically acceptable to the examiners.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment procedures are used to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

Through integrated assessment the learner will be required to demonstrate applied competence using a range of formative and summative assessment methods including assignments, seminars, practical reports and exams, where applicable. Assessment of the dissertation will be particularly important.