Master of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners at an advanced level for a management or research career in the fields of economics and business applied to the agricultural, agri-business and natural resources sector.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to provide the Agricultural industry in Southern Africa, which underpins all aspects of the economy, with significant numbers of learners with the high levels of 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.

The qualification aims to provide Southern Africa with a cadre of highly competent researchers who will have a clear and growing understanding of scientific developments in agricultural research and thus be able to be 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In addition to the admission requirements of the Degree of Master of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, learners who do not comply with the minimum admission requirement for this qualification may be considered for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Prior formal, informal and non-formal learning is a platform to provide recognition to the informal learning or learning through work to get equal acceptance as the formal level of education. It aims to appreciate prior learning irrespective of the medium of achieving it.

The regulation provides two alternative routes regarding the admission of learners

a. A first possibility is via the academic route where a learner has proven himself/herself based on academic achievement.

b. The second possibility refers to a standard of competence that would make a learner eligible to continue with postgraduate studies.

Learner's prior formal, informal and non-formal learning may be evaluated by the Head of department. Based on such evaluation of formal, informal education, learners' will be given conditional acceptance to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• BSc in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write research proposals that indicate that the learners are able to identify a problem in Agricultural Economics and formulate a research problem;
• Formulate and test hypotheses;
• Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant to the research project;
• Report the findings of the investigation and formulate recommendations that emanate from the results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different authors on the topic being researched;
• 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: 3

• Write a dissertation that shows that the leaners can express himself/herself 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

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.