Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics

Purpose

The purpose of this Postgraduate qualification is to equip learners with advanced knowledge of agricultural economics, such as Agricultural Production and Economics, Agricultural Marketing, Project Appraisal and Management, Land Reform and Rural Development. Furthermore, learners will be provided with basic research skills which will enable them to contribute to the socio-economic development of society through both animal and crop production practices in order to promote food security nationally and internationally.

Rationale

South Africa is in many ways still a developing country in need of land management and rural development specialists who can focus on the enhancement of the quality of the work life of its citizens. The rationale of this Postgraduate qualification is to meet the need in South Africa for Agricultural Economists, who can contribute to planning that land development is balanced with food security.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access purposes will be as per Institutional policies and guidelines. The principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role are accepted. RPL obtained either by formal teaching programmes at any institution, or informally by experience is an indispensable element in granting admission to the qualification or for the awarding of credits towards the qualification.

RPL involves provable knowledge and learning that the learner obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level knowledge and skills required for the contemplated qualification (or modules therein) or status for which the learner is applying and not merely about the experience the learner can prove. RPL takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the learner demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

• Advanced Diploma, in Agriculture, Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8, totalling 136 Credits

Compulsory Modules

• Agriculture and Economic Development, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Marketing, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Macroeconomics, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Project Appraisal, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Production Economics, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Microeconomics, 12 Credits.
• Rural Community Development, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Methods in Agricultural Economics, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Statistics Research I, 16 Credits.
• Research Methods and Project, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competence in agricultural economics and in the practical application of agricultural economics principles in the field and industry.
2. Apply fundamental understanding of agricultural economics principles and their application to agricultural, resource, economic, rural and related issues.
3. Appraise research problems, conduct research and interpret findings within the context of current scientific knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Show an understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge.
• Analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of appropriate methods.
• Practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous Formative Assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests, etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-research project and report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place.