Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture

Purpose

Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture is a non-professional qualification which will serve to strengthen and deepen learner knowledge in the field of agriculture. The primary goal is to enable working professionals from various agricultural disciplines to undertake advanced reflection and development using a systematic current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of specialisation. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The curriculum includes research methodology and a project under supervision.

Rationale

Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture is a structured multi-disciplinary qualification with majors in Animal Production, Crop Production, Animal Health, Agri-business Management, and Research Methodology.

Typical learners will be holders of a 3-year Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science or an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (Agricultural Management, Animal Production, Animal Health, and Crop Production) at Level 7, or equivalent; and related fields.

The qualification will prepare learners who do not have an equivalent of a Bachelor's Honours Degree in agriculture by equipping them with advanced knowledge in agricultural sciences and research skills, that they need to progress to higher qualifications. Successful graduate learners will be able to access the Masters of Science in Agriculture and related fields.

Graduates from this qualification will be able to apply their knowledge to access higher education to build higher capacity and skills or join the workforce in solving problems together with the local communities, as part of the poverty reduction and household food security initiative.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university recognises RPL as an alternative method for admission into qualifications. The institution has RPL procedures that guide the implementation of the RPL policy. The later entails the following three processes:

• Pre-assessment and application,
• Assessment and
• Post assessment.

The department of RPL assists learners that apply for RPL assessment.

All admission through RPL must be following the principles laid down in the institution's RPL Policy. A learner may apply to access this qualification through RPL. They need to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge and skills from a combination of life and work experience, short courses or workplace training, or community work in a relevant field.

The RPL process takes on various forms. These forms include credit award, challenge examinations or further assessment such as portfolios, site visits or practical demonstrations. The College Management Committee verifies and ratifies the outcome of the process and informs the learner of the outcome.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Agriculture/Agricultural Management/Crop Production/Animal Production/Animal Health/Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or equivalent, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits:

• Research Methodology (Design and Layout, 24 Credits.
• Research Report, 12 Credits.
• Livestock Production and Management Systems, 12 Credits.
• Agri-Business Management, 24 Credits.
• Agricultural Sociology, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Epidemiology, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Animal Welfare for Production Animals, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Field Crop Production, 24 Credits.

1. Apply specialised knowledge in agricultural economics, animal science, animal health and crop science to solve well defined agricultural problems.
2. Demonstrate and apply proficiency in specialised skills required for agricultural enterprises' planning and development.
3. Apply ethical conduct essential to the practice of Agriculture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply specialised knowledge by bringing knowledge of agricultural economics, animal science, animal health and crop science to bear on complex/abstract problems related to agriculture.
• Use a range of specialised skills to develop responses to complex/abstract problems and issues in the field of agriculture.
• Use concepts, ideas and theories of agricultural science to communicate and aid the understanding of advanced theories of agricultural economics, animal science, animal health and crop science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and address complex problems in agricultural production systems.
• Use a range of specialised skills to address abstract and complex problems in the field of agricultural economics, animal science, animal health and crop science.
• Analyse multiple sources of information through interviewing, field note taking, report writing and case presentation to address complex problems in an agricultural enterprise.
• Apply principles, paradigms, concepts and theories of agricultural science and economics to an area of specialty in the agricultural field.
• Present and communicate academic, professional and occupational ideas effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations, and solutions to complex problems related to an agricultural enterprise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and address complex underlying ethical issues based on critical self-reflection on the suitability of different value systems in a research context.
• Analyse and address complex moral and ethical issues involved in dealing with farmers and colleagues.
• Given an abstract scenario involving respondents, recognise the respondent's' rights and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Given an abstract problem related to research, identify appropriate solutions, decisions and actions to mitigate risk to the respondents, researcher and institution/organisation.
• Given a complex scenario, demonstrate an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements of a team.
• Critically evaluate verbal and written communications from a variety of sources to inform decision making.

Integrated Assessment

Graduates will demonstrate the integration of knowledge through the submission of the well-processed assignments, portfolios, technical papers, and project reports (see Attached Assessment Policy Attached).

Graduates will apply the necessary skills and techniques in solving agricultural problems in their communities in the field of specialisation.

For the award of the qualification, a candidate must complete seven compulsory modules, as shown in the curriculum above. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through theoretical and practical experience.