SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Agriculture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119988	Doctor of Agriculture
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Primary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 10	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Agriculture is to train learners at an advanced level in the field of Agriculture to assume positions of leadership in research, teaching, and service in the industry, business, and government. Furthermore, the qualification will provide the learner with in-depth research training that fosters the development of independent research skills. These skills include the capacity to formulate a significant problem, to develop mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological skills, and to relate the research topic to a broader framework of knowledge relevant to agriculture.

The primary purpose of the qualification is to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that learner is required to demonstrate a high level of research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The qualification may be earned through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of Agriculture and closely related disciplines that are aimed at technological, social, economic, or cultural advancement.

Demonstrate the ability of intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the agriculture discipline.

Apply specialised knowledge and theory in critically reflexive and creative ways, to advance knowledge or address complex problems within the field of practice related to the research study

Derive insightful conclusions that are rigorously substantiated by relevant data and scholarly argument and that make an original contribution to the advancement.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Rationale:
The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), a comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, identified agriculture as one of the major areas for growth in South Africa and is seen as an area that can help reduce poverty in South Africa (National Skills Development Strategy draft document NSDS 2005- '09). Agriculture is identified by National Research Foundation as one of the key areas for sustainable livelihoods. The expansion of innovative activities throughout the South African economy requires considerable expansion of university research to provide the necessary research-capable human resources at all levels of qualifications (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] report, 2016).

The National Development Plan has set a target of 6000 doctoral learners per annum by 2030. Currently, the South African university system produces just over 3000 doctoral graduates per annum. Agriculture contributes 3% to the Gross Domestic Product of South Africa. Despite this, however, agriculture is vital to South Africa's economic well-being as it provides more than 600 000 formal employment (Willemse, 2018).

The qualification supports the vital skills needed by the Agricultural industry and is part of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) as well as future-oriented skills. The Private sector, Government organisations and semi-government organisations face the challenge of qualifying learners with complex problem-solving skills, critical thinking, good judgement, and decision-making.

Qualifying learners may be employed as Senior Agricultural Scientists, managers, consultants and lecturers in various fields, education, extension, and management in public and private enterprises and apply their knowledge in agricultural production management, research initiatives and community services; in solving problems together with the local communities, as part of the poverty reduction, stimulating the economy and household food security initiatives.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Master of Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Sustainable Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Management, NQF Level 9.
Or

A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, level 10, 360 Credits.

Research and Thesis, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in Agriculture and related disciplines that are aimed at technological, social, economic, or cultural advancement.
2. Demonstrate the ability of intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the agriculture discipline.
3. Apply specialised knowledge and theory in critically reflexive and creative ways, to advance knowledge or address complex problems within the field of practice related to the research study.
4. Derive insightful conclusions that are rigorously substantiated by relevant data and scholarly arguments and that make an original contribution to the advancement.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
6. Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify a substantial research topic that addresses a complex problem oriented towards the field of Agriculture and evaluate its suitability for a doctoral study using criteria appropriate to the field.

Formulate a clear and concise problem statement and associated research questions independently.

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that a responsible decision using critical and creative thinking has been made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.

Apply academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity, and innovation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply an advanced range of specialised skills

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Conduct research ethically and professionally.

Apply appropriate research methodology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Conceptualise a rigorous and robust methodological design, incorporating a selected range of data collection and analysis methods appropriate to the study, and critically evaluate the design with reference to current methodological theory.

Present, analyse and make coherent judgements about data, including independent judgements about incomplete or inconsistent data, following an iterative process of analysis and synthesis in developing significant, original insights into a complex research problem.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Produce the research findings in written form as a substantial, in-depth, and publishable work, aspects of which meet national or international standards of peer review.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply highly advanced scientific communication skills in research.

Write a thesis that is linguistically correct and of a technically and scientifically acceptable standard.

Write a thesis that shows that the learner can express him/herself.

Apply authoritative knowledge of the latest technology and techniques.

Communicate the research outputs to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, using the full resources of academic or professional discourse, emphasising the significant contribution of the study to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Agricultural practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national, and global communities.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards others.

Explore education and career opportunities and develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment
It is aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes. Learners must first submit a research proposal that must be successfully defended at a meeting of the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC). After the proposal has been approved, the learner is allowed to conduct the research under the supervision of a senior academic supervisor. The supervisor assesses continuously in the form of assignments and oral presentations while the thesis is being written. The supervisor must submit progress reports about the learner until the thesis has been completed.

Formative assessments are performed monthly via the monitoring procedures in which the following issues are discussed:

Objectives for the period under review.

Learner's self-assessment of the learning experience.

Supervisor's assessment of the learning experience.

Progress with a research project.

Head of Department's comments.

Learner's activity plan for the next month.

Matters to carry forward.

New activities planned.

Summative assessment
Summative assessment is conducted where the learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is required to report on it and generate an integrated thesis of research findings.

Examination of the thesis is finally done by at least two external examiners and internally by the supervisor(s), all experts in the field of specialisation.
A learner must produce a research article for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal, as well as a conference paper to be read at a scientific conference.
It is finally required of the learner to defend his/her thesis in a research forum. The learner is expected to make a presentation which includes:

The context in which the study was undertaken.

The methodological setup according to which the study was undertaken.

The results, conclusions, and recommendations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is comparable to similar international qualifications offered by the following countries.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Prifysgol Bangor University
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture and Environment
NQF Level 10
Duration: Three years full-time and five years part-time.

Entry Level Requirements:

Master of Science
Or

Master of Technology in Agriculture.
Or

Master of Agriculture in a relevant subject field.

Possible Research topics to select from:

Sustainable Development.

Agricultural Ecology.

Trade-offs between the output of land and the needs of local people.

Relationship between systems of food production and ecology of plants and animals.

Farm, forest, and environmental valuation.

Accounting and Appraisal.

Physiology and agronomy of temperate and tropical cereals, root crops and oilseeds.

Peri-urban farming systems.

Exit level outcomes:

An ability to create and interpret new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship. The work must be at the forefront of the discipline, of a quality to satisfy peer review, and must merit publication.

Acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge, which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.

An ability to conceptualise, design and implement a research project and to adjust the project design in response to unforeseen problems.

A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry

Associated assessment criteria

An ability to create and interpret new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.

The work must be at the forefront of the discipline, of a quality to satisfy peer review, and must merit publication.

Acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge, which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.

An ability to conceptualise, design and implement a research project and to adjust the project design in response to unforeseen problems.

A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

Similarities.

Prifysgol Bangor University (PBU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at NQF Level 10.

Both qualifications take three years full-time to complete.

Both The PBU and the SA qualifications have the same entrance requirements which is a Master's degree with a research component.

Both qualifications have the same exit-level outcomes.

Both qualifications culminate into a thesis which will contribute new knowledge in Agriculture.

Country: Australia
Institution: University of Tasmania
Name of Course: Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
NQF level: 10
Duration: 3-4 Full time or 6-8 years full time
Entry Level requirements: A research master's degree with at least two-thirds of the degree comprising a thesis.

Possible Research Topics for selection:

Agricultural science.

Agricultural economics.

Agronomy.

Animal nutrition.

Botany.

Exit Level Outcomes:

Make an original and substantial contribution to the knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice.

Demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice.

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

Evaluate the appropriateness and usefulness of various perspectives, methods, and processes in research projects.

Independently and systematically develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.

Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning; and

Critically analyse, evaluate, and synthesise new and complex ideas.

Work collaboratively in a team, recognising the need for and value of complementary expertise/skill sets, and work productively with other people.

Communicate orally and in written form sufficient to publish and present their work and communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Undertake research with autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.

Understand and apply the social and ethical implications of research and appropriate professional behaviour consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and other relevant guidelines.

Associated assessment criteria

Has made an original and substantial contribution to the knowledge of the subject in the field

Has a systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline or area of professional practice

Has expert, specialised cognitive, technical and research skills in a discipline area to independently and systematically:

Engage in critical reflection, synthesis, and evaluation, develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice

Generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice and can apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.

Duration of the Qualification
This is a supervised research and professional development qualification conducted over 3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time), culminating in the examination of a thesis or creative equivalent, by at least two external examiners.

Similarities.

The University of Tasmania (UoT) and the South African qualifications are registered at NQF/AQF Level 10.

Both have the same full-time train-out period of three years.

Both have the same entrance requirements which is a Master of Science with a research component.

The UoT and SA qualifications share the same exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The UoT and SA qualifications qualify individuals who apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more fields of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.

Graduates from both the UoT and SA qualifications can pursue diverse career paths, including professions in research and academia, as well as a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sectors.

Both qualifications culminate in the examination of a thesis by at least two external examiners.

Country: United States of America
Institution: Southern Illinois University
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences
Duration: Three years Full time

Entry Requirements:
Learners may be admitted to the doctoral program with a Bachelor's, a Master of Science or a Master of Arts degree in Agriculture, a discipline within the SIU School of Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field such as Biology, Botany, Natural Science, Rural Sociology, Economics, or Environmental Science.

Purpose:
The comprehensive qualification prepares learners to excel in their chosen agricultural profession. Through applied research, and study, and with the guidance and contributions of accomplished professors, learners develop expertise in their area of emphasis in the social, physical, and biological sciences.

Program Requirements:
Each doctoral learner in the School of Agricultural Sciences must complete a common core of research methodology courses, including a two-semester sequence of graduate-level statistics courses for four to five credit hours each, followed by a three to four-credit hour graduate-level experimental design course. Learners also will be required to take a three-credit hour course in Research and Teaching Communications, two semesters of graduate seminar, and 24 credit hours of dissertation credits. There will be an additional minimum of 20 credit hours of structured courses appropriate for each learner's area of emphasis.

All Agricultural Sciences learners in this PhD program will be required to teach or assist in teaching at least two courses within the School of Agricultural Sciences while in the program.

Similarities:
The Southern Illinois University (SIU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.

Both the SIU and SA qualifications will provide the learner with in-depth research training that fosters the development of independent research skills.

Graduates from both qualifications contribute their skills to the public and private sectors in a variety of fields, including forestry, renewable energy, food production, policy, and biotechnology.

Differences:
The SIU qualification consists of compulsory research methodology modules and a dissertation while the SA qualification does not include the research course work, but learners must produce a thesis and not a dissertation.

Conclusion:
The focus of these qualifications is similar with the aim of developing academic knowledge that will contribute immensely to the agricultural sector.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Agriculture in Crop Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agricultural Sciences NQF, Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Animal Science. NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Pasture Science, NQF Level 10.

Vertical Articulation:
N/A

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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