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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Agriculture in Pasture Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96540  Doctor of Agriculture in Pasture Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Agriculture in Soil Science is to provide learners with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in general and particular areas of Soil Science. The qualifying learner will be capable of producing research of high calibre to enhance their capacity to play a leading role in Agriculture and related fields.

Rationale:
The qualification will provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The qualification will provide the Agricultural industry in South Africa with significant numbers of graduate with the high levels of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in Soil Science and related sciences necessary for the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems facing the agricultural industry. This qualification is vital as agriculture underpins all aspects of the economy and learners are needed to support emerging farmers in the small-scale Agricultural sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
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:
  • Master of Pasture Science, NQF 9, or related Sciences. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design, conduct and write up original 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 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Write research proposals to identify a problem or problems in Pasture Science and formulate research problems.
  • Formulate and test hypotheses.
  • Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant to the research problems.
  • Conduct fieldwork during the actual investigation if related to the research project.
  • Report the findings of the study and formulate recommendations that emanate from the results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and analyse different scientific procedures in terms of the problem researched.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different authors on the topic researched.
  • Conclude from different readings and indicate anomalies.
  • Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review.
  • Compile the bibliography/list of references.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Write a thesis that shows that the learner can express him/herself.
  • Write a thesis that is linguistically correct and of an acceptable standard.
  • Write a thesis that is technically and scientifically acceptable to the examiners.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment procedures ensure the purpose of the qualification is achievable.

    Assessment will be solely in the form of an acceptable thesis but may also involve an oral defence thereof and publishing in approved scientific publications. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Doctor in the same or related field, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Science in Agriculture, or a related field, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    1. University of Fort Hare 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.