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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109276  Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-03-08  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 this qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of new knowledge in agricultural extension, at an advanced level.

The Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension learners should be able to:
  • Reflect critically on theory and its application in agricultural extension.
  • Deal with complex issues in agricultural extension, both creatively and systematically.
  • Make sound judgements using the data and information that they have collected.
  • Clearly communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing and solving problems.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
  • Continue to advance knowledge understanding and skills.

    Since a Master's qualification is the minimum for entry into academia, this qualification will assist in creating a pipeline of new academics in the area of agricultural extension.

    Rationale:
    Agricultural extension, in the broader context of agricultural development, was included among the critical skills shortages identified by the South African National Strategy for Agricultural Education and Training. Furthermore, the norms and standards developed for agricultural extension in South Africa indicated a need to strengthen knowledge and skills within agricultural extension, and the National Development Plan (NDP) calls for increasing and refocusing investments in research and development for the agricultural sector.

    In Mpumalanga, the agricultural sector is the largest user of land, covering approximately 68% of the Province, which is well known for citrus, subtropical fruits, nuts and a variety of vegetables including many thousands of Hectares of commercial forestry. Together these two industries can and do have a significant social, economic and environmental impact, and the Province is well positioned to expand its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. Together, forestry and agriculture have however, also caused increasing degradation of natural vegetation and ecosystems on the Mpumalanga Highveld. If agricultural extension is to support the ongoing development of agriculture and forestry, and the development of smallholder farmers, and mitigate the degradation of natural resources and ecosystems, then ongoing research and the production of the next generation of researchers is crucial. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The University has a Policy in place that guides the use of RPL and this policy will be followed. Applicants with a Level 7 qualification or Level 8 qualification that is not in agricultural extension will be considered for the Master's Programme based on their workplace based experience in agricultural extension. This consideration will include an interview at which the applicant will have the opportunity to demonstrate her/his relevant knowledge and skills.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree or a Postgraduate Diploma.
    Or
  • A cognate Bachelor's Degree at Level 8 may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirements to a cognate Master's programme.
    Or
  • Learners can also gain access to the Masters via the three-year Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management, followed by the Honours Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module Level 9:
  • Research Project,180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learners should be able to:
  • Reflect critically on theory and its application in agricultural extension.
  • Deal with complex issues in agricultural extension, both creatively and systematically.
  • Take sound judgements using the data and information that they have collected.
  • Clearly communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing and solving problems.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
  • Continue to advance knowledge understanding and skills. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the ELOs.
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge and the ability to engage with and critique current research, methodologies and practices.
  • Generate at least one research paper in an accredited journal and here again, advanced scholarship and research will be demonstrated.
  • Develop knowledge literacy to an advanced level and this will be demonstrated in the thesis.
  • Develop problem solving skills, and ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies and this will be demonstrated in the thesis.
  • Demonstrate her/his ability to identify and address ethical issues in the thesis.
  • Illustrate skills of synthesis, integration where new knowledge is understood in relation to existing knowledge.
  • Develop the ability to communicate convincingly with a range of audiences. The ability to communicate in writing to an audience of experts will be demonstrated in the thesis.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of learner's work in the particular context and system, and to propose interventions to address the problem.
  • Develop abilities to manage own learning, take full responsibility and accountability.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Although assessment of this Masters is summative with all 180 Credits based on the thesis, formative assessment is embedded in the programme in the following manner.
  • Learners and supervisor agree on and co-sign a Learning Agreement which will detail the expectations of learners and supervisor and the supervisory process and frequency of formal meetings.
  • The University policy that governs all aspects of Postgraduate studies sets out minimum requirements for meetings and reporting.
  • The research process includes a number of formal stages including submission of a research proposal, submission of a literature review and submission of regular progress reports.
  • Through the proceeding steps 1-3, Postgraduate learners will receive verbal and written feedback (assessment) on their work and on their progress.
  • All learners will present a research seminar at least once each year and this will be another opportunity for critique and feedback.
  • While these assessment activities are not credit bearing, they will ensure that learners are regularly assessed on progress. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Worldwide, Postgraduate studies in the agricultural extension are designed to address a wide range of needs, and consequently, Master's qualifications have a variety of forms. In many cases, they are designed for professionals seeking to expand their career prospects into government, commercial and community based opportunities, and include a substantial coursework component.

    Examples of international qualifications that offer similar qualifications to the Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension:
  • Egerton offers a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension;
  • The University of Eswatini in Swaziland provides a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension; Makerere University offers a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Education;
  • The University of the West Indies provides a MPhil in Agricultural Extension;
  • The University of Queensland offers a Master of Agricultural Science with a specialisation in Agricultural Extension;
  • The University of Guelph offers a Master of Science in Capacity Development and Extension; Massey University offers a Master of Agriculture with specialisation in Agricultural Extension;
  • The University of East Anglia offers a Master of Arts in Agriculture and Rural Development).
    In several cases, there is a focus on agricultural extension and education. Coursework is compulsory (Makerere University and at Utah State, Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Education). The focus of both the international and this qualification is on developing research skills. The qualifications also prepare learners for Doctoral level studies and the generation of new knowledge in agricultural extension. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A Master's of Philosophy, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.