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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110883  Master of Science in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary 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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification aims to develop lifelong learners with a drive for research that will make positive contribution to the South African Science and Agriculture fields as well as regionally and globally. The qualification will produce research that will address national priorities in agricultural sciences and agribusiness and address problems that challenge the African continent. It will produce researchers who can contribute to the generation of new knowledge in agricultural sciences and agribusiness that will bring solutions to the discipline-specific issues affecting the African continent.

This qualification prepares independent researchers in agricultural sciences and agribusiness who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor or supervisory committee. The research project in their area of specialisation will culminate in the production of a research report in the form of a dissertation in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification provides learners with specialised knowledge and competence in agricultural sciences and agribusiness who can contribute to the specific research fields and national priorities for growth and development in these fields.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences (Agricultural Economics, Agro meteorology, Animal and Poultry Science; Crop and Horticultural Science, Plant breeding; Plant pathology and Soil Science) who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global agriculture and agribusiness related issues. The learners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence discipline related policies and practices. This qualification will equip the learner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics (including teaching and research positions) or for further independent research toward the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling at 192 Credits.
  • Masters by Research in Agro meteorology, 192 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in a chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
    2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
    3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
    4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
    5. Undertake independent research in the field of computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
    7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • The research design, methods used, recommendations made and conclusions drawn meet academic and research standards.
  • Ethical standards are maintained during the research.
  • Reporting on research findings is made to a range of audiences using appropriate, language, terminology and media.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is done in an integrated way to ensure the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a dissertation in the traditional format or in the format of journal manuscripts that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project institution) with the appropriate level of subject matter expertise and qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Agriculture, Level 9.
  • Master of Agriculture in Crop Protection, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Agriculture, 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.
     
    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.