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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Agricultural Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117750  Master of Science in Agricultural Economics 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
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  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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 Master of Science in Agricultural Economics aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of Agricultural Economics.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Agricultural Economics, able to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of Agricultural Economics.

Rationale:
The qualification responds to the need to provide qualifying learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Agricultural Economics. The qualifying learner with expert knowledge in Agricultural Economics may enter the labour market and/or is equipped to make rewarding contributions to society, through research activities.

The qualification will also deliver experts in the field of Agricultural Economics to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Qualifying learners will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team. Upon completion the qualifying learners will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualifications. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution RPL policies. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Agricultural Economics; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
    2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Agricultural Economics.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within the Agricultural Economics, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
    4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Agricultural Economics and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
    5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
    6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Agricultural Economics.
    7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of own research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
    8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in the Agricultural Economics.
    8.1. Contribute to the development of ethical standards in Agricultural Economics research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and formulate a problem statement.
  • Conduct a thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
  • Select appropriate research to solve the problem.
  • Scientifically evaluate the results in the context of the problem statement.
  • Scientifically communicate the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
  • Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and solve open business and community problems.
  • Identify and utilise applications.
  • Work with common fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
  • Use the appropriate structure, style and graphic and electronic support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply methods of information communication for use by others, especially in the world of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (with emphasis on those of Agricultural Economics).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while he/she can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

    Integrated Assessment:
    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 to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were identified as being comparable to this qualification:

    Country: Denmark.
    Institution: University of Copenhagen.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Agricultural Economics.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Agricultural Economics offered by the University of Copenhagen in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications share a similar purpose and outcomes with a different modular structure. The two qualifications share the objective to equip qualifying learners with sound scientific knowledge and skills that they can creatively apply in the field of Agricultural Economics. Both qualifications provide the learners with an in-depth knowledge within the methods and scientific basis of research in Agricultural Economics on focus on economics and policy in an international perspective with a special emphasis on food, agribusiness and development.

    Both qualifications qualify learners for PhD qualifications with a focus on Agricultural Economics.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: New Mexico State University.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Agricultural Economics.

    This qualification is similar to the Master of Science in Agricultural Economics offered by the New Mexico State University in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications are designed with a similar focus of providing specialist knowledge within the area of Agricultural Economics. Furthermore, both qualifications are designed to train learners to take on scientific tasks in research institutions and the private sector, offering a well-founded methodological and biotechnological education for up-and-coming agricultural economists.

    Also, both Master's Degrees allow learners to gain additional expertise in a particular field of agricultural economics or agricultural business through a thesis research project under the direction of a supervisor who has expertise in the field.

    Both qualifications articulate to a doctoral study with a focus on advanced studies in the field of Agricultural Economics. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Crop Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Science, NQF 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.
     
    1. North West University 


    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.