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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. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Doctor of Agriculture |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 118679 | Doctor of Agriculture | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | ||||
| 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 |
| The purpose of the Doctor of Agriculture qualification is to develop advanced scientific research that focuses on knowledge-generation in the intersection of the university, the profession, and the workplace / agricultural value chain (agricultural and agriculture-related contexts).
The qualification will therefore provide for advanced scientific research, education, and training for experienced practitioners in senior and leadership positions in the agricultural industry with an initial qualification in agriculture. It is designed around the development of high-level scientific research and academic leadership performance and innovation in a professional context in the agricultural value chain. This qualification is designed to further the professional scientific experience, competence and knowledge of engagement and leadership of candidates in the agricultural value chain. Candidates will be required to plan and undertake advanced research project culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a final research report comprising an original thesis or another form or suitable submission. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that, in addition to the demonstration of high-level research and analytical capability, it will test the candidate's ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to develop solutions for highly complex problems in a wide range of agricultural and agriculture related professional contexts. An important distinguishing aspect of this qualification is therefore to equip candidates with professional agricultural scientific skills at an advanced level and that are able to independently (in leadership capacity) and/or in team context, develop and apply new knowledge, competencies and appropriate scientific communication and leadership skills in developing integrated solutions for the management and/or operation and support of agricultural production units, systems and/or value chain components of varying complexity effectively. Graduates will conceptualize and develop solutions for highly advanced and complex problems in a wide range of agricultural and agriculture related professional contexts. This qualification addresses the following declared needs and demands in the agricultural sector: The scientific research capacity development and expanding competence to interrogate the agricultural industry and its associated value chain, the structuring, focus and contents of this qualification (HEQSF level 10 aligned) is also very well suited to address a very important need expressed often regarding the ability of senior scientists and policy makers to effectively deal with the following: In addition to the stated and intentional development of research capacity and professional skills and conceptual skills associated with this qualification (HEQSF level 10 aligned), this qualification will significantly contribute to capacitate successful doctoral graduates to: Successful graduates will also contribute significantly to enhancing growth and competence in an essential grouping of competencies that are essential for furthering lifelong learning, practice and career activities within the agricultural and/or associated industries and through improved personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and purposeful contributions to society: In addition, this qualification will significantly contribute to prepare graduates to build and expand on the essential core of knowledge and competencies to promote the uptake of innovation and promote the role and importance of agricultural production as an economic, social, and environmentally responsive industry. Rationale: This qualification aims to address the shortage of Agricultural Scientists in the country as defined in the National Skills Development Strategy III of the Department of Labour. The increasing complexity and dynamic changes in the agricultural landscape of South Africa, growing policy and economic emphasis on the issues of agricultural restructuring and land reform, job creation, poverty alleviation and food security is largely influenced by the sub-optimal rate of uptake of agricultural scientific innovations and the increasing demands for improved production and efficiency to support the food security process in the country place a high premium on the knowledge and competencies of graduates entering the sector. This dramatically increases the demand for agricultural scientists who cannot only function as agriculturalists but also practitioners who are adequately competent and qualified to practice, communicate and extrapolate their science effectively to an increasingly demanding farmer community and larger agricultural value chain at diverse levels of functional complexity and economic activity. The growing demand for knowledgeable practitioners in the commercial agricultural environment (mainly due to increasing international and local competition and the impact of globalization) has also prompted various commodity groups and stakeholders occupying various niches in the agricultural value chain to improve their minimum requirements for competencies. The growing emphasis on the issues of job creation, poverty alleviation and food security increase the demand for professional agricultural practitioners providing leadership and advanced skills to engage with and manage the increased complexity of the agricultural landscape in South Africa. The need for the development and implementation of suitable policies and economic emphasis is increasingly influenced by the general acceptance and realization that the rate of innovation exceeds the rate of uptake of agricultural scientific innovations. In the South African context this has important economic, social, and political implications. In addition, the demands on the knowledge, skills, and competencies of professionals in the sector are increasing exponentially. There is therefore a dramatic increase in the demand for agricultural scientists and professionals who cannot only function as agriculturalists but also as sufficiently skilled and qualified practitioners who can effectively engage with the problems, challenges and demands of the sector in the broader economic environment and communicate their science effectively to an increasingly demanding farmer community at diverse levels of functional complexity and economic activity. This qualification uses a well-developed integrated structure of learning domains to effectively engage with this conceptual-contextual spectrum of competence to represent the distinctive knowledge-base, skills-base and application of these competencies, without being excessively complex. The demand for a doctoral qualification specifically tailored to meet industry needs and thus providing competent and skilful professional practitioners and managers to engage in this changing agricultural environment, is growing significantly (FAO, 1997; Department of Agriculture, 2005; IFPRI, 2014; DAFF, 2015). The established and accentuated policies by the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture indicating that the generally accepted minimum qualification required for accessing a career in agricultural advisory servicing in the public service (by far the most important employer) support this notion` (Norms and Standards for Extension and Advisory Services in Agriculture, 2005). The growing demand for knowledgeable and highly qualified practitioners in furthering the growth of the economic value of the agricultural environment mainly due to increasing international and local competition and the impact of globalization has also prompted the demand for highly qualified and skilled agriculturalists to offer support to various commodity groups and stakeholders occupying various niches in the agricultural value chain in the region, the country, and the broader continent. The stakeholder engagements consisted of a broader individual and peer-based communication process initially to assess the availability and attractiveness of a Doctor of Agriculture qualification in Southern Africa. The main stakeholders considered were the wine and table grape (WineTech and VinPro), fruit (HortGro), crop production (GrainSA) and selective regionally relevant livestock industries (MeatSA and the National Wool Growers' Association) and public and private research, extension and advisory and regulatory services tasked with the provision of advisory support services to the agricultural sector with its divergent industries. The increasing demand for highly skilled practitioners with value chain perspectives to growing their industries has strongly suggested the need for such a qualification. This includes the need from traditionally trained scientists wishing to develop their academic careers with a broader and more professionally focused scientific engagement with their respective industries. This process of stakeholder engagements is still ongoing and initial indications are that the qualification is addressing an important perceived shortcoming, need and opportunity in the agricultural industry at strategic, operational and managerial levels in the broader regional, national and international contexts. This qualification will consolidate the professional and academic proficiency of its graduates through increased knowledge, conceptual and practical skills, motivation, and competence to: Agriculture as economic environment is growing as very prominent field of service provision and engagement in the quest for economic growth and job creation both in the commercialised sector as well as the developing agricultural sector. It therefore creates a direct benefit to current experienced and senior practitioners to improve their professional scientific leadership competence and competitiveness in the labour market whilst providing a high-quality contribution to this critical sector. This qualification provides a very powerful platform for structuring advanced teaching and learning programmes in the Department of Agriculture. It also offers the opportunity to be a very powerful catalyst for providing increasingly relevant and demand driven applied engagement and research programmes whilst building a strong body of evidence and support to senior and experienced agricultural leaders and professional practitioners. A very important benefit is the contribution of this qualification to the advancement of the transformation agenda through offering more candidates the opportunity to excel professionally with a broader and more advanced understanding of the practical and theoretical concepts and processes, innovation challenges and needs and entrepreneurial opportunities experienced in the agricultural sector and its associated value chain. This is an important benefit in furthering the objective of creating a national cadre of senior and experienced agricultural scientists. It could significantly contribute to the expanding of the body of knowledge, advanced expertise and conceptual leadership in the agricultural value chain and is in line with the University of Technology. Some of the more attractive qualities/aspects of this HEQSF aligned level 10 Doctor of Agriculture qualification seem to be the: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019). RPL for Access: Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options: OR RPL for credits: Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities: OR Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Develop a research proposal for a doctoral qualification oriented towards the field of Agriculture.
2. Plan and manage the doctoral research project (process). 3. Compile a comprehensive review of scholarly literature pertinent to the study. 4. Design and apply appropriate research methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation of a complex research problem. 5. Draw valid, insightful conclusions and communicate research results in both a scholarly and professional manner. 6. Conduct research in an ethical and professional manner taking full responsibility for own actions. 7. Engage with complex theoretical and/or applied problems at the forefront of Agriculture and closely related disciplines. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The debate comparing the more "academic" orientated PhD programme with the more "professional" orientated Doctoral programme is a real and very important one in the South African context (CHE, 2012:2-3). An important need exists in the country and specifically so in the field of agriculture to secure skills and competencies in manpower that need to manage and strategically direct the agricultural development process in the country. This places an important demand on the ability of managers, researchers, and general advisory practitioners to communicate scientific research in a way conducive to improving the uptake in agricultural practice and development (FAO, 1997; Ekboir, 2009; GFRAS, 2012; IFPRI, 2014).
In argumentation supporting the academic discourse focusing on similar matters, Lee (2009) in several ways support the argument confirming that professional orientated degrees are exceptionally well suited to not only support practitioners in excelling in the skills to bridge the divide between theory and practice but also to provide an important platform for sustained research and discourse in the development of scientific communication processes. In South Africa in the field of agricultural development this debate is extremely relevant and appropriate. Similar approaches are maintained by British, Australian, and American universities where the qualification is generally offered. The emphasis is on a research degree that develops advanced inquiry skills and critical understanding in area/s of professional practice of the candidate's choice in the field of agriculture, mostly through a major piece of supervised research reporting in the form of a defended thesis. This comparison exercise has indicated that different teaching and learning and research approaches are implemented at different institutions in the mentioned countries abroad where these types of doctoral qualifications are functionally well developed. It testifies to a strong commitment to the process of improved scientific interrogation in the professional environment with increased demand on the implementation of scientific process in strategic and operational decision making. The system of a combination of coursework and thesis-based research is very popular, mostly because of the mentioned integrated approach. The most comparable Doctor of Agriculture qualifications were found in the United Kingdom where the focus was on agriculture in combination with environmental studies (e.g., The University of Bangor in Wales - aimed at professionals in the agri-food industry, conservation, and environment). Strategic approaches by practitioners in the field of agriculture and organizations providing guidance and leadership in this field suggest that the same approach be followed in the consolidation of the practical expertise and knowledge of senior practitioners and managers to allow for science and scientific information to become part of the managerial decision-making process. An important benefit of this approach (as implemented in most universities of technology abroad) is the provision made for the academic and professional development of applicants in the field of agriculture whilst allowing for significant flexibility to accommodate individual learner, industry and/or professional requirements. This qualification is comparable to the qualifications offered by the following international institutions. Country: Australia Institution: University of Melbourne Qualification Title: Doctor of Agricultural Science NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 Entry requirements: Purpose/Rationale: The Doctoral Degree qualifies 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. A research degree is an advanced study program that gives learners an opportunity to deeply explore a topic of choice and the expertise of their supervisors Research degree candidates are driven by naturally inquiring minds and have a passion to solve problems and advance humanity. A research degree allows learners to conduct own, unique research, and produce new knowledge and expertise that is innovative, relevant, and enlightened. Research degrees equip graduates with the transferable skills and attributes necessary for challenging and diverse roles in industry, government, and business, as well as in research and academic organisations. A Doctor of Philosophy qualifies individuals to develop and use expertise at the frontier of a field of research and make a significant original contribution to knowledge through their research. Graduates will: The Doctor of Philosophy is awarded based on a thesis prepared under supervision that makes an original, significant, and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study, as judged by independent experts applying accepted contemporary international standards Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will be able to: The Doctor of Philosophy is a demonstration of a candidate's ability to conceptualise and implement an independent program of research, manage a project, organise resources, work and cooperate with colleagues and communicate effectively in writing at a high level. As a result, PhD graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths, including professions in research and academia, as well as a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector. Qualification structure: A Doctor of Philosophy is a course of supervised research and professional development 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. PhD Candidature is structured around a series of milestones: Similarities: Country: Canada Institution: Dalhousie University Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Agricultural Sciences Entry requirements: Purpose: The qualification is the first doctoral degree in Agricultural Sciences offered in Atlantic Canada. This thesis-based program will allow learners to pursue advanced-level knowledge in agriculture and develop expert skills in their discipline of focus, while producing original, high-quality research that will impact audiences ranging from international scholars to local farmers. Through the PhD program in Agricultural Sciences, doctoral learners will become independent, competent, critical thinkers who will be ready for a wide range of career options in academia, private industry, and government. Learners in the PhD in Agricultural Sciences program will join an intellectually and socially vibrant university community of professors, instructors, dedicated staff, undergraduate learners, post-doctoral researchers, and fellow graduate learners. Learners enrolled in the program will conduct research in one of the following broad areas related to agriculture and food systems: Qualification structure: The PhD in Agricultural Sciences program is research centered, and all learners must complete a research thesis embodying original contribution in the thesis field of study. The thesis is defended at an oral examination. All doctoral learners who have earned a thesis-based MSc degree (or equivalent), will complete a minimum of two required courses: Additional courses or activities may be required as part of the program of study at the discretion of the Supervisory Committee, as per Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines. All courses should be completed before the comprehensive exam. Assessment: Similarities: In addition, doctoral learners will complete a teaching assistantship (paid positions) in two half-credit courses at the undergraduate level of study. The concept and structure of this qualification therefore is quite relevant and suitable and addresses very important aspects of agricultural scientific studies of particular importance in the Southern African agricultural industry and its associated value chain. Conclusion: Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |