SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118886	Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga
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

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide training for an academic career in agriculture by undertaking research at the most advanced academic levels. Graduates will have demonstrated high level research capability and will have made a significant and original contribution at the frontiers of agricultural knowledge. The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor in a particular subject area within the field of Agricultural Science such as agricultural extension, crop science and/or or animal breeding. The qualification aims to contribute to the agricultural sciences planning and management fields by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills to enhance an understanding of agricultural science issues and their management applications.

On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:

Undertake independent agricultural research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.

Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of agriculture.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of agriculture and an ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.

Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in agriculture.

Use a wide range of appropriate knowledge and skills to identify a problem, conceptualize a research question, design, and undertake a research project to address the problem.

Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level to address the problem being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.

Identify any ethical (human and animal) considerations associated with research in the chosen field of agriculture and propose solutions.

Work independently and take full responsibility for their work and where appropriate to lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

Rationale:
The South African agricultural landscape is in flux. It has a long history of inequitable development while millions of land users are effectively marginalised from the mainstream agricultural sector and the social and economic benefits derived there from. The agricultural sector is the largest user of land, covering approximately 68% of the country. The country is well known for citrus, subtropical fruit, nuts, sugarcane, and a variety of flowers and vegetables, field crops and pastures for animal feed. To this can be added many thousands of hectares of commercial forestry and a substantial productive livestock population. Together, these industries can and do have significant social, economic, and environmental impact. Notwithstanding the national estimate that 20-52% of households experience food insecurity, that is mostly prevalent in rural and peri-urban areas, agriculture has a potential to expand its contribution to Gross Domestic Product as well as the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.

However, sustainable use of the predominantly marginal and the very limited high potential agricultural land available in the country is critical for future food security for the growing population. Thus, the doctoral qualification will contribute significantly to the development of agriculture in the wider South Africa. South Africa will benefit from a knowledge economy supported by the generation of new, cutting-edge knowledge for innovation and sustained growth. This will help promote the upscaling and adoption of green agriculture and agricultural-based green economy initiatives through partnership and participatory on-farm demonstration trials with farmers' training and information sharing. The qualification will prepare the learners to undertake independent research that will contribute to the development of agriculture nationally and internationally.

In the National Development Plan (NDP), agricultural science is considered critical to the country's future with the potential to create close to 1million new jobs by 2030 thus representing a significant contribution to the overall employment target. The NDP calls for increasing and refocusing investment in research and development for the agricultural sector. An important aspect of this is to strengthen capacity to innovate for production efficiency and adaptability, improve soil health and promote resilience, especially in the light of climate change. The design of the qualification seeks to increase research and innovation capacity of the nation to promote sustainability of the agricultural sector, its value chain, and the economy at large. Graduates will be able to join employment as Senior Agricultural Scientists, managers, consultants, and lecturers in various fields of research, education, extension and management in public and private enterprises and apply their knowledge in agricultural production management, research initiatives and community services; in solving problems together with the local communities, as part of the poverty reduction and household food security initiatives.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be applied in line with the institutional policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning. This policy is aligned with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019).
RPL is used as important tools to widen access with success, to achieve inclusion and to overcome barriers to access in higher education and thus promoting lifelong learning and in redressing inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education. The National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019) indicates that there are two types of RPL, being RPL for access and RPL for credit.

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:

Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
OR

Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.

In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

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:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
OR

Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Master of Agriculture, NQF level 9.
or

Master of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
or

Master's Degree in cognate field, NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits:

Research project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Undertake independent agricultural research and report to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialized field of agriculture.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of agriculture and critically evaluate these and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.
4. Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in agriculture.
5. Use a wide range of appropriate knowledge and skills to identify a problem, conceptualize a research question, design, and undertake a research project to address the problem.
6. Within the agricultural system being studied, and based on the outcomes of the research, draw appropriate conclusions, and propose interventions at a policy or management level that would address the problem being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.
7. Identify any ethical (human and animal) considerations associated with research in the chosen field of agriculture and propose solutions.
8. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility to the environment and health and welfare of others (humans and animals) and with due consideration to cultural differences.
9. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to the field of specialisation in agriculture.
10. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data.
11. Demonstrate responsible and effective personal organization skills, work independently, and incorporate feedback into one's work.
12. Work independently and take full responsibility for allocated resources.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
The thesis reports the outcome of original research including the following steps:

Identify and justify the projects question and scope.

Carefully and critically evaluate the literature review draws from multiple sources and materials.

Identify and apply a range of methods, including statistical methods and the appropriate chosen ones.

Identify ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.

Collect, collate, and analyse data.

Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.

Formulate recommendations.

Prepare the thesis according to the prescribed format, write in appropriate academic language, and includes no plagiarism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Critically and fully engage with the current literature in the field of specialisation and incorporate own results into the existing knowledge base.

Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information, and issues in a specific area of the field of Agricultural Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature, strengths, and limitations of science.

Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Agricultural Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Select, justify, and apply appropriate research methods to address the research question.

Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate originality in the independent research, from identification of a research question to completion of the thesis.

Demonstrate an epistemological engagement with the chosen field of study in identifying the research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Discuss fully the recommendations in the thesis and consider any possible negative outcomes, and propose mitigation.

Findings contribute significantly to the appropriate field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Indicate explicitly ethical concerns, or the lack thereof, in the thesis and provide reference to Ethical Approval Number. Where ethical issues exist, the thesis will clearly indicate how they have been dealt with.

Demonstrate the ability to adhere to research ethics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate a full and well-reasoned understanding of the need to use science in a responsible manner.

Apply inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarily of reasoning and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Include a full and critical analysis of the existing knowledge in the field of study drawing from a range of sources in the Introduction and Discussion chapters of the thesis.

Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge is done to the extent that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness, and bias.

Critically communicate own analysis to existing theories.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Adhere to the norms for style, format, academic language and referencing in the thesis and use figures and tables to illustrate the results.

Demonstrate evidence of no plagiarism in any work of the thesis.

Use a language and technology appropriate for the audience in oral presentation and defend ideas with logical argumentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Ability to meet all deadlines.

Incorporate critical feedback from supervisor and peers in the production process of the thesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Ability to complete of the research project and submit the thesis within the prescribed time frame.

Write papers that are linguistically correct and of a high standard.

Publish papers that are technically and scientifically of a high standard.

Write and publish many papers that are published in highly reputable journals and make a significant contribution to the field of study.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

There are two basic approaches to doctoral degrees, on being to include several formal courses and the other, not to do so. Where courses are included at the doctoral level, they are typically research-based and include modules such as advanced research methods and advanced statistics. The South African qualification does not include any compulsory modules and all credits are awarded for the thesis. This comparison is with degrees that do not include coursework.

Country: Canada
Institution: Dalhousie University
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Sciences
Purpose:
It is a 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.

Country: Scotland
Institution: Edinburgh University
Qualification Title: PhD in Agriculture and Food Security
Purpose:
In this degree, study is by supervised research and individual learners are integrated within their supervisor's group and school, and participate fully in activities such as journal clubs, group meetings and seminar programmes. Learners complete a piece of original research, directed towards solving important, novel, and open questions.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Cranfield University
Qualification Title: PhD in Agriculture.
Structure:
Learners undertake original research as part of a research group and under the supervision of a leading researcher from that group. All credits are awarded for the research thesis.

Country: Australia
Institution: The University of Melbourne
Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Science
Purpose:
Learners will demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity, and innovation in their research work.

Assessment:
Assessment is based on a 80,000 words thesis under academic supervision, which examines a specific problem, issue or topic. Learners make a significant and original contribution to an existing area of knowledge in their field of study.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: Massey University
Qualification Title: PhD Agriculture and Horticulture
Structure:
The qualification is offered by research and thesis. Learners work under the supervision of a qualified staff member and complete an original piece of research. Assessment is based on the thesis.

Comparison:
The South African qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above countries in terms of the following:

Both qualifications are multidisciplinary and share relatively similar areas of speciality with a focus on a research-oriented career.

They both require a master's qualification in a related field as an entry requirement and are offered in a course duration of three-years full-time. is the same as that offered at many institutions around the world.

They are all based on original and independent research, under supervision, and they are all assessed based on the completion of a substantial thesis.

Both qualifications share a similar purpose of training experts on the processes and management of the agricultural sector and are multidisciplinary.

In all these examples, admission to the PhD is based on satisfactory completion of the preceding level, which is normally but not always a Masters.

The structure makes it a research and coursework qualification while the Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is solely research. Nonetheless, both qualifications have a course duration of three to five years full-time and part-time.

The focus of these qualifications is similar with the aim of developing academic knowledge that will contribute immensely to the agricultural sector. Doctor of Philosophy Degree is the highest level of training.

The aim of the qualifications is to improve learner's personal knowledge, facilitate more successful research and enhance the skills needed for lifelong career development.

Conclusion:
Best practices have been identified from leading international institutions, ensuring that the curriculum focus is 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 duration, focus, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Agriculture, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Soil Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture: Extension, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture: Agronomy, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Pasture Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy: Mechanised Agriculture, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Horticultural Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Crop Science, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Animal Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy: Sustainable Agriculture, NQF Level 10.

Vertical Articulation:

Post-doctoral studies.

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.

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