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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119087  Master of Science in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
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
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 Master of Science in Agriculture is to educate and train researchers in advanced skills related to the agricultural field, by means of a research dissertation, to contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of agriculture at an advanced level. By writing the research dissertation, the learner will be trained to identify new knowledge within the agricultural field, support this identification through reading, incorporating and summarizing the available body of literature, devise a problem statement by which the identified knowledge gap could be addressed; set up an experiment with acceptable scientific methods to obtain the data necessary to address the problem statement, analyse the data and draw scientific conclusions from the data.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge and a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in the specific field of animal health/animal sciences/agronomy and crop science/agriculture economics/soil science to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices.
  • Understand the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to agriculture and be able to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and choose an appropriate process of inquiry in the field of agriculture
  • Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems in agriculture.
  • Collect and critically evaluate current research and take part in scholarly debates in this particular field of specialisation.
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and deal with complex real-world problems and issues regarding agriculture ethically.
  • Apply relevant research methods, techniques, and technologies to collect, interpret and evaluate data under supervision and communicate results.
  • Contribute to and expand the current body of knowledge in the agricultural sector.
  • Improve existing technologies or develop new technologies and management practices.

    Qualifying learners will act as leaders in conducting research and working in the fields of agronomy, soil science, agriculture extension, animal science and health, agricultural management, banks, research and development, academia, and food processing.
    Agricultural Extension Officers holding the qualification will work for the government and be able to conduct experiments for demonstration purposes and to test, improve or develop new technologies, to generate agricultural information and recommendations to farmers.

    Rationale:
    The institution has been approached in recent times by various farmers and Agri-businesses, such as North-west Cooperative with requests to address the critical need for training and research in agriculture which was also identified as a strategic priority by the Department of Labour. Especially in terms of the sustainable utilisation of natural resources, including soil and water. The qualification will address the challenges of sustainable food production on ever decreasing arable land, as well as meet the demand for more and good quality food for burgeoning populations. The institution has embarked on investing in the education of a 21st-century agricultural workforce which should comprise a significant component of scientists. As part of the international and national drive to minimise the impacts of food shortages forecasted due to climate change, the development and implementation of the qualification is a viable approach to assist in producing more researchers for the county, the region and possibly the continent. Due to the dynamic global agricultural environment, there is a specific demand from organised agriculture and agri-businesses for candidates with strong strategic formulation and leadership skills in the agricultural environment locally.

    Soil and crop scientists have become extremely scarce, which is evident by institutions in general struggling to find suitable candidates to fill their agriculture-related academic positions. This should pose a threat to sustainable research and teaching in agriculture. This phenomenon can be seen nationally. Because agricultural technology developed elsewhere in the world is not necessarily applicable in our country, South Africa is falling behind compared to some other countries, especially those in the developed world. This qualification will help to address the need for advanced research and training which could feed into teaching and research expertise to address demands in South Africa and even the rest of Africa.

    The research-based degree qualification will address the challenges farmers face within South Africa. The learners will be trained to solve problems and create solutions for the challenges facing South African farmers. Outcomes of studies could also be relevant to other countries in Africa, and even on other continents.

    The skills obtained during this qualification include, but are not limited to:
  • Advanced agricultural knowledge.
  • Problem identification.
  • Assessment of current body of knowledge.
  • Advanced research methodologies
  • Data analysis.
  • Drawing conclusions based on data.
  • Scientific communication.
    Obtaining these skills will address the rationale for this qualification which identified the need to address the shortage of skills and knowledge within the agricultural sector, such as the management and administration of agri-businesses, skills and research in soil- and crop sciences, and skills and research in agricultural economics. The advanced field-specific knowledge generated through research will contribute to filling the voids currently felt within the industry, while the softer skills such as problem identification and assessment of the current body of knowledge will aid the student to address issues when facing them in a work environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Module, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in the specific field of animal health/animal sciences/agronomy and crop science/agriculture economics/soil science to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices.
    2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to agriculture and be able to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and choose an appropriate process of inquiry in the field of agriculture
    3. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems in agriculture.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and deal with complex real-world problems and issues regarding agriculture ethically, and apply relevant research methods, techniques and technologies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply specialists and current knowledge in the area of agriculture.
  • Engage with and critique current research, research methodologies and practices of particular areas of knowledge in Agriculture

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and critique the processes of knowledge production and apply appropriate processes or processes to address a research question.
  • Identify a research question and then identify and apply an appropriate method of knowledge production to generate the required data to address the question

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design, select and apply proven appropriate research methodologies to address a complex question in agriculture.
  • Use a range of specialised skills in the research process.
  • Clearly write a research question and placed it within relevant current theory and practice in a dissertation.
  • Develop research questions that are appropriate to the research design used in a dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use a range of specialised skills in the research process.
  • Apply ethics both in general as it affects the research process and in the particular case of their research
  • Access, process, and manage data using modern methods and appropriate statistical analyses for agricultural research.
  • Use language appropriately when addressing different audiences and when writing for different audiences.
  • Collect and critically evaluate current research and take part in scholarly debates in this particular field of specialisation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Description of the number and types of tests, assignments, projects, and case studies.
    As a research-only qualification with just one module (the dissertation), there will not be any tests or assignments. However, a research topic must be submitted and approved followed by the implementation of the proposal and a research dissertation.

    Formative and summative assessment:
    Formative assessment will be done every time the learner submits a part of a chapter of the dissertation or article. The supervisor assesses the quality thereof and decides whether the learner has to re-work the section, add additional information, or elaborate on the analysis therein. The learner will get the opportunity to improve the work every time after feedback until its satisfactory according to the supervisor(s). No marks will be allocated.

    Internal and external moderation / examination:
    Higher Degree Administration oversees the process of examining the dissertations and manages evaluation reports from examiners within the determined marking period.
    External evaluations take place by external peer panels at an international level according to a fixed schedule. The Director of Research Support is responsible for organising these evaluations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared against the international qualifications presented at the below institutions:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Greenwich
    Qualification Title: Master's in agriculture for Sustainable Development
    Both qualifications are of 2-year duration, However, the University of Greenwich's is a taught Master's degree that does not end in a dissertation.
    Both qualifications have similar aspects below:
  • Specialise in certain aspects of agriculture and prepare graduates to work in the field of Agriculture.
  • Enable qualifying learners to develop skills, professional knowledge and understanding of agricultural production and development.
  • Provide knowledge and skills on the promotion of modern production practices in support of sustainable agriculture.
  • Provide learning opportunities in agricultural settings.
  • Focus on the importance of working within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes.

    Country: Germany
    Institution: Hohenheim University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science: Agricultural Sciences, Food Security and Natural Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics.
    Both qualifications are offered in 2 years and end with a dissertation.
    Both qualifications have similar aspects below:
  • Prepare qualifying learners to work in the field of Agriculture.
  • Enable qualifying learners to develop skills, professional knowledge and understanding of research and development in areas of science and practice.
  • Provide knowledge and skills on the promotion of modern production practices in support of sustainable agriculture.
  • Provide learning opportunities in agricultural settings.
  • Focus on the importance of working within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes.
  • Include a module on principles of research and evidence-based practice.

    The South African qualification remains unique in terms of design that is greatly influenced by the South African context. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Crop Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Soil Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Soil Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Animal Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Agriculture in Soil Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Health, 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.
     
    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.