SAQA 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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science in Plant Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
6989  Master of Science in Plant Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 
1. To gain specialised knowledge and experience in plant pathology to enable the candidate to participate in multidisciplinary approaches to address problems in the plant health industry agriculture and the environment.
2. To provide skills, knowledge and practical experience to teach plant pathology at the tertiary level. An attitude of life-ling learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the field.
3. To provide the candidate with multidisciplinary skills for entrepreneurial ventures and consultancies leading to increased social and economic productivity.
4. To provide an understanding of research methodology and gain practical research experience through the completion of a dissertation. With this knowledge a contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge can be made through active research and support of research projects.
5. To provide a basis for doctorate studies in the discipline of microbiology or any related discipline. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation certificate
First degree
Honours degree
Other:
B Sc Agric or B Sc (Hons) in either one of the following fields of specialisation Microbiology, Plant Protection, Plant Pathology, Botany, Plant breeding, Plant Biotechnology, Entomology 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
M Sc Plant Pathology

Learning outcomes
The graduate:
1. The graduate possesses specialist knowledge in the field of plant pathology and can apply this knowledge in solving problems in practice as well as in theory.
2. Demonstrate the ability to conduct interpret and report relevant plant pathology procedures and techniques.
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively.
4. Demonstrate the ability to participate actively in research teams.

Critical cross-field outcomes
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical, analytical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating experimental data and information.
  • Communicating effectively using language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving context do not exist in isolation.
  • Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    - exploring education and career opportunities
    - developing entrepreneurial opportunities 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One
    1. Summary and interpretation of current information relevant to the area of research
    2. Formulation of a research protocol to address the posed objective appropriately.

    Two
    A written dissertation that is acceptable to peer review and internal assessors.

    Three
    1. Preparation of a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Presentation of paper at a scientific congress is strongly recommended.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to present and debate research findings amongst peers.

    Four
    Communicate and co-operate with fellow researchers on a regular basis with regards to day-today functioning of the laboratory.

    Integrated assessment:
    Oral examinations 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    Ph D (Plant Pathology)
    Ph D (Plant Biotechnology)
    Ph D (Biological Sciences)
    Ph D (Microbiology)
    Ph D Agric (Plant Protection)
    Ph D Agric (Plant Breeding)

    Ph D (Plant Pathology) serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    Ph D (Plant Biotechnology) serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    Ph D (Biological Sciences) serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    Ph D (Microbiology) serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    Ph D Agric (Plant Breeding) serves as an entry point to the related qualification 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Minimum of two external examiners of which at least one is from a foreign country
    Peer reviewed articles 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Ph D Plant Pathology

    Career experience required:
    M Sc Plant Pathology or Microbiology
    Postgraduate project guidance
    Experience with publication

    Other criteria:
    Industry experience in the field of plant pathology or microbiology 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of Pretoria 


    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.