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: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7325  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
Honours Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is

1 to consolidate and deepen what has been learned in the first degree or qualification and to undertake advanced study in a chosen field of specialisation;

2 to provide qualifiers with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in a specific field of agricultural sciences to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society;

3 to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates able to undertake independent research through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in specific fields of agricultural sciences in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity;

4. to stimulate and prepare learners for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as agricultural researchers on the highest academic level and

5 to provide South Africa with well equipped professional agricultural scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of agricultural sciences and of their responsibilities to provide food and fibre in an economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly way . 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
BSc Agric or other suitable qualification approved by Senate for this purpose. Depending on the chosen field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may be required.

B sc with appropriate majors or qualification approved by Senate for this purpose; supplementary studies maybe required

Candidates must obtain an average of 60% in the final year of the B Sc Agric or other suitable qualification 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Critical cross-field outcomes:

The BSc Agric Hons graduate will have demonstrated the following outcomes:

a) Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking in a chosen area of specialisation have been made.
b) Have an understanding of the principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and of its boundaries and limitations.
c) Possess knowledge of advanced investigative methods.
d) Have an overview of recent, relevant and cutting-edge research in the chosen field.
e) Be familiar with the opportunities, challenges, demands and code of conduct of the profession associated with the field of specialisation.
f) Working effectively with others as a member of a group, organisation and community.
g) Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
h) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
i) Communicating effectively using visual, numerical/mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
j) Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and and public health
k) Have an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
l) 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:

1) Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
2) Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
3) Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
4) Exploring education and career opportunities; and
5) Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

General outcomes:

The BSc Agric Hons will have demonstrated the following general outcomes:

a) Have a sound and deep understanding of the theoretical background in one aspect of the agricultural t sciences by being able to analyse, re-arrange, synthesise and evaluate a wide range of information.

b) Able to operate a range of scientific equipment and to use appropriate techniques and experimental approaches and plan and conduct basic research

c) Have the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to solve new theoretical and practical problems by arguing critically and convincingly.

d) The ability to read and interpret scientific literature including the ability to teach themselves from source material.

e) Have an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships within the agricultural sciences

f) Be aware of the social responsibility towards the environment

g) Possession of the basic entrepreneurial skills to identify and explore the commercial potential, including a knowledge of opportunities available in the agro-commercial environment.

h) An understanding of the importance of using sound experimental controls and statistical methods

i) An appreciation of the role of scientific modelling in the assembly and understanding of scientific observations

j) Advanced skills, indicting sound theoretical judgement and evaluations, in the presentation of scientific reports (both written and verbal), including use of information technology as an aid to effective communication skills.

The graduate will thus have demonstrated the acquisition of a detailed general and scientific background of great depth and latitude to enable the graduate to practise as a competent scientist.

Specific outcomes:

In addition to the outcomes listed in 3.1 and 3.2 the specific outcomes of the four programmes (see 10.) which the BSc Agric Hons graduate will have are the following:

1. Crop Production Systems:

Successful completion of an advanced study in a specialised field (crop production, crop breeding, crop protection, soil and water management) in one of the majors of the Bsc Agric degree (Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics (Plant breeding) , Soil and Agricultural Water Management, Horticulture, Nematology, Plant Pathology and Viticulture) via the completion of various assignments and research projects which meet the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.

2. . Animal production Systems:

Successfully completed an advanced study in nutrition of animals, animal husbandry or animal products in conjunction with advanced aspects of management and production of cattle, sheep, pigs or poultry via the completion of various assignments and research projects which meet the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.

3. Food and Beverage Production Systems:

Successfully completed an advanced study in the specialised fields of oenology or wine biotechnology, including wine yeasts, wine-based beverages, fermentation, chemistry of vines, grapes and wine, techniques for wine biotechnology, enzymes, grape cultivars and the vine via the completion of various assignments and research projects which meet the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.

4. Agricultural Economics and Management:

Successfully completed an advanced study to establish high level proficiency in the use of agricultural economic and management techniques, including the analysis of the limitations and potential of the agricultural sector, amongst intending analysts and management experts in enterprises in the private or public sector involved in the agricultural spheres as well as the ability to identify and solve problems in chosen fields of agriculture and associated sectors. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
The assessment used for these outcomes ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

a A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as portfolios, simulations, workplace assessment, written and oral examinations are used

b The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess the specified outcomes have been achieved

c The assessment of parts generalizing to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned systematic way in order to ensure reliability

The assessments used meet the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 7

The criterion used to assess outcomes is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the work the student submits for marking is accurate and valid.

Competence in outcome will be demonstrated if the student shows an ability to correlate and integrate information and concepts learned in a range of modules and propose valid solutions for a range of theoretical and practical problems.

To demonstrate competence in outcomes a student must be able to write logical and coherent reports and essays using computer software, undertake and successfully complete a supervised research project and satisfactorily answer test and examination questions

The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and structural organisation of presentations

The assessment used for the BSc Agric Hons ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment takes places in terms of a variety of procedures, such as assignments, oral and written presentations, work place assessment, written and oral examinations. Oral examinations are used to determine the students ability to integrate the work done in the various modules and disciplines of the programme


























The assessment used for these outcomes ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

a) A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as portfolios, simulations, work-place assessments, written and oral examinations are used.
b) The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.
c) The assessment of parts generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned systematic way in order to ensure reliability.

The assessments used meet the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 7.

The criterion used to assess outcomes is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the work the student submits for marking is accurate and valid.

Competence in outcome will be demonstrated if the student shows an ability to correlate and integrate information and concepts learned in a range of modules and propose valid solutions for a range of theoretical and practical problems.

To demonstrate competence in outcomes a student must be able to write logical and coherent reports and essays using computer software, undertake and successfully complete a supervised research project and satisfactorily answer test and examination questions.

The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and the structural organisation of presentations.

The assessment used for the BscAgric Hons ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.


The assessment used for these outcomes ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

a) A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as portfolios, simulations, work-place assessments, written and oral examinations are used.
b) The required range of modalities is used interactively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.
c) The assessment of parts generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned systematic way in order to ensure reliability.

The assessments used meet the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 7.

The criterion used to assess outcomes:

a) And b) is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the work the student submits for marking is accurate and valid.

Competence in outcome will be demonstrated if the student shows an ability to correlate and integrate information and concepts learned in a range of modules and propose valid solutions for a range of theoretical and practical problems.

To demonstrate competence in outcomes a student must be able to write logical and coherent reports and essays using computer software, undertake and successfully complete a supervised research project and satisfactorily answer test and examination questions.

The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and the structural organisation of presentations.

The assessment used for the Bagric Admin Hons ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

Integrated assessment takes place in terms of a variety of procedures, such as assignments, simulations, oral and written presentations, tests and examinations. Oral assessments are used to determine the student's ability to communicate acquired skills in an integrated and professional manner.

The purpose of the qualification is


1 to consolidate and deepen what has been learned in the first degree or qualification and to undertake advanced study in a chosen field of specialisation.

2 to provide qualifiers with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in a specific field of agricultural sciences to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society;

3to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates able to undertake independent research through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in specific fields of agricultural sciences in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity;

4. To stimulate and prepare learners for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as agricultural researchers on the highest academic level and;

5 to provide South Africa with well equipped professional agricultural scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of agricultural sciences and of their responsibilities to provide food and fibre in an economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Integrated assessment:

Integrated assessment takes place in terms of a variety of procedures, such as assignments, oral and written presentations, work-place assessment, written and oral examinations. Oral examinations are used to determine the student's ability to integrate the work done in the various modules and disciplines of the programme. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
This qualification provides credits for the related qualification(s)

B Agric Admin Hons

For the BScAgric Hons degree horizontal articulation with the first year programme of the MSc Agric or other programmes within the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences or outside faculties is enhanced by the elective credits at each level. Vertical articulation into a MSc Agric is common at the University of Stellenbosch. Students can also proceed to such masters programmes at some universities in South Africa. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
The University of Stellenbosch has a system of external peer review and evaluation of departments. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the departments contributing to this programme. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
The academic staff of the University of Stellenbosch will be used in a manner which conforms to the quality assurance system of the University. 

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

NOTES 
N/A 

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
 
LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
NQF Level		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
Assurance
Functionary		 NQF Sub-Framework
116854  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics and Management  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116855  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Agronomy  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116856  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Animal Science  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116857  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Aquaculture  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116858  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Entomology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116859  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Genetics  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116860  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Horticultural Science  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116861  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Oenology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116862  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Soil Science  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116863  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture in Viticulture  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
116840  Bachelor of Science Honours in Plant Pathology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116841  Bachelor of Science Honours in Wine Biotechnology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 


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.