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 Technology: Agriculture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
87182	Master of Technology: Agriculture
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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
Master's Degree	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Primary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	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 0695/12	2012-07-01	2014-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31		2018-12-31

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
97126	Master of Science in Agricultural Management	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of this qualification is to further technological advancements in the field of agriculture.

The person achieving this qualification will be competent to complete a specialised research project in the field of agricultural technology and production methods.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

An appropriate Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification of at least 480 credits.

Candidates that have completed one of the Higher Diplomas in the field of agriculture will have to complete the modules on research methodology as a prerequisite to continue. This may be completed after registration.

Entry is also subject to a personal evaluation. This is done in order to determine whether the prospective learner has the appropriate experience, aptitude, attitude and generic capabilities to successfully complete this qualification.

The research proposal must be approved before a learner may register for this qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to the learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of ht e qualification, as detailed in the specific outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complied with the specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, plan, conduct, interpret and present an applied research project.

Specified outcomes:

1. Identify a relevant research project

2. Explore research area

3. Conceptualise the problem

4. Formulate appropriate title

5. Formulate hypothesis

6. Formulate objectives

7. Plan the research project

8. Conduct a basic research project

9. Interpret research findings

10. Present research

Critical outcomes:

1. Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

2. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibility and effectively.

3. Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

4. Communicating effectively using visual mathematical and language skill in the modes of oral and written persuasion.

5. Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation.

6. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

7. Exploring education and career opportunities.

8. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

9. Interpreting the laws of a country and structuring effective transactions within the framework of the law.

10. Demonstrating an understanding of the economic world in context as a dynamic interactive world which does not exist in isolation.

11. Looking at the environment as a macro basis rather than a micro basis in order to enhance the current environment as a whole.

12. Working effectively as part of a team or a group

13. Demonstrating effectively as part of a team or a group

Stimulating and developing thinking patterns involving creativity.

Interpreting information received via the media.

Remaining receptive and responsive to current trends and developments

Using technology effectively and responsibly

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Relevant topic is identified

Topic is applicable in the context of agricultural production / technology / management / extension / or a combination of the above

Research proposal is submitted and approved

Literature review is comprehensive

Literature review is systematic? Literature review is relevant? Knowledge of the potential research area is demonstrated

Pilot study is conducted where applicable

Problem is identified

Problem is defined

Problem statement is formulated effectively

Research objectives are determined

Research strategy is determined

Research methodology is selected

Title identifies the research area and field

Title clearly indicates the problem

Direction of research is clear

Preliminary explanation of problem is formulated

Knowledge of the relationship between hypothesis and assumptions is applied where applicable

Primary objectives are formulated

Secondary objectives are formulated

Objectives direct the planning of the proposed research project

A complete plan is submitted within three months of registration

Research strategy is effective? Appropriate data is identified

The universum parameters are identified and are accurate

Planned evaluation of research is appropriate

Planned method of presentation is appropriate

Research proposal and design are quantitative and qualitative

Research tools are applied effectively

Literature review is integrated effectively
? Appropriate research methodology is applied

Sampling is correct? Data is collected effectively

Management of project is effective

Data is processed correctly

Data and conclusions are presented and analysed effectively

Data is interpreted correctly

Conclusions are drawn logically

Appropriate method of reporting is identified

Presentation of research project complies with the necessary format

Content is in a logical sequence

Content is comprehensive and concise

Content is relevant

Insight is demonstrated

Language is appropriate

Reference method and bibliography are correct

Recommendations and conclusion are relevant

Presentation method is effective

Advanced communication skills are demonstrated

Scientific communication is effective

Completion of project is within the prescribed time frame

Research ethics are adhered to

Research is published as required

Integrated assessment:

All examiners have to allocate a pass mark of 50% and 75% in the case of distinctions.
The passing of all prescribe subjects (where applicable) is subject to a minimum of 50% and also 75% in the case of distinctions.
Learners have to pass all subjects at the first attempt.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

There are articulation possibilities with universities offering qualifications in the fields of agriculture, veterinary sciences, biological sciences and management.

MODERATION OPTIONS

A promoter is appointed who also acts as study leader and chairperson of the study panel.

The promoter appoints a colloquium of experts to serve on the study panel and the examination panel.

At least one external examiner must be appointed.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The current SERTEC requirements regarding examiners apply.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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.	Nelson Mandela University