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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94746  Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary 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
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is to empower learners with the necessary new skills that will enable them to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of agricultural sciences. Furthermore, the Doctor of Philosophy will enable learners to either develop or propose new solutions through models or theoretical amendments to agricultural related problems that would improve economic and social well-being.

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is also to develop learners who are able to demonstrate:
  • Expertise and critical thinking and knowledge in an area related to the Agriculture disciplines.
  • An ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge within specialisations of Agricultural Sciences.
  • An ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, system or technologies that address a particular research area in Agricultural Sciences.
  • An ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
  • An ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
  • The ability to make independent judgments about management information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas or issues within Agricultural Sciences.
  • An ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable new work which meets international standards.
  • An understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems.
  • Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the Agricultural Sciences discipline.
  • An ability to operate 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.

    This qualification, which consists of a research proposal module and a research project, aims to contribute to the agricultural sciences planning and management fields by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills in order to enhance an understanding of agricultural science issues and their management applications.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is considered to be the highest qualification in agriculture. 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.

    Agriculture has been identified as one of the major areas for growth in South Africa (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme-NEPAD).
    Agriculture is seen as an area that can help reduce poverty in South Africa (National Skills Development Strategy draft document NSDS 2005-09).
    Sustainable livelihoods are one of the main research foci identified by the NRF. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning may be applied for learners to gain access to the qualification. Knowledge and experience acquired through non-formal and informal learning may be assessed though RPL processes.

    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant institution.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to Doctoral Degree in Agriculture is a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture and related fields; or an appropriate Research Master Degree. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture consists of two compulsory modules at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
    Modules:
  • Research Proposal, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project and Thesis, 336 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop high skill in agriculture to ensure the relevance of the discipline in addressing agricultural sector development for food security and sustainable environment.
    2. Demonstrate expertise and specialist forefront knowledge in a specialised field of study, and apply these creatively and innovatively within the disciplinary field of study.
    3. Achieve a high Degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesising information and demonstrating a high Level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Expertise and specialist forefront knowledge in a specialised field of Agriculture disciplines are demonstrated and creatively and innovatively applied within the disciplinary field of study (inclusive of multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary and interdisciplinary study) and/or own profession.
  • Intellectual independence, mature and sound judgment, and high levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability are exercised.
  • Academic integrity and adherence to professional or self-defined ethics are demonstrated.
  • Academic and professional information is communicated with peers and colleagues within a contextual environment, by participating in academic debates at the cutting edge of a specialist area of study, nationally and internationally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research are undertaken.
  • Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarily of reasoning and arguments are applied.
  • Sound knowledge and theoretical base of the research are displayed.
  • Statistical data analysis is used (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods) in line with requirements in this regard.
  • Alignment of hypotheses, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations are made.
  • Methods to ensure validity of the research are used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • 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.
  • Own analysis to existing theories is critically communicated.
  • Epistemological engagement with the chosen field of study is shown and the research problem identified.
  • The ability to engender the values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is a postgraduate qualification that does not have formative and summative assessments. This qualification will be achieved through a research proposal and credible research project(s) or cases studies which will contribute to the Agriculture body of knowledge.

    Qualified supervisors and co-supervisors will guide their learners and prepare them for regular seminar and colloquia presentations to peers and fellow learners during their tenures and also prepare them for the examination of their Thesis. Learners must submit a bound research report with published or publishable scientific articles for examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Doctor of Philosophy in various disciplines of Agriculture represents the attainment of a high level of scholarship and achievement in independent research. The qualification is conceptualised and designed to produce personnel with the highest level of training, who are expected to contribute towards the goal of realising the full potential of professionals in that field. The Doctor of Philosophy Degree level of training aims at equipping postgraduates with the highest skills and knowledge in disciplines of agricultural engineering. It is anticipated that research to be conducted will address and create solutions for the most challenging current issues affecting agriculture and management of natural resources, such as food security, climate change, carbon, water and the environment. This qualification is compared to the following qualifications from other parts of the world.
  • The University of Sydney - Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture).
  • Egerton University in Kenya Nairobi - Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension.
  • The University of Western Australia - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in any area of agricultural and resource economics.
  • Charles Sturt University also in Australia - Doctor of Philosophy (Science and Agriculture).
  • University of the Philippines - Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics.

    Conclusion:
    The focus of these qualifications is similar with the aim of developing academic knowledge that will contribute immensely in the agricultural sector. Doctor of Philosophy Degree is the highest level of training. The qualification's aim is to improve learner's personal knowledge, facilitate more successful research and enhance the skills needed for life long career development. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with others within the sub-framework.

    Access to qualifications on the same Level:
    Learners who are (have been) registered for the same or another related qualification on NQF Level 10 (or even for some of the same or related modules at another higher education or accredited training institution) will be allowed with the permission of the relevant institution to enter on the same Level, given that the rules of access have been complied with.

    Access to qualifications on a higher Level:
    Having obtained this qualification, progression could be to a post doctorate (senior doctorate) qualification through recognition of exceptional academic performance or work of significance done. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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 South Africa 


    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.