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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97116  Doctor of 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
Doctoral Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary 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 
The purpose of this qualification is to create and develop technological innovations and to further technological advancements in the field of agriculture.

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

The qualifying learner will be an authority on previous research and the latest technology and techniques in the appropriate field of expertise. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access can be gained through RPL by learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry Requirements:
An appropriate Master's Degree, Level 9 or an equivalent qualification.

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

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.1. Relevant topic is identified.
  • Topic is original.
  • Topic is applicable in the context of agricultural production/technology/management/extension or a combination of the above.
  • Research proposal is submitted and approved.

    1.2. 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.

    1.3. Problem is identified.
  • Problem is defined.
  • Problem statement is formulated effectively.
  • Research objectives are determined.
  • Research strategy is determined.
  • Research methodology is selected.

    1.4. Title identifies the research area and field.
  • Title clearly indicates the problem.

    1.5. Direction of research is clear.
  • Preliminary explanation.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between hypothesis and assumptions is applied where applicable.

    1.6. Primary objectives are formulated.
  • Secondary objectives are formulated.
  • Objectives direct the planning of the proposed research project.

    1.7. A complete plan is submitted within three months of registration.
  • Research strategy is effective.
  • Appropriate data is identified.
  • The universe 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.

    1.8. Research tools are applied effectively.
  • Literature review is integrated effectively.
  • Authoritative knowledge of latest technology and techniques is demonstrated and applied.
  • 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.
  • Independent initiative is demonstrated.

    1.9. Data is interpreted correctly.
  • Conclusions are drawn logically.
  • Findings are original

    1.10. 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.
  • Insight is demonstrated.
  • Content is relevant.
  • Language is appropriate.
  • Reference method and bibliography are correct.
  • Recommendations and conclusion are relevant.
  • Presentation method is highly effective.
  • Highly advanced communication skills are demonstrated.
  • Scientific communication is advanced.
  • Completion of project is within the prescribed time frame.
  • Research ethics are adhered to.
  • Research is published as required.
  • Findings contribute significantly to the appropriate field.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The thesis will be assessed internally and externally.

    Oral and written presentations on the research and its findings are also assessed. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Post-doctoral studies. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.