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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98828  Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
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  192  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 qualification is to equip learners with specialist knowledge and skills that will enable them to deal with challenges facing plant protection in agriculture. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Critique and evaluate plant protection principles and technologies in the context of climate-smart agriculture.
  • Comprehend and predict the impact the plant protection principles and technologies will have on Social, Legislative, Economic, Environmental and Political (SLEEP) factors.
  • Apply plant protection principles and technologies in the context of research and development of associated products in the field.
  • Communicate appropriately both in oral and written forms to various stakeholders such as communities, peers and government.
  • Acquire knowledge in plant protection by applying specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve contextual problems.
  • Appreciate ethical issues associated with plant protection practices and use an ethical approach to solving related problems.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection is designed to provide learners with specialist knowledge that will enable them to engage in specific agricultural matters relating to plant protection. In the context of climate change, various studies have already demonstrated that population densities of various disease-inducing pathogens are on the rise, which translates to the need of having more skilful plant protection practitioners. Predictions suggest that average temperatures will increase by 6C in the interior of South Africa, and will lead to high population densities of disease-inducing pathogens since their life cycles will be shorter. This qualification is designed in the context of sustainable climate-smart agriculture, with the emphasis on research and the development of environment-friendly products for plant protection, with minimal disturbance to the environment. This qualification aims at producing plant protection practitioners, who will be able to practise in the plant protection industry and contribute meaningfully to the knowledge of plant protection, ensuring an increase in food security locally, nationally and internationally. Plant Protection Practitioners are in high demand in Agricultural Departments, Science Councils and Commercial Agricultural Industry. Pest management serves as a pivotal role in the success of any agricultural enterprise and learners will be sought after by government departments, especially for quarantine services at South African borders and ports. The qualification is closely aligned with the Medium Terms Strategic Framework for 2015-19, which reflects the action plan for the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) and Limpopo Development Plan (LDP), 2015-2019. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Based on the national transformation goals to redress past inequities in training and education Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for access to those applicants without the required formal recognised qualification; in this way we ensure that access to higher education is promoted. This will be applied as per the University's Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and be subject to a comprehensive portfolio of evidence being received which undergoes an approved assessment process, using relevant RPL assessors. Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process but who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have experiential or work- based learning which has taken them to a level equivalent to the above, under formally accredited learning, may be considered for admission for the recognition of prior accredited and or prior experiential learning. Applicants who after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is:
  • A four-year cognate Bachelors' Degree at NQF Level 8 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

    Modules, 176 Credits:
  • Mini-Dissertation (Plant Protection), 96 Credits.
  • Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Pathology, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Entomology, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Pest Management, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Nematology, 16 Credits.

    Electives, 16 Credits (select one):
  • Weed Science, 16 Credits.
  • Nature Farming, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Acarology, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critique and evaluate plant protection principles and technologies in the context of climate-smart agriculture.
    2. Comprehend and predict the impact the plant protection principles and technologies will have on SLEEP factors.
    3. Apply plant protection principles and technologies in the context of research and development of associated products in the field.
    4. Communicate appropriately in both oral and written forms to various stakeholders such as communities, peers and government.
    5. Acquire knowledge in plant protection by applying specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve contextual problems.
    6. Appreciate ethical issues associated with plant protection practices and use an ethical approach to solving related problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • How plant protection theories and practices are integral to the climate-smart agriculture approach to food security locally, nationally and globally are understood.
  • Commonly occurring diseases, pests and weeds of principal crops are recognised.
  • Common laboratory diagnostic methods are chosen and applied to identify harmful agents.
  • Suitable protocols of crop protection are designed and related applications are made.
  • The quality and effectiveness of the treatment is evaluated in the context of climate-smart agriculture, and suitable alternatives are produced where required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the integrated nature of the SLEEP factors is demonstrated.
  • The effect of plant protection principles and technologies on social, legislative, economic, environmental and political factors individually and in a concerted manner is discussed.
  • Opinion is given on implications of how principles and technologies used in plant protection affect SLEEP factors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Consequences of such treatments to the environment and the health safety of final products are evaluated.
  • A professional attitude towards work and problem solving, and the use of innovative methods is developed.
  • Complicated problems in plant protection are solved in collaboration with diagnostic laboratories and other professionals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Comprehensive reports are written in a scientifically acceptable format.
  • Plant protection methods and strategies are discussed with farmers, policy makers, environmentalists, economists, legal persons, companies, colleagues and experts in the field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Knowledge of plant protection is used to identify a problem.
  • Scientific reasoning is used to propose a hypothesis to the problem.
  • A comprehensive, contemporary and logical literature review on the problem identified is written.
  • Appropriate scientific methodology and techniques are used to formulate and operationalise a research protocol to solve the problem.
  • Data obtained is interpreted accurately, ensuring that all limitations have been identified.
  • Problems are solved to ensure valid techniques are used and that accurate results are obtained.
  • The research done is critiqued, a conclusion is provided with respect to the hypothesis, and a way forward is proposed.
  • Site literature is used accurately in the research and it is ensured that no plagiarism is practised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Learners are made aware of the implications of plant protection principles and technologies on ethics of society and the environment.
  • All research is carried out with a high regard of the ethical implications of the work.
  • All ethical clearances (where required) are obtained from the Institution and from any other entity that is necessary before research is carried out.
  • All work is undertaken with the utmost respect for individuals that will be impacted on, the environment and the law.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is integrated within most modules and learners will complete a series of assignments as they progress to build a portfolio. Assignments and tasks are marked and feedback is given to learners. The feedback will direct and support their learning, achievement of exit level outcomes, and prepare them for examinations. Tasks that will be included in portfolios will consist of projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities interactions, and presentations. Portfolios will be assessed to determine a mark in order to ensure that the purpose of the qualification and the exit level outcomes are met, the assessment is integrated in the submission of a mini-dissertation. Knowledge learnt in the taught component must be utilised in the research, which is submitted and assessed through an externally assessed mini-dissertation which comprises 50% of the total marks. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Cornell University:
    The Cornell University Graduate School of Plant Protection in the United States of America offers a Master of Professional Studies in Agriculture. This qualification provides broad academic preparation and practical training for professional plant protection consultants and other technical personnel in agriculture. Emphasis is placed on research and a dominant concept in the curriculum is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach to pest control in which a crop and its pests are considered to be part of an ecosystem, and pest control strategies are based on a thorough understanding of that system. Learners take courses in a variety of disciplines, including entomology, plant pathology, weed science, statistics, ecology, and farm business management.

    Egerton University:
    The Egerton University in Kenya offers a Master of Science in Crop Protection. This qualification aims to develop learners with proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving skills through the scientific methods and also evolve complete professionals with an interdisciplinary vision of phytosanitary problems within a global perspective. Both fundamental and applied aspects of crop protection are focused on plant-insect, plant-pathogen and crop-weed relationships. Upon successful completion of the training, the graduates would be expected to apply the technical knowledge and skills acquired to enhance agricultural production and be competitive professional in Kenya and elsewhere through self-employment, research, formal teaching, private enterprises and government agencies concerned with pest control, crop protection and environmental protection.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with both Egerton and Cornell Universities qualifications. All qualifications have been developed to solve problems related to plant protection. Learners are encouraged to be critical in their study approach. They also have to complete research in order to complete the qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Systemic articulation is only possible both horizontally and vertically with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided learners meet the minimum admission requirements. The possibilities are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Plant Pathology, at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture, at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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 Limpopo 


    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.