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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Sustainable Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99759  Master of Sustainable Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  180  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 qualification aims to provide leaners with the opportunity to further their studies and attain critical skills related to Sustainable Agriculture. The aim is to prepare leaners for a professional career as well as for specialised further Postgraduate Studies.

Rationale:
The aim of the qualification is to present training in the development, maintenance and management of Sustainable Agricultural production systems. This process involves the sustainable utilisation of natural, economic and human resources for the production of sufficient and safe food and fibre products in all the climatic conditions of Southern Africa, but particularly in the high-risk, semi-arid regions. Applicable research will stimulate analytical and critical thought. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.
The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 240 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 240 Credits, Level 9:
  • Rural Agricultural extension: Issues and Concepts, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable Plant Production Systems, 24 Credits.
  • Strategic Management and Planning in Agriculture, 24 Credits.
  • National and International Agricultural marketing, 24 Credits.
  • Extended Script, 72 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Project Proposal, 24 Credits.
  • Rural Development Sociology, 24 Credits.
  • Project management in Agriculture and rural Development, 24 Credits.
  • Publishable Article(s), 72 Credits.
  • Agricultural Product Processing and Marketing, 24 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 72 Credits.
  • Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Resources and Environment, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable Livestock Production Systems, 24 Credits.
  • Agricultural Technology for Developing Countries, 24 Credits.
  • Farm management for Sustainable Agriculture, 24 Credits.
  • Communication and Technology Transfer for Sustainable Agriculture, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and conduct research in the field of Sustainable Agriculture.
    2. Analyse, interpret and evaluate research results using the principles of Sustainable Agriculture.
    3. Make sound recommendations on sustainable agriculture.
    4. Use appropriate reporting methods to improve the Sustainability of Agricultural systems.
    5. Understand sustainable utilisation and management of the natural resources.
    6. Understand resource economy, rural development and the sociology of Sustainable Agriculture.
    7. Manage of all forms of risk in agriculture as well as sustained biological practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture.
  • Write a research proposal.
  • Conduct research and write a script, which meets the criteria required at this level.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is done according to the Guidelines for Masters and Doctoral Assessments of the institution. Assessments will include technical problem-based projects as well as a final examination in each module Assessments will include problem-based projects as well as a final examination in each of the modules. Leaners will have to complete a mini dissertation contributing at least 72 Credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Agriculture in Rural Development Planning, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

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

    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. University of the Free State 


    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.