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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Agriculture in Plant Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99208  Master of Science in Agriculture in Plant Production 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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 is a coursework and mini-dissertation or qualification by Full Dissertation. The purpose of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in plant production, at an advanced level, through supervised research. Learners should be able to undertake rigorous research and to communicate the results by means of a mini-dissertation or a full dissertation that meets internationally acceptable standards.

Rationale:
To stimulate and prepare learners for further advanced study by the provision of required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as agricultural researchers on the highest academic levels and to provide South Africa with agricultural scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of Plant Production and of their responsibilities to provide food and fibre in an economically viable sustainable and environmentally friendly way. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In addition to the admission requirements for Bachelor's degree as stipulated by the institution, the department of plant production will admit learners based on professional experience from industry (e.g. employment from crop research institutes). The department will evaluate the academic background and acquired expertise based on the merit of the case. The department committee after evaluation where necessary, will arrange oral/written interview for each applicant under this option. Certificates and testimonials may be required.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are:
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory full dissertation module and course work mini- dissertation and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module for full dissertation Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits.
    Or
    Compulsory Module and Electives for Course Work: 180 Credits:
  • Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.
    And
    Elective Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits: (Select/choose modules totalling minimum of 120 Credits).
  • Special Topics in Plant Breeding, 14 Credits.
  • Chemical Analysis of Soils, Plant, Fertiliser and Water, 14 Credits.
  • Project and Seminar Presentation, 14 Credits.
  • Statistics, 14 Credits.
  • Advances in Applied Crop Physiology, 14 Credits.
  • Crop Production Systems, 14 Credits.
  • Land Evaluation, 14 Credits.
  • Advanced Plant Protection, 14 Credits.
  • Special Topics in Crop Production, 14 Credits.
  • Fertility and Fertiliser Use, 14 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of appropriate methods and techniques.
    2. Critically evaluate relevant literature and extrapolate implications beyond the given data.
    3. Review evidence supporting conclusions critically and identify and define complex problems.
    4. Use well-developed research skills confidently.
    5. Interact and engage in debate with learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate clear data analytical skills inclusive of data transformations, sources of variance and mean separation using different approaches such as Tukey, Duncan or Fisher.
  • Demonstrate technical capacity to plot or manipulate trends of data with well-defined linear/exponential explanatory equations.
  • Show effective, clear comparison of results of data analysed using different techniques.
  • Clean/calibrate newly acquired data sets throughout the research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Compile dissertation consisting of a comprehensive literature review relative to title of research project.
  • Show the implications of results in the broader field of study.
  • Update continuously relevant literature and its interpretation in light of most recent developments in the field of research.
  • Demonstrate logical knowledge gaps and projection of novel research directions.
  • Critical demonstrate the soundness of research methodology applied in research project and similar studies in literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate quantitative and qualitative data management throughout the research project and in the dissertation.
  • Critically and properly interpret results of statistical analyses.
  • Demonstrate molecular data management, where applicable.
  • Show appropriate interpretation of results of molecular data analyses where applicable in the dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply proper experimental designs throughout research work and in dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Present the research proposal to the School Board, School Higher Degrees Committee and at national/international scientific conferences.
  • Submit an acceptable manuscript of research work to a peer-reviewed accredited scientific journal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of the outputs of the research project is an integral part of the curriculum training process. Assessment is systematically used to grade the quality of the outputs. In order to fairly assess the research outputs, the learner is expected to compile a full dissertation which will be evaluated by at least two external examiners who are experts in the field of study as well as at least one internal examiner per institution's policy. The assessment shall establish the preparedness of the learner to identify problems, conduct research and develop a solution within a specific field/area of Plant Production. Therefore, the completion of a dissertation based on the study topic in Plant Production shall be mandatory while a manuscript for a peer-reviewed article in a scientific shall be indicated either during or after completion of the study. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The MSc by research Degree at this institution compares well with similar qualification that is offered by other international universities in countries such as Australia, New-Zealand and United Kingdom e.g. the MSc by research at University of Sydney (Australia) qualifies one to proceed with PhD., takes one to two years to complete and its awarded on the basis of a supervised research dissertation. Another example is the Master's Degree which is offered by the University of Newcastle (UK) (Agriculture MPhil) which is based on research topics that are supported by research-active academic staff. The minimum duration for full time is 12 months and 24 months for part-time; it is awarded based on a supervised thesis (dissertation). It also qualifies one to undertake PhD like the one at the South African institution. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Plant Pathology, Level 9.
  • Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Plant Science, 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 Venda 


    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.