MSc (Sustainable Agriculture)
The Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture trains you as a researcher in understanding and working within sustainable agriculture. To this end, we adopt a systems approach to agriculture. The programme comprises modules that actively seek to integrate scientific methods across disciplines to advance sustainability in spheres where agriculture interacts with natural, social and economic factors.
The programme starts with the module Introduction to Systems Thinking. Next, the programme teaches concepts in sectoral sustainable agriculture such as ‘sustainable animal production’, ‘sustainable plant production’ and ‘livelihood perspectives’. Modules like Systems Analysis and Simulation, QUALUS (Quantitative Land Use Analysis) and Biometry will improve your quantitative and analytical skills, which you need to generate and integrate knowledge of sustainable agriculture. A work-integrated learning opportunity that links you to organisations in the industry will give you a real-life perspective and ensure that you are ready for the job market.
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Wanneer jy aansoek doen
Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.
Minimum toelatingsvereistes
A 4-year BScAgric. degree (NQF level 8) is strongly recommended, or a 3-year BSc degree (NQF level 7) with a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., BScHons or postgraduate diploma at NQF level 8). Other degrees deemed appropriate by Senate may also be considered (including, but not limited to, fields like engineering, economics, innovation and data science, and geography, that can be linked to sustainable agriculture).
• An undergraduate biometry, data science or related statistics module.
• A final aggregate mark of 60% or higher for the previous degree.
• A written motivation letter stating the reasons for wanting to enrol in the programme and how you view sustainability in agriculture.
Supporting application documents
Motivational letter
A letter of max 500 words explaining why you would like to do this programme and how you view sustainability in agriculture should be submitted with your application documents online. The motivation letter must include your name and application number. If it is not possible to attach the letter with your application documents online, you can send an email with "application ID_motivation letter" as the subject. AI-generated information will be viewed as plagiarism and result in your application being disqualified from further consideration.
Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay
Programstruktuur
Compulsory Modules
13341: Introduction to Systems Thinking
870(6): Introduction to systems thinking
13340: Sustainable Soil Management
871(8): Sustainable soil management
13342: Plant Production and Plant Protection
872(8): Plant production and plant protection
13343: Sustainable Animal Production
873(8): Sustainable animal production
11490: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
874(6): Biodiversity and ecosystem services
13344: Sociology of Sustainable Agriculture
875(6): Sociology of sustainable agriculture
13345: Economics of Sustainable Agriculture
876(8): Economics of sustainable agriculture (including farm management)
13346: Systems Analysis and Simulation
880(6): Systems analysis and simulation
13347: Quantitative Analysis of Land Use Systems
881(8): Quantitative analysis of land use systems
13348: Work-integrated Learning
882(20): Work-integrated learning
13349: Research Thesis (Sustainable Agriculture)
883(90): Research thesis
11061: Biometry
821(8): Biometrical applications
Assessment and Examination
Modules are assessed by means of practical and written assignments, tests and written examinations in June and November. After you have completed your research, you must submit a thesis that the examiners approve. Then you must present a seminar where you will have to defend your thesis.