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MScAgric (Animal Science)

Master’s degree
ID:
0273_101_A109

The Master of Science in Agriculture in Animal Sciences entails independent research conducted under a supervisor but you could, in consultation with your supervisor, be requested to follow additional modules, including Biometry 821 (Biometrical Applications).

Research is possible in the following fields:
• Increase in the efficiency of animal production and animal products;
• The improvement of product quality in the farming of large and small livestock, and poultry;
• Increase in the efficiency and production of alternative animal species; and
• Intensive and extensive aquaculture systems, feeding and breeding.

Contact information
Dr JHC van Zyl
Programme Coordinator
+27 21 808 4746

Programme overview

Duration
Two years
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Full thesis

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Research Master’s and PhD applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant department before applying to discuss their proposed research topic and confirm the availability of a suitable supervisor.

Minimum admission requirements

The BScAgric degree with an average final mark of at least 60% for the third- and fourth-year modules.
The Department can expect you to be interviewed prior to admission.
Your application is subject to approval by the Department of Animal Sciences.

Supporting application documents

Statement of research interest / Outline
This is a brief summary of the master’s/doctoral research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

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Research project / Outline / Proposal

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

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Curriculum vitae (CV)

Motivational letter
​One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

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Motivational letter / Essay

Confirmation of prospective supervisor
Applicants must make contact with a prospective academic supervisor who is active in their field of research interest. Please provide details of a prospective supervisor and evidence, in a form of an email, of contact with this supervisor. Upload the email evidence (in a .msg format or as a pdf) as part of your formal application to the University.

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Confirmation of prospective supervisor

Programme structure

Compulsory Module
20826: Animal Science 818(180): Master’s thesis

Assessment and Examination
After completion of the research, you must submit a thesis to the satisfaction of the examiners and present a seminar. You will be expected to defend your thesis during this seminar

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1 Apr 2026
Applications close:
31 Oct 2026

International students
Applications open:
1 Apr 2026
Applications close:
30 Sept 2026