Programme: PhD Agricultural Economics

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
07267091 Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10
Contact:
Prof LC Machethe
[email protected]
+27 (0)124203280

Programme information

The PhD programme in Agricultural Economics consists of a thesis and an oral examination.

Admission requirements

  • Relevant Master’s degree with an average of at least 65%.

All students need to follow a preparatory programme for the thesis which is not part of the degree programme. This preparatory programme should at least cover the following modules or their equivalents:

  • Any two modules in economic or applied economic theory (e.g. Micro-economics or Macro-economics)
  • One module in quantitative methods (Econometrics, Applied econometrics, Quantitative methods, or Partial equilibrium modeling)
  • One module in the field of specialization (institutional economics, science and technology policy, food policy, etc.)

If these modules or their equivalents are successfully completed and a PhD proposal has been successfully presented and approved by the Department’s postgraduate committee, the student may proceed to the research phase and the thesis. Students can be exempted from this programme if equivalent course have been completed at other universities and students could provide evidence that these prerequisites have been met.

The Dean has the right of authorisation regarding matters not provided for in the General Regulations or the Faculty regulations. Due to capacity constraints, there may not be an intake of new students every year. It remains the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the degree they wish to apply for, will indeed be offered.

Admission is additionally dependent on availability of supervisor/s and/or projects within the department.


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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