Programme: PhD Agronomy

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Code Faculty Department
02260803 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department: Plant Science
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

This programme is coordinated in the Department of Plant and Soil Science.

In addition to further theoretical studies as prescribed by the head(s) of the relevant department(s), the study will involve a doctoral research thesis under guidance of a supervisor selected by the head of department. The supervisor will be a member of the Faculty staff.

Admission requirements

1.    MScAgric (Agronomy) degree or relevant research master’s degree
2.    At least 60% for the research component at master’s level

Note: Additional modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency   

Additional requirements

In addition to meeting the admission requirements, a research proposal should accompany the application form. Selection of students will be based on academic performance, the written research proposal, available supervisory capacity and research project funding.

Other programme-specific information

Depending on the academic background of the student and the chosen area of study, it may be required of the student to do additional coursework.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module involves the development, presentation and approval of a research proposal, the execution of the research project, and the writing up and presenting of the research results. In addition to the thesis, the student is also expected to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed, UP accredited scientific journal. An oral examination covering Pasture Science and other fields related to the thesis will be conducted after the thesis has been accepted by examiners. A candidate needs to pass both the written thesis and oral examination to qualify for the degree.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module involves the development, presentation and approval of a research proposal, the execution of the research project, and the writing up and presenting of the research results. In addition to the thesis, the student is also expected to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed, UP accredited scientific journal. An oral examination covering Pasture Science and other fields related to the thesis will be conducted after the thesis has been accepted by examiners. A candidate needs to pass both the written thesis and oral examination to qualify for the degree.

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The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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