Yearbooks

2024

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The curriculum consists of three compulsory core modules (EPL 851, VPH 881 and VPH 883 for 10, 40 and 40 credits, respectively) as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits). In addition, students should also register for (and pass) the module Research methodology (VRM 813) (non-credit-bearing).

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G30 – G41 and Faculty regulations.

A coursework master’s degree requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and in some cases demonstration of the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts for professional practice.

The coursework master’s degree curriculum consists of compulsory core and elective theoretical modules (90 credits) as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits).

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G35 - 38.

1. Each module requires a certain amount of contact sessions and the balance may be presented online. The detail of the contact sessions for each module is published in the study guides.
2. A minimum number of students could be prescribed (as per the discretion of the module coordinator) for the presentation of any given module. When the required minimum number of students for a particular module is not reached, the module will not be presented in that academic year but will be offered again in the next academic year. For prescribed modules a maximum number of students who can enrol may be set. The details for each module are published in the study guides.
3. Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year. This enquiry should be directed to the Faculty PG Student Administration co-ordinator according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this yearbook.

1. BVSc (or equivalent) degree or relevant four-year BScAgric degree or relevant BSc honours degree or relevant postgraduate diploma (on NQF level 8)
2. An admissions examination may be required
3. The candidate may be required to submit proof of experience in their selected field of study

* There will not be an intake of new students for this degree every year. It remains the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the degree they wish to apply for will indeed be offered. Please consult the Faculty for more information.

The MSc coursework degree is conferred by virtue of the successful completion of examinations on the coursework modules and a mini-dissertation.

The Faculty does make provision for supplementary and special examinations as per General Academic Regulations G37.4 and G37.5.

For the coursework, a minimum examination mark of 50% is required in each of the modules where a semester or year mark is not required. However, where a semester or year mark is required, the latter will contribute 50% to the final mark. A subminimum of 40% is required in the examination and a final mark of at least 50 % to pass the module. Instructions regarding requirements for semester, year or examination marks are published in the study guides, for the specific attention of candidates.

If a student fails a coursework module, he/she will have to repeat the module the next year. A module may not be repeated more than twice. Please refer to other specific conditions stipulated in the study guide of each module.

Examinations and pass requirements related to mini-dissertations
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G39 for Preparation and submission of dissertation, Technical editing of the dissertation, Evaluation of the dissertation, Appointment of the examination panel, Criteria for evaluation, Examiners’ reports, Finalisation of reports.

A mini-dissertation is submitted to the Head: Student Administration, before the closing date for the relevant graduation ceremonies as announced annually (i.e. 31 October or 31 March to qualify for the Autumn or Spring graduation, respectively), after permission is granted by the supervisor and co-supervisor(s). (Also consult the General Academic Regulation G39 with regard to the submission and technical editing of the thesis).

If a mini-dissertation is submitted after the due date specified above, the student takes the risk that the examination of the dissertation may be delayed and the student will not be considered for the graduation concerned. A student will only be allowed to graduate if the student has successfully complied with all the requirements for the particular programme.

The dissertation will be examined by one internal and one external examiner as stipulated by the UP regulations. The average mark of the two separate marks awarded by the examiners constitutes the final mark for the mini-dissertation.

The minimum pass mark is 50%. The Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of the department, may permit a candidate who has failed, to submit an amended mini-dissertation for final adjudication.

Compliance with degree requirements

Also consult the General Academic Regulation G40.

1. A coursework master’s degree, will be conferred on a student only after the successful completion of every requirement of each component of the relevant degree programme, including the achievement of a pass mark for each of the prescribed coursework modules, the submission and successful evaluation of the mini-dissertation or other research-relevant output, and compliance with all the requirements for the particular programme.
2. A coursework master’s degree is not deemed to be completed if the electronic version of the mini-dissertation has not been submitted to the relevant faculty administration prior to the date of closure of the graduation/finalist list for the forthcoming graduation ceremony.
3. No one is entitled to any privileges pertaining to a coursework master’s degree before the qualification has been conferred on him or her at a graduation ceremony. In respect of professional registrations, faculties may issue confirmation letters to the relevant professional bodies prior to the graduation ceremonies.

Retention and preservation of research data
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G39.

The data generated through the research conducted must be managed in accordance with the University of Pretoria’s Research Data Management policy and the related Research Data Management procedure.

Non-disclosure of the contents of a study (Embargo): Where part or all of the contents of the master’s study must remain confidential, the supervisor will be required to submit an application in writing to Faculty Postgraduate and Research committee setting out the grounds for such a request and indicating the duration of the period of confidentiality. This period would normally not exceed 2 (two) years. The committee considers the application and either approves it or refers it back to the supervisor. The faculty must keep record of the decisions and the embargo, and the information must be shared with the Department of Library Services.

Qualification with distinction: A coursework master’s degree is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:

1. Obtained a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) in the coursework modules needed to comply with degree requirements, and
2. Obtained a final mark of 75% or above for the mini-dissertation; and
3. Completed the qualification within the maximum period allowed for master’s study, but not in less than the prescribed minimum period of one academic year. Note: the maximum allowable time is twice that of the prescribed duration time period in relation to postgraduate students who study part-time (i.e. study while working full-time).
4. In the case of a coursework master’s degree, did not fail or repeat any module during an additional examination. The result of a discontinuation of a module(s) will not be considered when calculating a qualification with distinction.

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 (HEQF) 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.