Program Overview

Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture

The Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture is a research-based qualification that aims to develop researchers who can apply specialized research knowledge and skills to enhance the understanding of horticultural and landscaping issues and their management applications.

Purpose Statement

Students who qualify from the MSc: Ornamental Horticulture will be able to use a wide range of specialized skills in identifying, conceptualizing, designing, and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of horticulture and landscape design. Qualified students will be able to work as researchers in various horticultural and landscaping fields, including urban greening and amenity resource management, ecology, and environmental education.

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 98020
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180
• SAQA ID: 80728

Admission Requirements

An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree, B.Tech degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or a 480 credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 (or equivalent) in Horticulture or a related field with an average of at least 60%. A student who is admitted on the strength of an equivalent qualification and who has not completed a module in research methodology may be required to complete such a module at NQF level 8 for non-degree purposes (NDP) before he/she will be allowed to register for the dissertation.

Application and Registration

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are subject to specific deadlines. The application process involves submitting a detailed research outline, which must align with one of the departmental research focus areas. Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period.

Research Focus Areas

The College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences has various research focus areas, including:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometre array
• Fourth IR and digitalisation
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist and bosadi theorisations
• Student support and co-curricular activities

Time Limits for This Degree

A student registered for a 180-credit structured research master's degree must complete the study programme within three years. A student may make application to their supervisor for one additional year of study.

Research Master's Degree

A research master's degree comprises a dissertation on an approved topic. Students are expected to have a research proposal approved in the first year of study. Failure to complete a research proposal in the first year of study will result in the student not being permitted to continue with the qualification.

Student Fees and Funding

The application fee is non-refundable, and students are required to pay the online application fee once they have received their Unisa student number. Student fees for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration. Various student funding and bursary opportunities are available.

Curriculum

Registration and curriculum information for the Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture is available, including details on coursework, research proposals, and dissertation requirements.