Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Agronomy

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

General Admission Regulations:

1. All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport
   3. A research concept note: A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words
2. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
   2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
   3. Certified copy of passport
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable)
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria
10. All applicants must be computer literate
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Master of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy degree (NQF level 9)
2. An average of at least 60% for the research component at master's level (NQF level 9)

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

• AGR 990
  • Thesis: Agronomy 990
  • Credits: 360.00
  • 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.

Programme Structure

The programme is a full-time doctoral degree with a minimum duration of study of 2 years and a total of 360 credits at NQF level 10.

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

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.