Program Overview

Programme: PhD specialising in Agricultural Economics

The PhD specialising in Agricultural Economics is a research-based degree that consists of a thesis. All students need to follow a preparatory programme for the thesis, which is not part of the degree programme.

Programme Information

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

• Any two modules in economic or applied economic theory (e.g., Microeconomics or Macroeconomics)
• One module in quantitative methods (Econometrics, Applied econometrics, Quantitative methods, or Partial equilibrium modelling)
• One module in the field of specialisation (institutional economics, science and technology policy, food policy, etc.)
• Attend the Department's Research Methods Module

4. These modules must be completed within the first two years of registration.
5. The failure of more than two modules will lead to exclusion.
6. Failed modules may be repeated once only.
7. A research proposal must be presented to the Department within 18 months of first registration.
8. If these modules or their equivalents have been completed successfully and a PhD proposal has been presented successfully to and approved by the Department's postgraduate committee, the student may proceed to the research phase and the thesis.
9. Students can be exempted from this preparatory programme if equivalent modules are completed at other universities and students can provide evidence that these prerequisites have been met.
10. For students with an MInstAgrar or similar qualification, additional modules might be recommended in order to ensure that the candidates' quantitative abilities are at the same level as someone entering the programme with an MScAgric.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

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 (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words

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

All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 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). 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. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

1. Master of Science in Agriculture degree (NQF level 9) or Relevant master's degree (NQF level 9)
2. An average of at least 65% for the research component at master's level (NQF level 9)

• A CV with contactable references may be required
• A copy of final master's dissertation may be required
• An admission interview may be required

Core Modules

• LEK 991: Thesis: Agricultural economics 991 (Credits: 360.00)