Program Overview

BScAgric in Plant Pathology

Programme Information

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Pathology programme entails the study and control of plant diseases. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker who wants to explore and understand problems, why and how they arose, and to find solutions. Finding the culprit (i.e., the pathogen) that caused disease or even death (of plants) is very much like being a detective working at a crime scene to figure out what happened.

A student who does well in this programme is often one who is curious, creative, passionate, driven, and ambitious, wanting to explore new challenges. Agricultural scientists often work in the field or in plant nurseries, farms, pack houses, processing plants, markets, or retail. They may also be involved in the local or international food trade. They are multifaceted thinkers who enjoy solving problems, are curious about nature, and want to provide food for the table by ensuring healthy plants, crop protection, high yields, and reduced waste and losses.

The programme covers both basic and applied research and ensures safe food and food security for all.

Career Opportunities

Graduates could be employed in:

• Education and training: Graduates can work at universities, colleges, and schools.
• Plant pathologists: Graduates are in demand in various industries. Careers range from researchers to practitioners who work in laboratories, on commercial farms (which includes fieldwork), or in the food trade industry.
• Research and management: Graduates are also hired at research institutes, government departments, seed, fertiliser, and agrochemical companies, municipalities, and in the mining industry.
• Extension services for technology transfer: Employers of graduates include grower associations, national and provincial Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), Tourism (DT), Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Water and Sanitation (DWS).
• Entrepreneurial: Graduates can work as consultants or in production.

Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication, and correspondence. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.

Admission Requirements

Important Information for All Prospective Students

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications.

• Minimum Requirements:
  • Achievement level
    • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 5
    • Mathematics: 5
    • Physical Sciences: 5
    • APS: 32
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Duration

4 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/01/2026
• International: 20/08/2025