Yearbooks

Programme: MAgric Rural Development

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Code Faculty
02256003 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Credits Duration
Duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180

Programme information

Residence
On the recommendation of the head of department, the Dean may set specific residential requirements for the MScAgric degree.

Renewal of registration
As long as progress is satisfactory, renewal of the registration of a master’s student will be accepted for the second year of the study. Registration for a third and subsequent years will only take place when the Student Administration of the Faculty receives a written motivation which is supported by the head of department and Postgraduate Studies Committee.

Curriculum
Subject to programme-specific requirements, the curriculum for the MScAgric degree consists of the following:
a. A dissertation; and
b. Further study in the major subject/s, augmented by ancillary modules prescribed by the Postgraduate Studies Committee, on the recommendation of the head of department. Such ancillary modules may be taken simultaneously with the major subject/s. Candidates in possession of the BScAgricHons degree may be exempted from additional ancillary modules.

General
Candidates are required to familiarise themselves with the General Regulations regarding the maximum period of registration and the requirements on the submission of a draft article for publication.

Admission requirements

Admission to the master’s degree is dependent upon the candidate being in possession of the BInstAgrarHons/BAgricHons degree of the University of Pretoria or another appropriate degree equivalent to or higher than the status thereof as evaluated by the Director of the School and the head(s) of the particular department(s).

Examinations and pass requirements

  1. The examinations in the ancillary modules should be successfully completed prior to, or simultaneously with, the examinations in the major subject/s, unless the Faculty Board decides otherwise.
  2. General Regulation G.12.2 applies to the calculation of marks.
  3. In order to obtain the MScAgric degree, the candidate must pass all prescribed modules, including the examination in the major subject/s, as well as the dissertation.

Pass with distinction

The MScAgric degree is conferred with distinction on candidates who obtain a final average mark of at least 75% and a mark of at least 75% for the dissertation/mini-dissertation from each of the members of the examination panel. Where a member of the examination panel awards a mark of less than 75% for the dissertation/mini-dissertation, that member of the examination panel must offer, in writing, support for his/her decision, or indicate in writing that he/she supports the examination committee’s decision to confer the degree with distinction.

Minimum credits: 180

Programme information:

Minimum credits:  180

Core credits:         115

Elective credits:      65

Core modules

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Institutional and behavioural economics. This module will expose students to the principles of the New Institutional Economics paradigm and how it can be utilized to improve the analysis of agricultural economic and agricultural development problems and issues. Major themes covered are: The agricultural development challenge: stylised features; new institutional economics: distinctive features and concepts; institutions and development: A historical and macro-perspective techno-economic characteristics and agricultural systems and products in poor countries; NIE analysis of markets and markets structures; the State: Political and institutional determinants of agricultural policy; collective action; transactions costs in smallholder agriculture; case studies.

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  • Module content:

    The concept and interrelated causes of food insecurity (production, markets and socio-economic climate) and the global food economy.  Household coping strategies and response to risk and shocks.  Household dynamics (including livelihoods, purchasing behaviour and nutrition).  Practical tools for programme and policy analysis and targeting.  Evaluation of possible programme and policy options and their effectiveness in terms of achieving comprehensive and pro-poor growth.

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  • Module content:

    Indicators, scores, indexes, measurement approaches, systems and analysis methods, for food security monitoring and evaluation.  Best practice for surveys and qualitative methodologies.  Communicating research results and food security information for decision makers.  The data included in the module will cover agricultural crop and livestock, food stocks, nutrition, health, agrometerological, behavioural and sanitation related information.

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Minimum credits: 180

Core modules

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Institutional and behavioural economics. This module will expose students to the principles of the New Institutional Economics paradigm and how it can be utilized to improve the analysis of agricultural economic and agricultural development problems and issues. Major themes covered are: The agricultural development challenge: stylised features; new institutional economics: distinctive features and concepts; institutions and development: A historical and macro-perspective techno-economic characteristics and agricultural systems and products in poor countries; NIE analysis of markets and markets structures; the State: Political and institutional determinants of agricultural policy; collective action; transactions costs in smallholder agriculture; case studies.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The concept and interrelated causes of food insecurity (production, markets and socio-economic climate) and the global food economy.  Household coping strategies and response to risk and shocks.  Household dynamics (including livelihoods, purchasing behaviour and nutrition).  Practical tools for programme and policy analysis and targeting.  Evaluation of possible programme and policy options and their effectiveness in terms of achieving comprehensive and pro-poor growth.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Indicators, scores, indexes, measurement approaches, systems and analysis methods, for food security monitoring and evaluation.  Best practice for surveys and qualitative methodologies.  Communicating research results and food security information for decision makers.  The data included in the module will cover agricultural crop and livestock, food stocks, nutrition, health, agrometerological, behavioural and sanitation related information.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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