The demand for capacity and experts in the field of sustainable agriculture is continuously increasing. Through our academic programme offerings, we aim to develop agricultural specialists that can support sustainable agricultural practices, and in return support food security and socio-economic development.

The curricula are focused on developing professional knowledge and competences that will enable the graduates to provide leadership, strategic direction and support to local farmers and farming communities by promoting farming practices and methods that are profitable, environmentally sound and to the benefit of communities. In addition, our programme offerings address the global need for research, professional, analytical and problem-solving capacity, and provide

solutions to sustainability in the field of agriculture. Achieving sustainable food security, while addressing poverty and hunger, are on the agenda of many African countries and our academic programme offerings ensure that graduates are equipped with the skill to make meaningful contributions.

Sustainability in terms of food security, national resources and energy are key factors that inform the national and global development agenda. Our programmes are designed to prepare graduates for careers at academic institutions, research and policy-making organisations, the agribusiness sector, government departments as well as non-governmental organisations. Subsequently contributing to the developmental agenda in our country as well as worldwide.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

The qualification design explores the concept of sustainable agriculture, with emphasis on the triple wins development path, based on the inter-connections between economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

The following admission requirements apply as stated in the NAS Rulebook 2023:

• An applicant must have at least an appropriate minimum three-year qualification (at NQF Exit Level 7) from any applicable field of study.
• A minimum average of 60% must be obtained in the final year of study.
• The student must prove to the Academic Department Head that he/she has adequate knowledge to justify admission to the programme.
• Appropriate work experience will be an added advantage.

Prospective students can apply online for admission to the one-year PGDip.

MASTER'S DEGREE IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

The one-year Masters programme, brings together the three key spheres of sustainability, namely agricultural and natural systems (ecological); agribusiness (economical); and the humanities (social).

• All Master’s Degrees are selection programmes and admission to these degrees are subject to approval of the Academic Department Head.
• A student who wishes to enrol for the degree must have one of the following:
• An applicable four-year degree plus applicable practical experience and/or applicable preparatory studies, OR
• An applicable NQF-level 8 qualification, and/or practical experience.

Prospective students can apply online for admission to the part-time Masters. 

PhD IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

The Doctorate of Sustainable Agriculture aims to increase the capacity of the students to develop their own views on sustainable agriculture.

The following admission requirements apply as stated in the NAS Rulebook 2023:

• PhD degrees are selection programmes and admission to this degree is subject to approval by the Academic Department Head.
• The PhD applicant must have a Master’s Degree or equivalent NQF Exit Level 9 qualification.

Prospective students can apply online for admission to the PhD programme.

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

If you would like to apply online for our PGDip, Master's, or PhD programmes, the following links will be helpful:

• Admission requirements
• Postgraduate Prospectus 2024
• Quotation for your studies
• Funding and bursaries
• International students

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC ADVICE)

Dr Ismari van der Merwe
E: ivdmerwe@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2598

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Prof Johan van Niekerk
E: vniekerkja@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3765